IPAS Commission
The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission (IPAS), our governing authority, has the responsibility to assure adequate legal and advocacy services for the protection, promotion and empowerment of the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities throughout Indiana.
The IPAS Commission provides direction and advice on the agency's activities, goals, and policies.
Federal law requires that the Commission be composed of members who broadly represent or are knowledgeable about the needs of the individuals served by the Protection and Advocacy system.
Membership must include individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services or have received or are receiving services, or parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such individuals. In addition, the Chair of the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Mental Illness Advisory Council (MIAC) automatically is a member of the IPAS Commission.
No more than one-third of the members of the Commission may be appointed by the governor (42 USCA 6042). The Commission appoints the remaining nine members. Members serve three-year terms and may not serve more than five consecutive terms.
Serving on the IPAS Commission in an advisory, non-voting capacity is one member of the Indiana Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and one member of the Indiana House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The IPAS Commission meets four times a year, at the principal office of Indiana Protection & Advocacy Services located at 4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205. For the latest IPAS Commission public notice and agenda, click here.
Public Policy Advocacy Opportunity Available - Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission (IPAS) is always looking for new Commission and Mental Illness Advisory Council (MIAC) members. Members must have a commitment to promoting the legal and civil rights of people with developmental disabilities, mental illness or other disabilities, and to the cause of protecting and promoting those individuals’ rights to make their own choices. Persons interested in applying for consideration should contact Karen Pedevilla, Education and Training Director, at 1-800-622-4845, ext. 232, or by emailing kpedevilla@ipas.in.gov. Click here to view a brochure that gives more information on both the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission and Mental Illness Advisory Council.
Doug Goeppner of Dubois Co. — Chairperson
Commission Appointment
Doug Goeppner has been a member of the IPAS Commission since May of 2008.
Throughout his professional career, Doug has pursued an ongoing interest in advocating for compliance with state and federal disability rights laws and regulations. He is currently the American’s with Disabilities Act Coordinator at the University of Southern Indiana, and was previously employed at IPAS for over 8 years as an Advocacy Specialist serving Southwestern Indiana. In addition to serving on the IPAS Commission, Doug is a community member of the Human Rights Committee at the Evansville State Hospital and of the Patient Rights Committee at the Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center; is a member of the Evansville Goodwill Business Advisory Council; and is a past member and Chairperson of both the Strategic Initiatives Committee of the Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and of the Policy Council for the TRI-CAP Head Start program that serves Dubois, Pike, and Warrick Counties. Doug also regularly presents to community groups and organizations regarding disability issues and the ADA, and also provides consulting services and technical assistance to organizations that wish to improve their compliance with disability rights laws.
Doug has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the International Code Council, where he has earned his Certification as an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner, and is also a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Indiana.
Melanie Motsinger of Allen Co. — Vice Chairperson
Commission Appointment
Melanie Motsinger first served on the IPAS Mental Illness Advisory Board for four years before becoming a Commission member in 2001. Melanie served as Commission Chairperson from 2008 to 2010.
Melanie's commitment to helping others started early in her life. As a teen she worked with children with disabilities at a local summer program and has also volunteered with the Christian Appalachian Project where she trained to work at a summer camp for children with hearing impairments and other disabilities. She has previously served on the board for the local National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) affiliate.
In addition to attending conferences, workshops, and seminars on topics such as Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, and Mental Illness, Melanie is working toward a bachelor’s degree at a local university.
Ronda Ames of Marion Co. — Secretary
Ronda has been an IPAS Commission member since 2008 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Mental Illness Advisory Council of which she has been a member since the beginning of 2006.
She is the manager of patient accounts for Clarian Health Services' Indiana University Hospital and the director of financial services at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
In addition to her other work, Ronda is the executive director of KEY Consumer Organization, an advanced trainer for Mary Ellen Copeland's Wellness Recovery Action Plan, and a Certified Trainer for the Indiana Leadership Academy and Self-Advocacy Training.
Ronda's board-level community involvement is extensive. She serves on the Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance Board for the Mental Health Association in Indiana, the Advisory Board for Supported Employment Consultation and Training, the Midtown Advisory Board and the Assertive Community Treatment Board.
Ronda is a member of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Mental Health Planning Council and the Division of Metal Health and Addiction Advisory Council. She is a member and chairwoman for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction State Consumer Council. In addition, Ronda is a member of the FSSA Transformation Work Group to reform the mental health system. In this function, she is actively involved in working with all the state hospitals to change the culture to one of recovery, rather than the strict medical model.
Ronda holds associate degrees in human resources and office administration.
Kristie M. Carter of Marion Co.
Gubernatorial Appointment
Kristie has been a member of the Commission since 2000 and served as Commission Chairperson from 2002 to 2008. As a school psychologist for Indianapolis Public Schools, Kristie primarily assesses children to address their learning needs and eligibility for special education services.
She is a member of numerous associations, including: Indiana Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Psychologists, the Indianapolis Educators Association, the Indiana State Teachers Association and the National Education Association.
Kristie holds a bachelor's degree in music from Ball State University and a master's (M.Ed.) and education specialist degree (Ed.S.) in school psychology from Indiana State University. She is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
She is married with two daughters. Kristie and her husband are also guardians of his aunt, who has a developmental delay and is currently living in a supportive living facility.
Kathy L. Osborn of Marion Co.
Commission Appointment
Kathy Osborn has been an IPAS Commission member since 2002. As a partner with the Business Litigation Practice Group at Baker & Daniels, Kathy’s legal practice ranges from pro bono representation of indigent parties, including people with disabilities and their families, to representation of multi-national corporations in state and federal courts.
Before becoming an attorney, Kathy worked 11 years for Indiana University's Institute on Disability and Community. She helped to develop and was the coordinator for Indiana's Transition System Change grant (the Indiana Transition Initiative); was a research associate and consultant for Indiana's Supported Employment Systems Change grant (the Indiana Employment Initiative); facilitated person centered plans/PATH and trained person centered planning facilitators; conducted research and training on organizational change and inclusion; and supported schools and community organizations to include people with disabilities.
Kathy has a long history of public service and volunteer contributions. Since 2007, she has served on the Board of Directors for Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis, Inc., currently serving as Vice President of Leadership Development. Kathy is a former board member and past president of both the Youth Job Preparedness Program (2000-2006) and the Indiana Association for Persons in Supported Employment (1990-2000). She also is a former Big Sister of the Year for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of South Central Indiana (1988-2000) and a graduate of the United Way’s Executive Women’s Leadership Program.
Dr. William Riggs of Hancock Co.
Commission Appointment
Bill Riggs has been a member of the Commission since 2004.
As superintendent of the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, Bill has long been an advocate for children. His 39 years in education include teaching mathematics in a traditional setting and in an alternative school in Marion, IN, as well as, serving as a counselor, assistant principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent while working for five different Indiana Schools. Having raised a child with special needs, Bill has first hand knowledge of the struggles and rewards in doing so.
Bill serves on the Boards of the Mental Health Association of Hancock County, Leadership Hancock County, Hancock County Education Alliance, Gallahue Mental Health Center, and the Hancock Economic Development Council.
Bill has a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University.
Mary M. Alter of Hendricks Co.
Commission Appointment
Mary M. Alter, member of the IPAS Commission, has served since 2007.
Mary has been committed to advocating for people of all ages for many years and continues on today. She has completed over 1500 hours of training regarding disability rights, waivers, available services, special education and developmental disabilities. Seldom does Mary miss the opportunity to attend a conference or training opportunity to expand her knowledge. As a result of her training and experience, Mary is capable of providing a wide range of expertise in many areas of disability rights, services and other related areas.
Mary has served as an Autism Team member for the Brownsburg Community School Corporation since 2004. This team provides ongoing training for staff, assists teachers/families and provides vital information for parents/students and staff. She is a 2006 graduate of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities “Partners in Policymaking.” Mary is a graduate of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities “Board and Organizational Training”. In addition, Mary assists in the Indiana Resource Center for Autism’s, “Autism Awareness First Responder” training in Hendricks County.
Mary attended Indiana University-Purdue University and was awarded to the distinguished Washington Leadership Program. She currently is employed with MetLife’s Center for Special Needs Planning.
Kyle Lloyd of Grant Co.
Commission Appointment
Kyle Lloyd has been an IPAS Commission member since 2010 and currently provides Peer Support services to Veterans through Mental Health Intensive Case Management Team efforts at VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System since mid-summer of 2007.
Following a 14 year career endeavor in Quality Engineering and industry experiences with commercial electrical equipment, medical devices, and automotive fasteners, Kyle changed his priorities and a significant causal effect occurred on September 11th, 2001 with the strike against America.
Kyle has served as a Recovery Peer Specialist at the Anderson Center for Mental Health's Assertive Community Treatment team and remains an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness since early 2004. He Chaired the NAMI Indiana State Consumer Counsel for two consecutive terms and presently mentors Veterans to participate in a Veterans Mental Health Council at VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System.
In support of his position, Kyle is a Certified Peer Specialist, credentialed by DBSA and Appalachian Consulting Group, and has a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner credential from the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He also coordinates Mental Illness Awareness Week observances at Marion and Fort Wayne VA Hospitals.
Kyle's Veteran advocacy interest is extensive and impassioned. He serves on the NAMI National Veterans Council as VISN 11 Coordinator, and assists Veterans in personal development of Wellness Recovery Action Plans. There are also two Vet-2-Vet groups in the community of Marion that he supports and guest facilitates for.
Kyle is a Ball State University graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Pre-Engineering. He resides close to the Mississinewa River in Marion, Indiana with a couple rambunctious cats.
Michael Dalrymple of Marion Co.
Commission Appointment
Michael Dalrymple has been a member of the Commission since 2010.
Prior to opening his own practice, Michael was an Associate Attorney with Ice Miller, LLP for five years. As the most senior Associate in the labor and employment section, Michael represented clients on all employer compliance issues and labor relations. He defended clients against employment discrimination claims in State and Federal Courts, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and in mediations/arbitrations. Michael was recognized for his work in appellate advocacy, the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility issues.
Michael earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at Earlham College before earning his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington.
Michael is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana. He serves on the Boards of the Indiana School for the Blind, Bosma Enterprises and American Inn of Court, and formerly served as a board member of Encore Vocal Arts. Michael volunteers with Christel House International.
Justin Ogden of Boone Co.
Commission Appointment
Justin Ogden serves as a volunteer for various local and national organizations. Justin’s desire to advocate for disability rights began with recognition that many individuals were without a champion to advocate for their issues. Justin, who was born with a disability, works tirelessly in support of individuals with disabilities and charities. Justin served as a board member and president of Hear Indiana, a chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association, from 2007 to 2010. He currently serves the Indianapolis Rotary Club as a member of the World Service Committee.
He received a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy, with honors, from Butler University in 2004. Since receiving his undergraduate degree, he has worked as a paralegal and legal assistant with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Indianapolis.
In 2011, Justin expects to graduate with a master’s degree in public affairs from IUPUI. He looks forward to continued participation with not-for-profit organizations, and to attend law school in the future. Justin and his wife, Maya, live in Zionsville.
To contact one of the commissioners, please send your comments to IPAS in care of the Executive Director.
Mr. Thomas Gallagher, Executive Director
Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services
4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222
Indianapolis, IN 46205
e-mail tgallagher@ipas.IN.gov
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