About PA SILC

Mission

To use our collective power and legal mandate to develop and secure public policies that ensure civil rights and expand options for all people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with, strengthen and expand the network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
  • Identify issues important to all individuals with disabilities which need to be addressed at the State and Federal Level
  • Obtain input from all stakeholders and develop the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
  • Monitor and review the implementation of the SPIL

By-Laws

Below we have provided our by-laws in multiple formats for your download and reference:

Board of Directors

photo of Susan Tomasic

Susan
Tomasic
Chair

Corrine
Dietrich
Vice Chair

photo of Susan Tachau

Susan
Tachau
Treasurer

Robert
Fox
Secretary

Carl
Berry

photo of Janetta Green

Janetta
Green

photo of Haley Grunwald

Haley

Grunwald

Amy
Houtrow

Kevin
Huwe

photo of Amy Nieves

Amy
Nieves

photo of Michael Kiel

Michael
Kiel

photo of Rob Oliver

Rob
Oliver

photo of Arlacia Leite

Arlacia
Leite

George
Palmer

photo of Robert Graves

Mark
Pickens

photo of Libby Powers

Libby
Powers

photo of Brian Valdez

Brian
Valdez

photo of Kay Tyberg

Zachary
Wolfe

 
 

photo of Ryan Hyde

Ryan Hyde

Ex-Officio

photo of Ryan Hyde

Montrell Fletcher

Ex-Officio

 
 

Staff

Matthew R. Seeley, Esq., Executive Director


Matthew Seeley has been involved in the Independent Living movement for the past 12 years. After a life-changing car accident and subsequent rehabilitation in a nursing home, Matthew graduated Magna Cum Laude from DeSales University in Center Valley Pennsylvania in 2004, with a degree in Political Science. Not long thereafter, Seeley settled down in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he began his professional career as an advocate for people with disabilities. Seeley first began working for the PASILC as Policy Coordinator where he coordinated the activities of PASILC disability policy committees to effect positive change for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. During this period, Seeley also was appointed as the PASILC representative to the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council where his advocacy helped individuals with disabilities get back to work through the services of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Matthew left the PASILC in 2007 to attend Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Attorney Seeley earned his Juris Doctorate in 2010 and was admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the New Jersey Supreme Court and the United States District Court of New Jersey. During Attorney Seeley’s legal career, he spent time as an Assistant District Attorney, a Criminal Defense Attorney as well as doing other pro bono work. In 2014, Seeley’s path led him back towards Independent Living and he was appointed to serve as a board member to both the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council and again to the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council. In early 2015, Matthew’s career came full circle as he was hired by the PASILC as Executive Director.

Bonnie Mountz, Manager of Finance and Administration

Bonnie Mountz joined the SILC in December of 2003 as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. She brought her extensive management skills in logistics and office processes with her from 24 years in private industry. She quickly restructured and executed enhanced time saving and efficient procedures for the SILC. Bonnie was promoted to Manager of Finance and Administration in 2007. In her current position, she is primarily responsible for financial and administrative functions. She manages a wide variety of areas including human resources, accounting, payroll and tax preparation, information technology, website administration, and the day-to-day operations of the SILC. Bonnie was deeply involved in the development and planning of two greatly successful Independent Living Conferences and has been instrumental in the development of the last four State Plans for Independent Living (SPIL). She works closely with the Executive team to develop the annual budget, review all financial plans and monitor progress while keeping the Board of Directors abreast of the organization’s financial status.

Jeff Iseman, Public Policy & Outreach Coordinator

Jeff Iseman returned in early 2019 as the Public Policy & Outreach Coordinator for PA SILC after serving in a similar role for ten years (2007-2017). He has been an active member of NCIL’s subcommittees and various state groups. Other areas of focus have included PA Transportation Alliance, Disability Budget Coalition and various other stakeholder groups related to Pennsylvania disability public policy (including housing; employment; home and community based services; voting; and other IL issues).

Jeff is a lifelong Pennsylvanian and graduate of Shippensburg University Masters in Public Administration (MPA) graduate and Grove City College (B.A). In 2005, he relocated to Central PA after living in SWPA following a short stint in SEPA. Prior to the PA SILC, Iseman worked at The Arc of PA in Public Policy & Systems Advocacy and for Congresswoman Melissa Hart as a Constituent Services Representative. Jeff has also served as Direct Supports Staff in the mental health, intellectual and physical disabilities / seniors HCBS systems. He also has had interim roles with PA Partnerships for Children, Disability Rights PA and CIL of North Central PA.