Central Region
Our Regional Coordinators and self-advocates work together to create and run groups, provide self-advocacy and self-determination training, and connect people to opportunities to share their expertise. There are many ways to get involved. Contact us today to get started.
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How To Get Involved
Come to a Meeting
We hold various meetings over Zoom to connect and talk about what’s going on in our region. Some meetings are more general while others focus on specific issues.
Join a Group
MASS works with Legislative Groups, Civil Groups, and Self-Advocacy Groups, amongst others. Our members participate and then talk to the regional groups about their work.
Start Your Own Group
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Interested in a group but it’s not in your region? Tell us what you’d like to do and we’ll help you get your own group started today!
Get in Touch
If you’re not sure what you’d like to do or how you’d like to get involved, get in touch and we’ll work with you. We have a diverse group of members and we’ll help you find your place.
Topics
Because we operate across the state and have a diverse group of members, MASS covers many different topics. If you would like to learn more, get involved, or talk about a topic that isn’t listed, get in touch and we’ll help you get started!
Self-Advocacy
Legislative
Transportation
Health
Education
“I like to help other students like myself with Down Syndrome, or other disabilities out there, not get segregated.”
Jillian Berube | Self-Advocate | Board Member
Central Region Staff and Officers
Sue Moriarty
Central Regional Coordinator
Seth Gaston
President
Advocacy Interests: I like training people. I do Service Coordinator Training, I train in EPA, also college students at Quinsigamond Community College. I also have given workshops at the MASS and West Region self-advocacy Conferences.
Why I Advocate: I like to help people to speak up for their rights.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: Playing video games.
Jillian
Berube
Vice President
Advocacy Interests: Helping students learn to advocate for their education, inclusion, and self direction
Why I Advocate: I advocate so students with disabilities can have access to materials for any subject in school, and sit together with their peers in classes that are not isolated.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: Writing my own song lyrics and singing, creating dream boards, having fun with friends, enjoying the summer at the lake, and going on Pinterest.
Karen Kent
Co-Secretary
Advocacy Interests: Going to the State House, being on the self-advocacy board, getting awards from Center of Hope.
Why I Advocate: I like to be a speaker. People ask questions about special needs. I teach people about it. I advocate for myself and help other people who need help.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: Doing Special Olympics softball and cheerleading.
Jackie Dulmaine
Co-Secretary
Advocacy Interests: I run a self-advocacy group with just Central. I came up with it to get people more involved with MASS.
Why I Advocate: I advocate for others because they have a hard time advocating for themselves. And not only that, I like to help other people advocate, not only for them but for myself as well.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: I try to see my family and friends as much as I can. Friends from work, friends outside of work. I just take my time as it comes and I just spend most of my time on the computer. I try to do other things, but I hang out with my housemates.
Samantha Wood
Co-Treasurer
Advocacy Interests: My advocacy interests include becoming aware of what is available for resources that I can use myself and make sure others are aware of as well. I am also interested in meeting new people and gaining a better understanding of what the groups purpose is.
Why I Advocate: I advocate because it is important that I am heard and stick up for myself and my right as a human being. I also advocate for those that are not able to advocate for themselves and help make them aware of all of the resources that are available to help us become more successful.
When I’m not advocating, you can find me: When I’m not busy advocating I enjoy playing on the computer, talking on the phone with friends, going out in the community and enjoying social activities, painting pottery, bible study and making other people smile.
Mark Howard
Co-Treasurer
Advocacy interests: I joined as a self-advocate because I like to advocate for other individuals and advocate for myself.
Why I Advocate: I advocate because it’s something I’m interested in.
When I’m not advocating, you can find me: I watch tv, play video games, I work, I hang out with my family.
Beth Kollett
Regional Manager
Advocacy Interests: Leadership and I also do Supported Decision Making.
Why I Advocate: I advocate to help myself and educate others about self-advocacy. I advocate to make my life better for myself and to have a voice for myself.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: I go bowling, I do theater, I go to the movies, I love to read, I like to gamble, I like to go out to eat.
Justin Bernard
Legislative Representative
Advocacy Interests: Legislative issues and transportation.
Why I Advocate: To make my life and others’s lives better.
When I’m not advocating you can find me: Reading, checking the internet.
Contact Us
Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself!