TUCSON, AZ, October 24, 2023 – The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, has announced its 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors.

Incoming SNA President Amy C. O’Hara, CELA, expressed her deep commitment to the organization: “Becoming President of the SNA is the greatest honor of my professional career. Having a father with a significant physical disability opened my awareness at an early age of the advocacy needed in the world of special needs. Working in the special needs area during law school also set the stage for my future legal career advocating for clients and their families with disabilities. Having been a member of the SNA since 2009, the SNA is unquestionably the most valuable organization I have been a part of during my professional career. The vast knowledge and expertise of our members in all aspects of planning for individuals with disabilities, protecting their benefits, and advocating at state and federal levels in all areas of special needs is exceptional.”

O’Hara continued, “During my term as President, I would like to see the SNA continue to lead the way as the premier special needs attorney organization by recruiting new members throughout the country who are the best and brightest in the field of special needs planning, advocacy, and public benefits.”

The 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors includes:

  • President: Amy C. O’Hara, CELA, Littman Krooks, LLP, Rye Brook, NY
  • President-Elect: Tara Anne Pleat, CELA, Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Clifton Park, NY
  • Vice President: Robert F. Brogan, CELA, Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, NJ
  • Treasurer: Christopher W. Smith, Esq., Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC, Southfield, MI
  • Secretary: Bryn Poland, Esq, Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, TX
  • Past President: James A. Caffry, Esq., Caffry Law, PLLC, Waterbury, VT

Directors:

  • Leonard R. Anderson, Esq., Barlow Anderson, Anchorage, AK
  • Roxanne J. Chang, Esq., Roxanne J. Chang Advocate, Plymouth, MI
  • Emily A. Donaldson, CELA, Stevens & Brand, Topeka, KS
  • Elizabeth Noble Friman, Esq., Fleming & Curti, PLC, Tucson, AZ
  • Emily B. Kile, Esq., Kile Law Firm, Scottsdale, AZ
  • Elena A. Lidrbauch, CELA, Hickman, Lowder, Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA, Sheffield Village, OH
  • Rebecca C. Morgan, Esq., Stetson University – College of Law, Gulfport, FL
  • Ethan J. Ordog, Esq., Begley Law Group, Moorestown, NJ
  • Larry H. Rocamora, Esq., McPherson & Rocamora, PLLC, Durham, NC
  • Bruce D. Reinoso, Esq., Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Buffalo, NY
  • Benjamin A. Rubin, Esq. LLM, Rubin Law, A Professional Corporation, Buffalo Grove, IL

SNA Executive Director Jihane Davidow expressed her enthusiasm for the officers and board members, stating, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to now Past President James Caffry for his dedication and outstanding service to the Special Needs Alliance. As we proudly announce our new officers and board members for the 2023-2024 term, we are excited to welcome a cohort of individuals who bring not only a wealth of knowledge but also an unwavering commitment to the field of special needs law. With their collective expertise, we are confident that they will steadfastly uphold the high standards and unwavering mission of the Special Needs Alliance.”

The Special Needs Alliance has more than 150 members in 45 states. Membership in the SNA is by invitation and limited to those who meet its professional standards in disability law and advocacy. On average, SNA members have about 18 years of relevant experience, with many of the members being certified as Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) by the National Elder Law Foundation, the certifying entity for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Membership signifies that the member attorney is recognized amongst their peers as a notable attorney practicing special needs law.

About The Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is an invitation-only national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law. Individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors rely on the SNA to connect them with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena. For more information, visit www.specialneedsalliance.org.

Media Contact:

Jihane Davidow, Executive Director

[email protected]