Tucson, AZ – November 3, 2022 –The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law,  has announced its 2022-2023 Board of Directors.  

“As we mark the end of SNA’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we proudly welcome a new board of directors,” said SNA Executive Director Jihane Rohrbacker. “We are thankful for Mary O’Byrne’s leadership as our past president and our entire board of directors during what’s been a memorable year.” 

2022 – 2023 SNA Board of Directors Officers 

PRESIDENT
James A. Caffry, Esq.
Caffry Law, PLLC
Waterbury, VT 

PRESIDENT-ELECT
Amy O’Hara, CELA
Littman Krooks, LLP
New York, NY 

VICE PRESIDENT
Tara A. Pleat, CELA
Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC
Clifton Park, NY 

TREASURER
Robert F. Brogan, CELA
Brogan Law Group, P.C.
Brick, NJ 

SECRETARY
Christopher Smith, Esq.
Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC
Southfield, MI 

PAST PRESIDENT
Mary O’Byrne, Esq.
O’Byrne Law, LLC
Timonium, MD 

Directors

Kenneth M. Bloom, Esq.
Latimer LeVay Fyock, LLC
Chicago, IL 

Emily A. Donaldson, CELA
Stevens & Brand
Topeka, KS 

Rebecca Morgan, Esq.
Stetson University – College of Law
Gulfport, FL 

Bruce Reinoso, Esq.
Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP
Buffalo, NY 

Judith L. Bomster, Esq.
Butenhof & Bomster, PC
Manchester, NH 

Elizabeth Friman, Esq.
Fleming & Curti, PLC
Tucson, AZ 

Ethan J. Ordog, Esq.
Begley Law Group
Moorestown, NJ 

Larry Rocamora, Esq.
McPherson & Rocamora, PLLC
Durham, NC 

Roxanne J. Chang, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Plymouth, MI 

Emma Hemness, CELA
Hemness Faller Elder Law
Brandon, FL 

Bryn Poland, Esq.
Mayo & Poland, PLLC
Baytown, TX 

Benji Rubin, Esq.
Rubin Law
Buffalo Grove, IL 

“Assuming the position of the President of SNA is both deeply meaningful and personal for me,” said SNA President Jim Caffry. “As the father of a son with special needs, I decided 17 years ago to change my law practice from environmental to special needs law to help others like my son. In 2007, I became an SNA member and was astounded at the caliber of its members and the substantive knowledge around special needs law they possessed. It’s my honor to serve these incredible colleagues as we continue to provide timely and relevant information to the public and resources to our members—all while serving the special needs community across the country.”  

Caffry continued, “During my time as president, I would like to see SNA continue to champion issues around sustainable, long-term housing for individuals across the disability spectrum. Finding secure residency options for adult children with special needs is one of the greatest challenges facing families. The housing must be stable, safe and supportive—allowing individuals to thrive while aging in place.” 

The Special Needs Alliance has more than 150 members in 45 states. Membership in the SNA is by invitation and is limited to those who meet its professional standards in the area of 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 Special Needs Alliance
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys who practice law and advocate for people living with special needs and disabilities, the elderly, and their families. SNA was formed in 2002 to maintain a professional organization of attorneys skilled in public benefits, estate, trust and tax planning, and legal issues for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Membership in the Alliance is only obtained via an invitation from the SNA and is limited to those who meet its professional standards in the area of disability law and advocacy. SNA is instrumental in connecting individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors—including personal injury attorneys and financial advisors—with local members who have niche practices in special needs and disability law and elder law. 

SNA member practice areas and services include: Special Needs Trusts; Medicaid, SSI & Entitlement Program Eligibility; Estate, Wills, Trust & Tax Planning for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families; Financial Planning & Legal Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities; Guardianships & Conservatorships; Personal Injury/Medical Malpractice Settlement Assistance; Trust & Estate Distributions and Fiduciary Accountings; Estate & Trust Administration; and Health Care Decisions & Advance Directives. For more information visit: specialneedsalliance.org.