Monica Porter joined Disability Rights Advocates in 2016 as an Equal Justice Works Fellowship Attorney, sponsored by Ebb Point Foundation, focusing on the rights of California higher education students with psychiatric disabilities. In 2018, she became a staff attorney. Ms. Porter received her J.D. with honors from The George Washington University in 2016, and her … Continue reading “Monica Porter”
Barb is a certified professional dog trainer with a strong background in positive reinforcement training techniques, behavior modification, and compassionate care. Her service dog played a pivotal role in her life after she suffered injuries from an accident. This experience ignited her commitment to disability advocacy. She is a member of the Board of Directors … Continue reading “Barb Izzo”
2013-2014 John W. Carson Fellow
Anya has over a decade of trial court and appellate experience, specializing in domestic violence and juvenile dependency law in both New York and California. Now a solo practitioner focusing on state court appellate practice, Anya has previously worked as a staff attorney at the Family Violence Appellate Project and at the First District Appellate Project, where … Continue reading “Anya Emerson”
Kara J. Janssen is a partner at Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP. She works on complex litigation and prelitigation matters in federal and state court, with an emphasis on structured negotiations, class action litigation, constitutional and civil rights law, and disability rights. Prior to joining RBGG Ms. Janssen was a Staff Attorney with Disability … Continue reading “Kara Janssen”
2006-2008 DRA Fellow What drew you to DRA? I am personally drawn to and passionate about the work because I have family members with disabilities and I have had my own journey with disability. While in law school, I worked on a case about the provision of mental health care in California prisons. I was … Continue reading “Kasey Corbit”
2008-2010 John W. Carson Fellow How did you get involved in disability rights? I’ve always been committed to working for change, and while working as a community organizer, I discovered that I loved to write and get into the mechanics of issues – so law school was a natural choice. I’ve always had a personal … Continue reading “Karla Gilbride”
Michael Nunez was a Senior Staff Attorney at Disability Rights Advocates who departed in 2026. He first joined Disability Rights Advocates in 2011 as its first Wolinsky Fellow and became a staff attorney in 2013. From 2015 through May 2025, he practiced at Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP, a leading civil rights law firm … Continue reading “Michael Nunez”
2010-2012 Penn Law Public Interest Law Fellow What drew you to DRA? I was interested in disability rights work because it encompasses so many aspects of the law: family, employment, education, and other fundamental civil rights, and because it can have such a profound impact on people’s lives. DRA was the clear choice in the … Continue reading “Elizabeth Zwillinger”