Staff Members

Thomas Zito

August 23, 2017

Thomas Zito joined DRA in 2017 as a Senior Staff Attorney. Prior to joining DRA, Mr. Zito was a Senior Attorney with the Fair Housing Law Project and Public Interest Law Firm of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. At the Law Foundation, Mr. Zito litigated individual and class action housing discrimination cases, as well … Continue reading “Thomas Zito”

Cristina Rubke

November 28, 2016

Cristina Rubke is of counsel at Shartsis Friese LLP where she focuses on domestic and international trademark prosecution and counseling. Cristina is a member of the International Trademark Association and San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association. From 2012-2020, Cristina served via mayoral appointment as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco … Continue reading “Cristina Rubke”

Monica Porter

September 19, 2016

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”

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn

June 10, 2016

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn is a Software Engineer in the New York office of Google. He has worked on projects to help Google Maps users with mobility impairments decide where to go (with crowdsourced accessibility information), and how to get there (with wheelchair-friendly public transit directions). In addition, Sasha is co-founder of the Rise and Resist Elevator Action Group, … Continue reading “Sasha Blair-Goldensohn”

Barb Izzo

May 31, 2016

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”

Anya Emerson

February 18, 2016

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 Janssen

January 27, 2016

Kara Janssen joined Disability Rights Advocates in 2010 as the John W. Carson / LD Access Fellowship Attorney. Her fellowship work focused on advancing equal rights and opportunities for people with print disabilities. Mrs. Janssen received her law degree from the New York University School of Law in 2010 where she was a Root-Tilden-Kern Scholar … Continue reading “Kara Janssen”