Joanne Cissell

JOANNE CISSELL (jcissell@everybodycounts.org) 

"I think that the independent living philosophy means that people with

disabilities can be empowered to take control of their own lives. I'm a representative to

help folks obtain information concerning benefits, programs and service…to

help them get whatever they need to meet their goals."

Joanne's been on our team as a Counselor-Advocate for about a year.

Before that, she was an independent living specialist for a Center for Independent

Living in New Orleans. For many years, she was an independent living

specialist, employment specialist and office manager/volunteer coordinator for 

the Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living. 

She has also worked with abused and abandoned children in a group

home for the Villages of Indiana.

"I love interacting with our people, and helping them to learn how to

advocate for themselves. It's great to work with a team of people that

knows how to fight for the rights of people with disabilities."

Joanne visits directly with consumers across the state, but also spends

two days out of the central office in Merrillville. She lives with her mother in Indianapolis.

Joanne attended Short Ridge High School in Indianapolis, and attended

Indiana University /Purdue University of Indianapolis, where she

studied business administration. She has also attended classes at the

Indiana School for the Deaf toward becoming a Certified ASL Interpreter.

Joanne's the mother of two daughters and a brand new grandmother to little Kiran..