Youth Empowering Voices

Meet the Members of YEV 

Corie Weber

Corie Weber is a junior college student currently navigating his transition with accommodations for ADHD. He is still learning to navigate the adult world and develop skills to sustain himself independently. Corie describes himself as friendly and always eager to learn from his mistakes, striving to improve himself as a whole. He is interested in culinary arts social work and enjoys exploring new opportunities that help him grow personally and academically.

Jordan Pratt

Jordan Pratt is a young adult who graduated from high school in June 2021. Since graduation, he has been working part-time as a salesperson at his local Staples store. Jordan is actively navigating his transition into adulthood and advocating for his own healthcare, with a particular focus on mental health services. He has participated in Special Olympics Basketball, Cycling, and Track & Field, and now volunteers when he can. Jordan enjoys playing video games, including Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Wrestling, and Mario Brothers, and is developing his skills in game creation with guidance from his instructor at Game University. He is also involved with the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network Youth Chat to enhance his self-advocacy skills, and participates in the National Health Care Transition Resource Center Youth Steering Committee as well as the SPAN Youth Advisory Group, Youth Empowering Voices.

Harshil Jain

Harshil Jain is a graduate in Public Administration from Kean University. He has a strong foundation in public service, advocacy, and healthcare support. As an Engagement Specialist at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Harshil empowers individuals with disabilities and various abilities to develop self-advocacy skills, fostering independence and confidence. He leads monthly meetings and activities, provides vital resources, and builds meaningful relationships to create an inclusive and supportive community. Harshil is passionate about making a lasting, positive impact through effective communication, leadership, and compassion, aiming to improve the well-being of others.

Zachary Cash

Zachary Sena-Cash is a rising senior at Drew University studying Literature and Psychology, with plans to pursue a master’s degree and licensure in clinical counseling psychology. He is passionate about supporting the therapeutic needs of people with autism, OCD, and other special needs. Involved with SPAN since high school, Zachary credits the organization for helping him grow and is dedicated to ending the stigma of neurodiversity. His goal is to inspire communities to recognize the full potential of individuals with disabilities. He maintains a 3.93 GPA, applies creative strategies to his academic studies, and enjoys collaborating with others to make a positive impact.

Amanda Wells

Amanda Wells is a young adult who thrives on helping others. She serves on SPAN’s Youth Empowering Voices advisory council and volunteers at a weekly youth group in Burlington County. Amanda uses her story to raise awareness about fighting stigmas around disabilities, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of listening so others feel heard. She believes that if sharing her story helps even one person or makes them feel less alone, it makes everything she has gone through worth it.

Patrick Ryan

Patrick Ryan is a student at Kean University who uses his voice to advocate for the disability community. He has delivered a TED Talk sharing his journey as a person with a disability (Leveling the playing field | Patrick Ryan | TEDxYouth@Chatham), spoken at a New Jersey Legislative Breakfast to support funding for the New Jersey Children’s System of Care, and presented at a gala fundraiser for the Reasons to Smile Foundation’s job training program. Patrick also volunteers as an usher at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and at Garden Terrace Nursing Home in Chatham. He enjoys spending time with family, studying history and politics, and cheering for the New York Mets and New York Jets.