Empowering Representation: Effective Strategies for Working with Clients with Disabilities 2025

Cindy Bentley is the Executive Director of People First Wisconsin, a statewide disability advocacy organization. She recently received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in recognition of over 25 years of advocacy. Ms. Bentley serves on several boards, including the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, Life Navigators Board, and the Milwaukee County Combined Community Services Board. The Wisconsin Historical Society published a biography about Ms. Bentley, which she co-authored, called Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion. “Choose the Pond,” a short film about Cindy’s life, was recently shown at the 2025 Wisconsin Film Festival. Ms. Bentley is a highly decorated Special Olympics athlete and global messenger.

Amy M. Burger owns Burger Law LLC and practices elder law and special needs planning. She has been a presentation speaker on special needs planning for the Board of People with Developmental Disabilities and other disability organizations. Before becoming an attorney, Atty. Burger worked for Disability Rights of Wisconsin and Life Navigators as a legislative advocate, advising both U.S. and State legislators on proposed reforms to Medicaid and guardianship laws to foster full integration of individuals with disabilities in their communities. As an individual with special needs challenges, Atty. Burger brings a personal and unique perspective to her legal practice. She uses her experiences to serve her clients and educate society on the need for special needs planning and advocacy.

Dean R. Dietrich is a shareholder with Weld Riley, S.C., and has represented clients in the areas of lawyer ethics and professional responsibility for more than 45 years. Atty. Dietrich has served as chair of the State Bar Committee on Professional Ethics and on the committee appointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review changes to the Wisconsin Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys. Atty. Dietrich currently serves as past president of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Kristen Felten, MSW, APSW, is the dementia specialist for the Office on Aging at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She created the Dementia Care Specialist program, brought dementia-friendly communities to prominence in the state, and directs a BOLD public health grant award from the CDC, all while providing leadership for the Wisconsin state plan for dementia. Atty. Felton has worked in the field of dementia care since 1996, where she started as a front-line staff member in an assisted living facility.

Hamza Jaka is a contract associate at the Lake Geneva Office of Gardiner, Koch Weisberg and Wrona. He practices primarily in civil litigation, including civil rights cases, intellectual property transactions, and employment law. Atty. Jaka hopes to add a robust estate planning practice to his work. He received both his undergraduate degree and J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. Atty. Jaka is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and an advisor to the Elder Law and Special Needs Section Board. He is also a member of the Walworth County Bar Association.

Kaitlin McNamara is the Executive Director of the Sibling Leadership Network, a national nonprofit with chapters in 28 states. The organization's mission is to empower siblings of individuals with disabilities and to advocate alongside self-advocate-led organizations to improve systems of support at the state and national levels. Atty. McNamara is also on staff at the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, where her focus has been on peer-led models of support and education around rights protection, community living, and abuse prevention. She received her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Nadya E. Rosen is the Interim Director of Legal and Advocacy Services at Disability Rights Wisconsin. She holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law. Since 2017, Atty. Rosen has served as the Managing Attorney for DRW’s Victim Advocacy Program, which provides advocacy and representation to survivors of crime with disabilities throughout the state. Before her move to Wisconsin, Atty. Rosen worked at Brooklyn Legal Services in the family law and housing units. Ms. Rosen is a member of the Wisconsin Victim Rights Attorneys Group, the National Human Trafficking and Disabilities Working Group, the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Response Team, and the State Bar of Wisconsin. She is admitted to practice in New York and Wisconsin.

George V. Zaske is an attorney specializing in estate planning and collaborative divorce, emphasizing a client-centered approach. After losing his IT job, he transitioned into law, focusing on estate planning and family law due to his personal experiences with legal issues surrounding children with disabilities. Atty. Zaske founded Zaske Law Office in 2003 and is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with offices in St. Paul and Hudson. He has extensive legal experience, including litigation, working at Legal Aid, volunteering at the Tubman Family Alliance, and serving as President of BRIDGE for Youth and Adults with Disabilities. Atty. Zaske also speaks at events on estate planning for children with special needs.