Dr. Schwartzman is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and is the Principal Investigator for the Tennessee Employment Pathways Project. In addition to this project, Dr. Schwartzman has worked on several projects related to helping transition-aged individuals with IDD and their families navigate the process of connecting to paid employment. Prior to his work at Vanderbilt, Dr. Schwartzman led a community college transition program for young adults with IDD and received his Ph.D. from UCLA where he specialized in interventions for young adults with autism.

Emily Lanchak, M.Ed., is an Educational Consultant within the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Her work centers on increasing employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and supporting their families. After working as a special education teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools, she knows the gifts and talents persons with IDD bring to an employer. She has a passion for partnering with families of youth and adults with disabilities as they navigate life's different pathways. She previously worked on the Tennessee Behavior Supports Project, training and supporting school districts in Middle Tennessee in developing and implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Response to Instruction and Intervention for Behavior. Emily holds a BA in secondary education and M.Ed. in special education from Vanderbilt University.