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OCALI Centers

  • Autism Center
  • Teaching Diverse Learners Center
  • Universal Design for Learning Center
  • Lifespan Transitions Center
  • Family and Community Outreach Center
  • Center for the Young Child
  • Assistive Technology & Accessible Educational Materials Center
  • Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness

Leadership

  • OCALICON
  • Office of Policy
  • National Autism Leadership Collaborative
  • Interagency Work Group on Autism

Online Learning

  • Autism Certification Center
  • Autism Internet Modules
  • Assistive Technology Internet Modules

Resources, Events, and News

  • Communications and Media
  • Lending Library
  • Learning Pathway
  • Document Archive

About OCALI

  • About OCALI
  • Advisory Board
  • Accessibility
  • Start Accessiblity and Language Toolbar
  • Contact Us
  • Promotional Materials
  • Employment Opportunities

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What is OCALI Pass?

OCALI Pass accounts are available free of charge to anyone who wishes to participate in professional development opportunities and access various tools offered through the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).

About Us

Lead by Melissa Bacon and Teresa Kobelt, the Office of Policy has a depth and breadth of knowledge in health and human services, public and private policy, and systems change…not to mention personal passion.

Melissa Bacon

Melissa Bacon serves as the Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement for the Office of Policy at OCALI.

In this role, Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience in state policy work, specifically focusing on health and human services.

In 2015, she joined OCALI to oversee the Interagency Workgroup on Autism, collaborating with state agencies to promote issues impacting and involving persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to OCALI, Melissa served in multiple leadership roles for the Kasich Administration including Chief Policy Advisor at the Ohio Department of Health (2012-2015), Health and Human Services Policy Assistant to the Governor's Policy Director, and Director of Government Affairs for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (2010-2012).

Prior to these roles, Melissa worked as Director of Policy for the Ohio Children's Hospital Association and in various policy roles for the Ohio Senate Republican Caucus.

Melissa is the mother of 3 daughters, her eldest diagnosed with ASD.

Teresa Kobelt

Teresa Kobelt is Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Forecasting for the Office of Policy at OCALI.

After completing her graduate degree and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellowship at Ohio State University, Teresa began working in the human service field. She has over 20 years experience ranging from treatment foster care, to vocational rehabilitation, to developmental disabilities. She has worked at multiple levels of state and county government, and across public and private sectors.

Prior to joining OCALI, Teresa was Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Direction at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, overseeing key initiatives such as Early Intervention, Family Engagement & Support, Trauma-Informed Care, and Employment First.

More than any classroom, however, her greatest learning experiences have come from her kids — both of whom have multiple disabilities.

Start Accessibility and Language Toolbar
  • About OCALI
  • Advisory Board
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
  • Promotional Materials
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Communications and Media
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