Erica Belois-Pacer
Director of Professional Development and Training
Erica spent the first half of her career as a teacher in an integrated classroom from 2000-2006. She then worked in the private sector, advancing to Director of Educational Programs at Falls View Academy where she developed program opportunities through Supplemental Educational Services (SES) and Extended Learning Programs (ELT) across the state for students with disabilities and underserved populations. In 2015 she began working in Vocational Rehabilitation Community Employment at the Center for Human Services Education, create materials and provide trainings to school personnel on options for students with disabilities after high school. As a Special Education teacher herself she was unaware of how many young adults with disabilities are unemployed. Bridging the gap between the high school and college/work became her passion. In her most recent role as the Associate Director of the CHSE, she had the opportunity to oversee contracts that provided training and education to agencies that provide Supported Employment across NYS. A highlight of this position was collaborating and organizing the yearly NYS APSE Conference in Lake Placid, NY. Erica and her husband live in Fairport, NY with their three children. In her free time she volunteers as a Parent Representative on the Committee for Special Education.
Julie Christensen
Executive Director,
director of policy & Advocacy
Julie J. Christensen, LMSW, PhD, is the Executive Director at APSE – the Association of People Supporting Employment First. Julie has served as Director of Public Policy and Advocacy since January 2019. Prior to this, Julie served on APSE’s National Board of Directors and co-chaired APSE’s Public Policy Committee.
Julie's career has centered around improving quality of life outcomes for at-risk youth, including youth with intellectual and development disabilities, through promoting employment and access to leisure and recreation opportunities in inclusive settings. Prior to joining APSE, she served as the Director of Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Iowa, where she was also research faculty in the Carver College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Julie's previous experience includes her role as the Director of Employment Programs at the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester (a New York UCEDD), where she served as the Principal Investigator and Project Director for the New York State Partnerships in Employment Systems Change project, Co-Director of the New York Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program, and as the New York State Coordinator for Project SEARCH.
Julie received her undergraduate degrees in advertising and music from Syracuse University, and a Masters in Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College and her Ph.D. in Health Practice Research at the University of Rochester. She served as the Senior Disability Policy Fellow for the Harkin Institute at Drake University from 2019-2021.
Sarah Manning
Business Operations Manager
Sarah joined APSE as project coordinator in 2016. Sarah assists with CESP™ program, membership, and conference coordination. She has worked in the administrative field for a number of years helping teams with project coordination and quality assurance. Sarah received a bachelor’s of science in applied psychology from Pennsylvania State University.
Christa P. Rainwater
Director of Membership and Chapter Engagement
Christa P. Rainwater joined APSE in 2019 with a strong commitment to social justice, community engagement, and meaningful employment for everyone. She brings extensive experience in membership management, chapter support, and relationship-building. Christa enjoys working closely with APSE members and state chapters to build stronger connections and meaningful collaboration. Christa lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her son, husband, and two dogs. She has a deep appreciation of spending time outdoors, anywhere in nature.
Sofia Xargay
Senior administrative coordinator
Sofia Xargay joined APSE in 2024. She provides support across all departments and ensures that the national team is able to meet the needs of APSE members. She has experience in project management and brings strong administrative skills. Sofia received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Political Science from Wellesley College, and has started a Master’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from George Washington University.