Sue Cassel of Auburn, Indiana was appointed as one of the first two Field Associates with ADNet in October 2010.  Field Associates, are long-term volunteers working in the context of their home communities and congregations on projects related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in churches.    

Sue’s appointment grows out of her experience as a parent of a child with disabilities who has received parenting support and encouragement from ADNet’s national network.  In her desire to return that support and encouragement to others, she has written A Journey of Hope, a short, reader-friendly book for parents of children with disabilities, which will be published this fall.  She will also continue her disability advocacy work in her home congregation, North Leo Mennonite Church, as well as building an inter-denominational network of churches working for inclusion in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. She is also beginning research for a second book.  

Sue and her husband, Scott, are the parents of two daughters, Abbey and Allison.  Sue is a graduate of Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana, with a BS in psychology.  She is a Registered Nurse and has worked in various medical and mental health settings.  She has also worked in the field of health education, promoting stress management and wellness through writing and speaking.  

Commenting on her appointment as an ADNet Field Associate, Sue says, “Becoming even a small part of ADNet actually means a lot to me personally.  I remember those first, frightening days when our daughter was being diagnosed. Having regular contact with another parent and learning more about ADNet's resources made a big difference for our family. If I can help bring that kind of support to other families, I am very happy to do it.”

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