Meet the Panel
The Arc’s Criminal Justice Advisory Panel (CJAP) leverages the interest and expertise of lawyers in the private bar to support nationwide expansion of The Arc’s criminal justice advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The CJAP meets in-person, twice a year, in major cities throughout the United States, to review the accomplishments and priorities of The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability® (NCCJD®), the status of related legal advocacy matters and public policy developments, and to provide strategic guidance and advice. Advisory Panel members also work to advance the impact and ongoing sustainability of NCCJD.
Arc Members
Program Attorney, Disability and Justice Initiatives | he/him pronounsJosh Branch
Email: branch@thearc.org
Senior Executive Officer, Development | he/him pronounsKarim Merchant
Email: merchant@thearc.org
Senior Grants Manager | She/her/hers pronounsMichele Petrella
Email: petrella@thearc.org
State Director, The Arc Arizona | She/her/hers pronounsMelanie Soto
Email: soto@thearc.org
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
