LEAP Team Members
Parthy Dinora
Parthy is the interim executive director of the Partnership for People with Disabilities and has worked on research related to LEAP. She is also the parent of a child with autism. Seeing LEAP go from an idea to a full-fledged initiative that has trained hundreds of people has been one of the great joys of her career.
Renée Soniat
Renée has a lifelong connection to the disability community, shaped by both personal experience and professional dedication. As a Project Director at VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities, she leads key initiatives, including Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP), Virginia’s Center for Person Centered Practices, and Project LOTUS (Linking Outreach, Trust, Understanding and Safety for People with Disabilities). Her work centers on advancing accessibility, fostering self-advocacy, and strengthening safety for people with disabilities. Renée holds a Master’s degree in Digital Sociology from VCU. Her research interests focus on advancing effective prevention strategies for at-risk communities. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she treasures time
Nicole Rada
Nicole Rada has been an advocate and professional in the disability field for more than 20 years. She has collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement programs that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. She is passionate about working to improve the lives of people with disabilities and helping people with disabilities advocate for themselves. Her favorite thing about LEAP training is being able to interact with people while teaching them about healthy relationships.
