Joni Schmalzried is Chief Program Officer overseeing all grant making activities and programs that advance the Foundation’s mission. Joni has spent her professional career in Disability and Special Education: as a secondary teacher, Transition Coordinator, Director of Special Education, and a University professor. Before joining the Foundation, she worked as a Project Coordinator/Research Associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University. Joni is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities in creating a choice driven life, including independent living, employment, and community participation.

A graduate of Saint Francis College (University of Saint Francis) with Masters and Doctoral degrees from Ball State University, Joni’s has extensive disability experience. She enjoys sharing her work in the areas of accommodations, sensory collaborations, and building universally designed environments for those with disabilities. Joni thrives on building relationships with grantees and supporting their success.

Joni has lived in the Huntington area her entire life. She is married and has one son, two beautiful granddaughters and one active grandson. When she is ready to relax, Joni enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking.