About Our Staff

Leanne Hernandez is the president of Disability Advocates and has spent over 20 years helping individuals across the country win their Social Security Disability claims.  Before becoming a representative, she worked as a disability adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS), where she was trained to evaluate complex physical and mental conditions according to Social Security’s standards.

Leanne is an Accredited Disability Representative, having passed Social Security’s rigorous qualification exam.  She is also a longtime member of the National Association of Disability Representatives, where she follows a strict code of ethics and completes annual continuing education.

In 2023, she founded The Disability Academy to train others—both new and experienced—on effective disability representation.  She has personally trained attorneys and non-attorneys alike.

Leanne is known for her assertive, no-nonsense approach with Social Security and provides each client with personalized attention.  She has represented over 2,500 claimants in hearings across 38 states.

Awards:  Commissioner’s Award for Meritorious Service (DDS, 2005) and 2011-2012 Member of the Year (National Association of Disability Representatives)
 

Education:
B.A. in Political Science, minor in Spanish and Master of Public Administration (with honors), University of Louisville

Marcella Allen is the Vice President at Disability Advocates and serves as the Director of Initial and Reconsideration Services.  She has over 20 years of experience working in the Social Security disability field, having first worked as a disability adjudicator for the Kentucky Department of Disability Determinations for ten years.  Since leaving that position, she has continued to be an effective advocate for people applying for Social Security disability by applying her insider understanding of how the disability programs work at Social Security. 

Margaret Henderson is the Senior Case Manager at Disability Advocates, where she leads with dedication and expertise.  As an Accredited Disability Representative, she focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability, bringing nearly 20 years to her role. Her in-depth knowledge spans every stage of the administrative process; ensuring clients receive informed, effective support throughout their case.  

A lifelong Iowa City resident and proud graduate of University of Iowa, Margaret holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Associates of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies from Kirkwood Community College.  Margaret is an active member of the National Association of Disability Representatives and was proud to be the recipient of the 2024-2025 Member of the Year Award. 

Her strong connection to the community and passion for advocacy drive her commitment to serving each client with compassion, care, and respect.

Julia E. Johnson brings over 17 years of experience adjudicating a wide range of Social Security Disability claims.  She holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Connecticut.

At Disability Advocates, Julia provides clerical support, conducts case analyses and viability reviews, and contributes her expertise to ensure thorough and timely claim development.