Leanne Hernandez
President
Education and Qualifications
- MPA (with honors), Public Administration – University of Louisville
- BA, Political Science – University of Louisville
- EDPNA (Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney)
- NADR ADR (Accredited Disability Representative)
Awards and Professional Associations
- 2006 – Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award, DDS
- 2011–2012 – National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) Member of the Year Award
- 2023 – Founder, The Disability Academy
- 2025 – Director at Large, Board of Directors, NADR
“Leanne Hernandez of Disability Advocates, has been representing claimants for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for many years. I am also a disability professional and she is one of my go-to people when I need ideas, information, and encouragement. I never hesitate to recommend her. Her win rate is extremely high. We have discussed our methods for tackling our cases and I know for a fact that she covers every detail and she is one of the hardest working disability representatives you can find. I also know that the judges truly respect her work. Highly recommended.”
Kerie Stone
Disability Attorney -
New York
Leanne Hernandez is the President of Disability Advocates and has dedicated more than 20 years to helping individuals nationwide secure their Social Security Disability benefits.
Her career began as a Single Decision Maker Disability Adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS). In this role, Leanne received extensive training in the evaluation of complex physical and mental conditions and their impact on an individual’s ability to work. This opportunity provided her with unique insight into how Social Security determines disability and continues to guide and strengthen her work as a Disability Representative.
Leanne is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) and an EDPNA (Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney), having passed the Social Security Administration’s rigorous qualification exam and meeting ongoing continuing education and other requirements.
Known for her assertive, no-nonsense advocacy, Leanne provides every client with personalized attention and a passionate commitment to their case. She represents claimants at multiple levels of the disability process: initial applications, reconsiderations, hearings, and appeals. Leanne’s particular strength is presenting before a judge in hearings, where she has successfully represented more than 2,500 claimants in 38 states.
In 2023, Leanne founded The Disability Academy, one of the nation’s only training programs dedicated to preparing both new and experienced representatives—attorneys and non-attorneys alike—to navigate the complexities of disability representation with skill and integrity.
She is also a longtime member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), where she has presented at annual conferences and contributed to advancing standards in the field. In 2025, she was appointed to the NADR Board of Directors and now serves as Director at Large.
Marcella Allen
Vice President and Director of Initial and Reconsideration Services
Education
- MA in Psychology and Sociology – Campbellsville University
- BA in Psychology – Campbellsville University
Marcella Allen brings over 20 years of experience in the Social Security Disability field to her role as Vice President and Director of Initial and Reconsideration Services at Disability Advocates.
Before becoming a disability advocate, Marcella spent a decade as a Single Decision Maker Disability Adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS). That insider perspective gives her a unique understanding of how Social Security evaluates claims, making her an exceptionally strategic and effective advocate.
With deep expertise in guiding disability claims from the initial level forward and a strong track record in handling complex medical cases, Marcella supports clients with confidence, skill, and compassion.
She approaches every case with care and determination, ensuring that each client receives the attention and advocacy they deserve.
Margaret Henderson
Senior Hearing Representative
Education and Qualifications
- BS, Psychology – University of Iowa
- AA, Paralegal Studies – Kirkwood Community College
- EDPNA (Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney)
- NADR ADR (Accredited Disability Representative)
Awards and Professional Associations
- 2014 – Competent Communicator, Toastmasters International
- 2014 - 2015 – Competent Leader, Toastmasters International
- 2024–2025 – National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) Member of the Year Award
- 2025 – Secretary, Board of Directors, NADR
Our Senior Hearing Representative, Margaret Henderson leads with dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to our clients. As an Accredited Disability Representative, she focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability and brings nearly 20 years of experience to her role.
Margaret has in-depth knowledge of every stage of the disability process, and she combines her skill with a compassionate, client-focused approach, guiding each case with care and precision.
A lifelong resident of Iowa City, Margaret’s strong community ties and passion for advocacy fuel her commitment to ensuring that every client is treated with respect, understanding, and unwavering support throughout their journey.
She is also a longtime member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), which is dedicated to advancing standards in the field. In 2025, she received the NADR Member of the Year Award and was elected to the Board of Directors, where she now serves as Secretary.
Julia E. Johnson
Senior Case Analyst
After 17 years as a Single Decision Maker Disability Adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS), Julia E. Johnson now brings her insider knowledge and deep expertise to Disability Advocates. Her years on the front lines of Social Security decision-making give her a unique perspective that benefits every client she serves.
Julia conducts case analyses and viability reviews, ensuring that each claim is developed thoroughly, accurately, and efficiently. Her skill and insight are vital in helping clients navigate the complex disability process with confidence and clarity.
Ann Baird
Disability Specialist
Education and Qualifications
- BS, Health Care Administration – Western Kentucky University
- MS, Public Health Administration – Western Kentucky University
Awards and Professional Associations
- 2009 – Creative Achievement Award, DDS
- 2009 – Exceptional Customer Service Team Award, DDS
Ann Baird has 29 years of experience working in Social Security disability claims. Throughout her career, she has served in a wide range of roles including Vocational Specialist, Trainer, and Quality Assurance Specialist, along with working as a Single Decision Maker Disability Adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS).
Ann began her career working on disability cases in Florida. She became a primary point of contact for childhood claims, speech and language cases, and cancer cases. She also worked for several years as a vocational consultant and served as the contact person for vocational questions from quality assurance analysts.
Having decades of service, extensive knowledge of disability case issues, and genuine compassion for others make Ann an incredibly valuable asset to the individuals and families we serve.
Renee Downs
Disability Specialist
Qualifications
- NADE (National Association for Disability Examiners)
Awards and Professional Associations
- 2008 – Pioneer Award, DDS
- 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 – Peer Trainer Recognition, DDS
- 2010 – Examiner of the Year, DDS
- 2014 – Creative Achievement Award, DDS
- 100% Accuracy Award, DDS
Renee Downs brings 28 years of experience as a Single Decision Maker Disability Adjudicator for the Kentucky Department for Disability Determination Services (DDS). Throughout her career, she was recognized for her dedication and exceptional performance, earning multiple honors including the Creative Achievement Award, the Pioneer Award, peer training recognition, and consistent 100 percent accuracy. She also received positive feedback and formal recognition from headquarters in Baltimore.
Renee also served as a Peer Trainer, Case Consultant, and was selected to participate in Special Task Force Groups at DDS. In addition to managing a full caseload, she handled specialized assignments involving military claims, homeless individuals, and other complex case types, and she assisted other states during periods of increased workload or need. She is excited to bring her extensive knowledge and experience to Disability Advocates, and eager to help individuals navigate the Social Security disability process with compassionate support.
Donna Roberts
Disability Intake and Case Development Specialist
Donna Roberts has focused her career on guiding people through complex and challenging systems with empathy and efficiency. In addition to her experience providing administrative support on Social Security disability cases, she brings a strong healthcare background as a patient account representative, hospital registrar, with additional experience in billing and documentation. This background includes maintaining accurate case records, obtaining medical treatment updates from claimants, requesting medical records, answering claimant questions, and assisting with hearing scheduling.
More importantly, this experience has prepared Donna as proactive client advocate, providing reliable, compassionate support and ensuring that our clients receive the care and benefits they deserve.
At Disability Advocates, she prepares and submits new disability applications and supports early case development through her attention to detail and program knowledge.
“Leanne helped me every step of the way with my Social Security disability claim. She answered every question, walked me through the process and was also timely in responding to me. Her extensive experience and expertise made all the difference. She filed my application, completed every disability form with me by phone, handled all communication with the disability office on my behalf and always had my best interests in mind. I highly recommend her services.”
- Brian C.
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“We are so thankful that Leanne took our case. She was professional, compassionate, patient and helped us every step of the way. We never could have gotten through the process without her assistance. We strongly recommend anyone to use her services. You would not be in better hands.”
- Anne B.