Meet the Staff
RSA's staff is committed to improving the quality of life experienced by people living with spinal cord injuries/disabilities in the Greater Rochester area of New York State.
Staff
Chris Hilderbrant, Executive Director
Injured in a diving accident at age 14, Chris Hilderbrant has served as an eloquent and effective advocate for people with disabilities for the past two decades, helping to expand rights on the local, state, and national level. During his 14-year tenure at the Center for Disability Rights, he rose from a part-time position working directly with clients to be the organization’s chief operating officer and is known for activism, including participation in civil disobedience. Chris is committed to diversity, equity, and integration for all and proudly serves as a connector between numerous communities. Chris also served as chief operating officer at Common Ground Health before starting his own consulting business and then joining the Rochester Spinal Association.
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Chris founded and serves as captain of the WNY Wreckers—Western New York’s only wheelchair rugby team. He lives in Brighton with his wife, Jill Hilderbrant, and their children, Annika and Kyle. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Nazareth University and received an Honorary Doctorate from Nazareth in 2025 when he gave the University's Commencement Address.
Ralph Norman - Peer Group Facilitator
During his senior year of high school in Yonkers, NY, Ralph Norman was riding with friends to get fast food before going to a party. While sitting in the car, gunfire broke out from opposite sides of the street and a bullet struck Ralph in the neck. Ralph lived in a nursing home for five years after his injury but now lives in his own apartment and manages his own aide services. He's an avid video-gamer, using a mouth-operated controller called a "Quad stick."
Porche Powell - Peer Group Facilitator
Prior to her spinal cord injury, Porche "Shay" Powell worked full-time as a certified nursing assistant, owned a house in the city of Rochester, and was raising her two children. Shay was shot and paralyzed in 2020 when her ex-boyfriend broke into her home and attacked her. She's a devoted mother and supports other family members while using her experience surviving and restoring life to help others who have been shot and paralyzed.
Rut Gonzalez - Case Manager
Rut is a dedicated and compassionate care professional with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences and extensive experience in human services, case management and health care coordination. Originally from Puerto Rico, she began her career working in a shelter supporting survivors of domestic violence and their families through a transitional housing program. In 2016 she relocated to Rochester, NY and joined Ibero American Action League supporting families involved with Child Support Services. Later Rut joined the Anthony Jordan Health Center as a Health Homes Care Manager serving medicaid clients with complex medical and psychological needs. Through these last two roles she developed an expertise in the coordination of health care between medical providers, behavioral health providers and community based organizations. Rut is experienced and knowledgeable about medicaid policies, compliance, requirements and individualized service planning.
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Beyond her professional life Rut is a proud mother of 4 children which includes a pair of twins and two adults. Rut is also a small business owner reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit. She is a lover of cinematography and music that helps her balance her life.
Laura Pelow - Case Manager
Laura is passionate about helping people navigate the healthcare system, connect with community resources, and improve their overall quality of life. Laura has been in the case management field since 2008 as a strong advocate for those with complex medical needs. Prior to working with the Rochester Spinal Association, Laura worked for the ALS Association for ten years as a case manager. During her time there, she expanded the ALS Association's reach and community impact by almost tripling the number of connected pALS (people living with ALS), participated in a monthly medical clinic where she learned about the complexities of durable medical equipment and the enhanced care needs of people with compounded medical conditions, ran supports groups, and provided community education. Laura has strong connections with community partners and allied health professionals.
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Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Sociology and is currently pursuing a master’s in Public Health to continue expanding her impact on care management and public health. Her professional mission is to bridge gaps in care, promote health equity, make a positive difference, and foster collaboration among patients, providers, and community partners.
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Outside of work, Laura lives with her husband and four children, who keep her busy with their many sports and activities.