Ruthie-Marie Beckwith, Ph.D. is the founder and Executive Director of the Tennessee Microboards Association, Inc. a statewide non-governmental organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities self-manage their services and supports.  Prior to developing the Microboards Association, Dr. Beckwith served as a volunteer founder and subsequent executive director of People First of Tennessee, Tennessee's self-advocacy organization run by individuals with disabilities.  She has served as an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University.  She provides consulting services across the United States in areas of self-determination, community organizing, leadership development, and self-employment.  She received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Special Education from George Peabody College and her B.S. degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo.