American Restroom Association Board of Directors
Tom Achatz, PE, ARA President
Tom Achatz, M.S.M.E., M.S.E., P.E., serves as President of the American Restroom Association. A seasoned engineering leader with over 35 years of experience, Mr. Achatz specializes in Design for Reliability principles and accelerated testing methodologies. His expertise spans a broad range of engineering disciplines, including vibration, thermal, electrical, and mechanical testing. He has a proven track record of leading global engineering teams, overseeing all phases of testing for critical components. Mr. Achatz is a published author and frequent contributor to technical publications on vibration, testing, and related fields, sharing his expertise with the engineering community. He is also passionate about education and has dedicated over 25 years to teaching and mentoring aspiring engineers. Mr. Achatz is a licensed Professional Engineer, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the highest standards of the profession. His leadership at the ARA reflects his dedication to improving public restroom access and design.
Laura Jenkins, MBA, ARA Vice President
Laura Jenkins is the Vice President of the American Restroom Association and founder of Granny’s Toilet Detailing, LLC. She holds a B.S. from Oklahoma State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her career has focused on driving cost savings and leading diversity initiatives. Laura is also actively involved in volunteer work, supporting youth through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Civil Air Patrol. Inspired by the often-deplorable state of public restrooms, Laura launched her company, Granny’s, to provide specialized deep cleaning services to retail establishments. Recognizing the challenges faced by businesses without dedicated cleaning staff, Granny’s targets locations where employees juggle multiple roles, including restroom maintenance.
Steven Soifer, PhD, ARA Co-founder, Treasurer
ARA Co-founder and Treasurer, Steven Soifer, MSW, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor at the Adelphi University School of Social Work. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including social welfare, social policy, community development, and clinical practice. He has taught extensively on topics such as community economic development, social policy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Dr. Soifer is a prolific author, with numerous publications on community development, housing, banking, policy interventions, and CBT for social phobia. His expertise in program assessment and evaluation is demonstrated by his work on various projects and grants, including an extensive study of affordable housing. Dr. Soifer is a pioneer in using technology in research, teaching, and social service. He is the co-founder and CEO of the International Paruresis Association (IPA) since 1996, past President of the American Restroom Association, and Co-Director of the Shy Bladder Center. Under his leadership, the IPA has achieved national and international recognition. Learn more about Dr. Steve at https://stevensoifer.net/
Kim Kenslar-Prager , ARA Secretary
Kim Kenslar-Prager is a travel enthusiast and aspiring blogger launching “The Traveling Granny,” a platform dedicated to inspiring travel at all scales. With a decade of experience as a travel agent, Kim brings insider knowledge and a passion for exploration, from international adventures to local discoveries. Inspired by her grandchildren, she aims to showcase the richness of travel, highlighting unique destinations, diverse cultures, and memorable experiences for all ages. “The Traveling Granny” will offer insights into travel planning, cultural immersion, and finding adventure close to home. While currently balancing part-time work and other projects, Kim is passionate about restroom access for those with disabilities. Beyond her travel pursuits and work with the ARA, Kim enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
Merilee Karr, MD, ARA Board Member
A writer, doctor, historian, and gardener, Dr. Merilee Karr is a passionate advocate for public health and equitable access to sanitation. As a board member for both the American Restroom Association and PHLUSH (https://www.phlush.org/), she champions the importance of clean, safe, and accessible restrooms for all. Her work with these organizations focuses on raising awareness about the critical role of public restrooms in community health and well-being, and advocating for improved restroom infrastructure and policies. Merilee brings a wealth of experience in community organizing and public health advocacy to her role, working to educate and empower communities to demand better restroom access. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships between public agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create lasting solutions to the challenges surrounding public restroom access. Merilee believes that access to sanitation is a fundamental human right and strives to ensure that everyone has access to dignified and hygienic facilities.
Jody Lin, Architectural Designer, ARA Board Member
Jody Lin is an Architectural Designer with Aria Group and a passionate advocate for accessible and inclusive design. As a board member of the American Restroom Association, she champions the importance of well-designed public restrooms that meet the needs of everyone. Her work focuses on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and equitable. Jody believes that thoughtful design can positively impact public health and well-being. Beyond her professional work, Jody is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the significance of inclusive design principles within the broader architectural community and beyond.
Bruce Pitts, BSMET, ARA Board Member
Bruce Pitts brings a background in architecture and engineering to his work with the American Restroom Association. He is actively involved in advocating for code changes to the International Plumbing Code, particularly regarding public restroom accessibility. Working alongside fellow ARA members and the American Institute of Architects’ Executive Committee, he played a key role in proposing and implementing the change to allow single-user toilet rooms to be designated as gender-neutral. This change was successfully incorporated into the 2018 edition of the code (Section 403.1.2). Mr. Pitts believes that these single-user, gender-neutral restrooms represent the future of public restroom design, offering increased accessibility and inclusivity. He is passionate about improving public restroom standards and promoting equitable access for all. His website, http://peeshy.50megs.com/, offers further insights into his perspectives on restroom design and accessibility.
Amith Saligrama, University Student, ARA Board Member
Amith Saligrama is a Stanford University student and an advocate for accessible and equitable restroom access. He serves on the board of directors for the American Restroom Association, where he contributes to initiatives promoting improved restroom standards and design. His work focuses on raising awareness about the importance of inclusive restroom facilities for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, disability, or other needs. At Stanford, Amith pursues his academic interests while actively engaging in community outreach and advocacy related to public health and accessibility. He is passionate about creating environments that prioritize dignity and comfort for everyone. He believes that access to clean and safe restrooms is a fundamental right and strives to make a positive impact through research, education, and policy advocacy. See Amith’s inspiring story here on PBS’s Stories From the Stage: Amith Saligrama’s Bathroom App Answers “Where Do You Go When You Want to Go?”
Bryant Simon, PhD, ARA Board Member
Bryant Simon, Ph.D., is a Professor of History at Temple University and a member of the American Restroom Association Board of Directors. His academic work explores a wide range of topics, including American social and cultural history, urban studies, and consumerism. Dr. Simon is a prolific author whose books have garnered critical acclaim. His notable works include “Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City,” which served as the basis for the HBO series of the same name, and “A Really Useful Guide to Natural Rubber.” His scholarship delves into the social forces that shape our world, from the rise of consumer culture to the complexities of urban life. Dr. Simon’s contributions to the American Restroom Association reflect his broader interest in how seemingly mundane aspects of our environment, like public restrooms, can reveal deeper social and cultural meanings. He brings his analytical skills and historical perspective to the organization, advocating for improved restroom access and design.
Support Staff
Candace Blue, ARA Program Manager
Candace Blue is the Program Manager for the American Restroom Association, where she leverages her diverse skills in research, social media management, CRM, and online content development. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her self-owned business, BlueCare LLC, inspired by her father’s legacy of community service. Candace’s background includes experience in client services within the finance industry and extensive freelance work encompassing website management, organic sales, and K-2 Montessori Spanish instruction. She also brings valuable experience from her time as a contracted content producer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Technology Director at Christ Methodist Day School in Memphis, TN and as an Associate Producer at CNN.com. She values motherhood, travel, and somatic yoga practices. Candace holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Japanese Concentration from Hollins University.