Founder & President

My journey into advocacy for the disability community began at a young age, helping my sister navigate a world that wasn’t built for her. Growing up alongside my sister shaped the passion that would drive my professional career. I earned my degree in Special Education from NNU and spent seven years teaching Extended Resources. During that time, I gave birth to my son, Emmett, who was born extremely premature. As a result, he has multiple disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Disability.

Through my experiences as a sister, friend, teacher, and parent, I have witnessed firsthand that one of the most persistent and overlooked injustices for those with disabilities is not the condition itself but society’s lack of understanding and compassion. This creates a world that is as inaccessible physically as it is emotionally, spiritually, and socially.

At [brackets], my mission is to equip and empower individuals with disabilities, their families, and the community so that inclusion isn’t an afterthought but a fundamental standard that allows everyone to thrive.

Treasurer

My introduction to the Deaf community began in an unconventional way. Although I grew up in a small town without a visible Deaf presence, I was always drawn to American Sign Language. I saw it as a fun, beautiful, and dynamic language. When I began studying ASL, I discovered not only a powerful way to communicate, but also a vibrant and welcoming culture that reflects those same qualities.

During my studies, I learned that most deaf children are born to hearing parents. As I prepare to welcome my first child, I plan to include ASL in our home from the beginning, whether our child is deaf or hearing. I believe language should be accessible to everyone, and early exposure to ASL can help create stronger, more inclusive communication.

While I originally planned to become an interpreter, my path shifted. What has not changed, however, is my passion for the language and my desire to stay connected to the Deaf community. Although I do not consider myself fluent, I believe that when more people take the time to learn and engage, we build a world with fewer communication barriers and more shared understanding.

I am excited to be part of [brackets] and support its mission of inclusion and access. I have found that asking questions and showing genuine interest is one of the best ways to build relationships. Every Deaf person I have met has been welcoming and willing to share, and I hope to carry that same spirit into my work with [brackets].

Secretary

Living with a disability has shaped how I see the world and given me a unique vantage point to recognize the gaps in our communities and support systems. I have faced challenges that many people never have to think about, and those experiences have influenced my outlook, my passion, and my commitment to making a difference.

I believe disability is not something that should hold you back. It is not the end of the world—it is something unique to you, and it can become a source of strength. I have seen how powerful it can be to use your story to help others, and that is what I hope to do through my role at [brackets].

My goal is to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered to fully participate in their communities, including giving them access to reliable transportation and other basic needs that are too often overlooked.

There is a quote I live by: “In life,  you will have bad days and good days, but only you are in control of how the circumstances play out.” That mindset keeps me going, and I am proud to bring that perspective to the board of trustees at [brackets].