To help create a community that encourages awareness, acceptance, acknowledgement, and advocacy, with and for our friends who have different abilities.
To provide community events for our friends with different abilities, educate the public, support families, and recognize the contributions of individuals and companies who are making a difference in our community
President
Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor, working in mental health counseling for over 20 years. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and works with clients who are often in crisis. She is the mother of two adults with different abilities.
Vice President
Tim is a 30+ year veteran in law enforcement, who travels throughout the country to educate officers about different abilities. He developed a curriculum to train officers to properly and safely interact with individuals on scene. He is involved in community activities supporting those with different abilities.
Treasurer
Randi is Managing Partner of Rue Ward & Company, an accounting and bookkeeping firm. She is active in the community, serving on the board at Hanover Safe Place, and she is President of the Mechanicsville Rotary.
Secretary & Special Events Chair
Lynn comes with 30+ years of experience within the Inpatient, Outpatient, Emergency and Military realms. She is a retired Navy Hospital Corpsman & Army Combat Field Medic with 22 years service. She was awarded the Bronze Star as an Army Medic. She enjoys interacting with, supporting & appreciating those with different abilities of all ages.
Social Media Chair
PJ Morrissey is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he is majoring in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. PJ spent his teenage years volunteering at a local rescue squad, and is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. PJ is an advocate for those with different abilities, and he's wo
Social Media Chair
PJ Morrissey is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he is majoring in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. PJ spent his teenage years volunteering at a local rescue squad, and is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. PJ is an advocate for those with different abilities, and he's worked with the Special Olympics, Special Father's Network, and other organizations.
Education Chair
Melinda Smyth is a retired teacher of the deaf and early interventionist with over 30 years experience in deaf education. She is a member of the Virginia Network of Consultants (VNOC) which provides consultant services directly to Virginia school divisions and state operated programs to promote and enhance educational serv
Education Chair
Melinda Smyth is a retired teacher of the deaf and early interventionist with over 30 years experience in deaf education. She is a member of the Virginia Network of Consultants (VNOC) which provides consultant services directly to Virginia school divisions and state operated programs to promote and enhance educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing including staff development training for school/program personnel as needed.
Long time Mechanicsville businessman Paul Dorn ran Colonial Body and Paint Shop for 43 years. He volunteers in the community, and is a member of Mechanicsville Ruritan Club.
Emily is a young adult with Cerebral Palsy, and is the CEO of a local business, Emily's Bracelets. Her business harnesses her unique ability of making bracelets -- something she has been doing since she was very small. Emily has also competed in Bocce Ball at the Special Olympics. Emily never lets anything get in the way of her success!
Jeff Katz is a well known radio personality, who hosts The Jeff Katz Show on WRVA radio in Richmond. Jeff served as a law enforcement officer prior to his successful career in radio, and he is the father of an adult daughter with different abilities.
Mike Sitton is an attorney who specializes in family law. He serves as a guardian ad litem for children in the court system, and is regularly a court-appointed attorney for families who need legal guidance. He also mentors kids who are at risk of being caught in the criminal justice system.
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