Our Board of Directors

Jack has served on the Board for over 15 years. As the Executive Vice President of Housing, Development and ADA Services for Boley Centers, Inc. he brings a vast knowledge of the issues that face people with disabilities in the community. Jack is the Florida Affiliate of the Southeast ADA Center, a position he has held for 24 years. He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified ADA Coordinator. Jack has a Master of Arts degree from Ball State University.

Ross has worked in the disability field his entire 25 year professional career. Currently serving as Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) first Mobility Manager, Ross has worked for Epilepsy Foundation, was a founder of a Center for Independent Living (CIL), Independence Now in Silver Spring, MD, and served as a Diversity Trainer for AARP in Washington, DC. Ross also served as the City of Tampa’s first Disability Rights Coordinator. As PSTA’s Mobility Manager, Ross serves as manager of the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, DART service, and the Community Transportation Coordinator. Being a strong patron of public transit systems, Ross has firsthand experience of the successes and shortcomings of the system, making him a very effective manager. Ross’s role as an advocate for persons with disabilities and his work experiences makes him an excellent member of our board.

Kimberly comes to the Board with a strong accounting background coupled with fundraising experience and a passion for community involvement. As a Mobility Analyst for Transportation Disadvantaged for Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), she is responsible for Accounts Receivable, annual audits, payroll, human resources, and purchasing. Kimberly served on the Executive Board for the American Cancer Society fundraising and is active in the Federation of Inner-Community Organization.

Barbara has served on the Board at different times over the organization’s history. As the Senior Advocate/Investigator for Disability Rights Florida since 2001 she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board’s deliberations.

Mary has an M.B.A. with an accounting background, a Master’s in Theology, a Master’s in Christian Ministry and Renewal, and a B.A. in Theology and English. She taught 7-12th grade students in English, Religion and History and worked as a youth/young adult pastor. Mary has worked since December 2000 for Dr. Geoffrey Gibson as a part-time receptionist at RehabMed. She has completed the Partners in Policymaking advocacy training in 2012 and worked for nearly 10 years as the Secretary for A.F.I.R.E in Pinellas County.

Lynn has worked in the Orthotics and Prosthetics field for over 25 years. At the age of 30, she acquired an above knee amputation secondary to a motorcycle accident which occurred on May 2, 1993. Lynn is the founder of Lifelong Prosthetics. Lifelong Prosthetics’ mission is to educate Amputees and the Healthcare Team with the primary gaol of improving life after amputation. Lynn helps Amputees directly via education/advocacy, and indirectly by volunteering as a patient model for other members of the healthcare team including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Prosthetists. Lynn volunteers to speak with Amputees about life after amputation and the prosthetic process. She offers Prosthetic Coaching services to the other members of the healthcare team. Lynn is an Amputee Coalition Lead Advocate and a Fit Feet Examiner for Special Olympics Florida. She is currently a Florida Licensed and ABC Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist.

Jennifer joined the Board in 2013. She acquired her C6-7 incomplete spinal cord injury in 1998. Jennifer is an active user of an FES system and is the first woman to receive the implanted Stand and Transfer system. Jennifer is a silver medalist in the sport of sailing at the 2012 Paralympic Games and is the 2012 Yachtswoman of the Year, the first woman with a disability to do so. She has helped launch successful divisions in such organizations as Bombardier Capital and PC Connection, Inc. Her story is published in her book, On My Feet Again: My Journey out of the Wheelchair using Neurotechnology. With an MBA and her experiences in the disability community, she co-founded Neurotech Network, a non-profit organization focused on education of and advocacy to access neurotechnology; she currently serves as the Executive Director.

Gloria retired in 2000 after a 25 year career in the pharmaceutical industry due to increasing disability from MS. She began volunteering with community, MS and paratransit committees to apply marketing and research skills that she had from her work and educational experiences. Since moving back to Pinellas County, she served for 4 years on the PSTA Transit Riders Advisory Committee, has become a member of the Forward Pinellas Citizens Advisory Committee, and helps with administration of 2 MS support groups. She has also created a website and web-based business offering life coaching for people with new or worsening disabilities.

Helene recently retired from a 35 year career working in the Vocational Rehabilitation field.  She spent over 20 years working in the non profit arena overseeing and providing services to state Vocational Rehabilitation consumers.  She was also employed by Liberty Mutual for 13 years coordinating and providing services to injured workers. Helene is nationally certified as a Vocational Evaluator, Case Manager, Disability Management Specialist and Ergonomics Assessment professional. She is governed by the belief that all humans have the right to utilize their potential and achieve their optimum level of independence.      

John joins the board with a vast experience of dealing with students and adults with
disabilities. He has been a schoolteacher for 38 years. John taught for 20 years in the state
of Illinois. John has spent the last 17 years teaching in Pasco County Florida. John currently
works as an On- The -Job -Training Specialist at Cypress Creek High School.  On the
weekends John can most likely be found on a soccer field where he spends time refereeing
games at all levels. John holds a bachelor's degree in education from Rockford University
in Rockford Illinois and various certifications in Exceptional Student Education from
various Colleges and Universities from the State of Illinois.