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.

Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health. She currently runs a private therapy practice, providing thoughtful, evidence-based care for each client. Kelley is also a mother of two adults who have different abilities. They have taught Kelley empathy, resilience, and the ability to find joy in small milestones

Randi serves as the Managing Partner of Rue Ward & Company, an accounting and bookkeeping firm. She is actively involved in the Mechanicsville Rotary and holds a position on the board of Hanover Safe Place.

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. 

Sydnee graduated from James Madison University in 2021 with a degree in Fine Arts and a concentration in Photography. She’s passionate about using her creativity to bring people together and make a positive impact. Along with her work at A Better Understanding and her many volunteer efforts, Sydnee loves spending time with her two dogs, Remi Rue and Coasta Blue, who never fail to keep life full of joy and adventure.

Payton Power is a dedicated social work student at James Madison University with a strong passion for helping others and building stronger communities. She’s actively involved in advocacy and service work, focusing on creating meaningful change through compassion and leadership. Through her volunteer efforts with Hanover Safe Place and the Mechanicsville Rotary Club, Payton has supported local families, community events, and outreach initiatives that promote safety, inclusion, and empowerment.

Melinda Smyth is a retired teacher of the deaf and early interventionist with over 30 years of 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. 

Anthony is a podcast producer and documentary filmmaker with a strong passion for disability awareness. He creates engaging content that highlights important social issues, blending his skills in production with his commitment to making a meaningful impact through storytelling.  

 For more than half a century, Sensory Santa Claus has been spreading Christmas joy to children and adults of all different ages and backgrounds. Santa has received specialized training for those on his naughty and nice lists who may have a disability including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s, and more. On top of his special sensory training, Santa is a member of a number of local and national clubs and organizations.  

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!

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.