MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Lorraine and her husband live in Gallatin and have three children, including two sweet boys who are neurodivergent, one who was born with congenital hydrocephalus.

Lorraine started the Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative in 2020 after noticing the need for an organization that would provide information, support, and local advocacy.  Lorraine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices as a psychotherapist and is a Certified Clinical Autism Specialist.

Chelsea is originally from Jacksonville Florida. She went to an Arts high school for vocal performance and moved to Tennessee in 2003 on a whim. She worked at Sam Ash Music where she met her husband. They were married in 2006 and now have 3 beautiful children together. EJ is 14 and was born with Down Syndrome. He continues to be a blessing and one of the best teachers Chelsea has ever had. Oscar and Ally are 12 and 10 respectively and attend Merrol Hyde Magnet School.

​Chelsea attended Volunteer State College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting. She has volunteered with many organizations from PTOs at all her kids' schools over the years.

Aimee and her husband live in Gallatin. She is a mom of two incredible kiddos; a teenage son who received a late diagnosis as a Level 1 Autistic and her young daughter with Down Syndrome who has had significant medical needs since birth and recently received her diagnosis of Autism. 

Aimee has immersed herself into the neurodiverse and special needs community learning as much as she is able and openly shares about her family's journey. She is a Sumner County Connector for the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee and stays busy running her kids to all their therapy and doctors appointments. She is an advocate for Autism and Down Syndrome acceptance in every space.

Erica lives in Gallatin. She currently owns a  well-being firm focused on mental, social and emotional health with her husband. She is an AUsome mom to a beautiful 4-year old neurodiverse daughter. 

Erica joined the board with a desire to ensure all parents, families and youth have resources and guidance so they can thrive. She is an advocate for celebrating and bringing awareness to neurodiversity and diverse abilities! ​Erica received her Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University.  

Ali lives in Hendersonville and has two awesomely autistic boys ages 4 and 7. 

Ali taught special education in Metro Nashville schools for 7 years, and she is currently pursuing her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Nicole lives in Gallatin and works as a developmental therapist in Sumner County. She has volunteered with Gigi's Playhouse and is a Sunday school teacher. Her passion is working with children and their families. 

 

Nicole has a masters degree in early childhood education and enjoys martial arts in her free time. 

Sara lives in Hendersonville with her husband Russ, their two children, and two dogs. Sara homeschools her son, who has autism and other diagnoses.

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Sara owns an online store, holds board and leadership positions with four nonprofit organizations, and loves helping in the community. She earned an economics degree from the University of Tennessee and a copyediting certificate from the University of California, San Diego.

Would you like to make a difference in Sumner County?

 

We'd love to chat about how you can use your skills and passion to make Sumner County more livable for people with special needs, disabilities, or neurodivergence.