We see you. You are not alone! As a caregiver of an individual with Special Needs, it is just as important to support yourself as it is your loved one. This group is a safe place to share your worries, fears and joys. Or, just listen. This support group is led by Neuropsychologist, Dr. Kelly Wilder-Willis.
iStrive Community, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity incorporated in New Jersey
EIN-88-2040818
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Kathleen is a seasoned healthcare executive with 25 years of experience across home care, long-term care, and executive leadership.
As the founder of The Home Care Navigator, Kathleen offers families hands-on support and healthcare expertise to assist families in navigating complex care transitions by finding trusted in-home care for a loved one, ensuring no one has to face this process alone.
Kathleen specializes in skilled and non-skilled home care and access to essential medical services with the aim to empower families with personalized solutions and compassionate support during challenging times. Her background in customer service operations, loyalty building, and employee training enables her to deliver tailored, high-quality care solutions that prioritize the unique needs of every family she serves.
Kristi Evans is an accomplished professional with a diverse background. She holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of San Francisco and a BA in Communications from Southern Methodist University.
With a strong educational foundation, Kristi has built a successful career in various fields. Kristi’s expertise lies in business development, where she has not only started her own small businesses but also worked with many women owned small businesses to bring their ideas to market. Her entrepreneurial drive, combined with her natural proficiency for strategic planning has led her to a career in commercial real estate investment.
In addition to her business ventures, Kristi has shown a strong commitment to giving back to the community through her fundraising efforts. Her desire to assist those in need is evident in her leadership in multiple capital campaigns and various philanthropic events in Monmouth County.
Kristi’s most cherished time is spent with her daughters Helena & Avery and growing her faith at Tower Hill Church.
Brian is a graduate of Rutgers University, holding a BA in both Business Administration and Spanish. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience as a National Distributor of Lighting and Sanitary Maintenance, as well as commercial janitorial supplies, successfully managing a team of employees and generating revenue with many well known clients.
Brian’s deep understanding of procurement and negotiation has enabled him to secure competitive pricing with suppliers, leading to significant cost savings for his company. He also possesses valuable expertise in commercial real estate, including successful lease negotiations and property acquisitions. Brian’s strategic thinking skills and extensive industry contacts will be invaluable assets to our board as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Christine Matus was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey and to the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in 1995. She graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1992.
Dedicated to public service, Christine Matus is an active mediator with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, a volunteer for Caregivers, Inc., a Eucharistic Minister, she was a former member of the Central Ocean County Rotary and a former Board Member of the Ocean County YMCA. She was past President of 21Plus, Inc. and is the Chairwoman of MOCEANS, Inc.
A strong believer in giving back to her community, Ms. Matus has been involved in several pro bono work projects. She has served as General Counsel to non-profit organizations such as Mary’s Little Children, L.L.C. and Salatine Light Community, L.L.C. She is also the legal advisor to the Filipino American Medical Society, Inc., the Philippine Nurses Association of Ocean County and the Filipino American Association of Ocean County, New Jersey, Inc.
Kelly Wilder-Willis is a clinical neuropsychologist and the mother of a teenager with special needs, giving her a unique perspective on developmental disabilities. Kelly is passionate about individuals with ID/DD having opportunities to realize their potential and meaningful involvement in the community throughout their lifespan.
Michele Kersten is the co-founder/Treasurer of iStride Community. We are committed to providing services, resources and support to individuals with Special Needs and their families. With a deep, personal understanding of the challenges faced by the neurodiverse community, Michele is driven by a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and long-term stability for individuals with disabilities.
In response to the growing housing crisis affecting adults with special needs, Michele is also a key member of a development team working to create a neuro-inclusive neighborhood in New Jersey. This innovative community is designed to provide safe, supportive, and sustainable housing where neurodiverse adults can live with independence, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging.
Through her work, Michele focuses on bridging critical gaps in services, advocating for forward-thinking solutions, and building communities that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and quality of life.
Kim holds a Masters in Psychology, specializing in Consumer-Industrial research, and has worked in the field of market research, advertising and marketing communications. Kim is a mother to a daughter with a unique chromosomal syndrome that has impacted her intellectually and developmentally. As she looked to post high school, she realized adults with special needs (21+) have very limited opportunities to interact with peers and to be integrated in their community. Kim has spent the last few years doing extensive research about housing options, day habilitation programs, state and federal policies and care giving providers to understand best practices for our adult children. Kim’s efforts will continue to focus on advocacy and to bring awareness to this unseen and underserved population to ensure they have access to a variety of choices to meet their broad range of support needs and lifestyle preferences.