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Board of Directors

Kim Jarck

President
Founder, Parent and Disability Rights Advocate

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.

Michele Kersten

Treasurer
Founder and Parent

Michele is passionate about helping the Special Needs community and providing support for this underserved population. For 20+ years, Michele has provided 24/7 care for her son, Charlie, who is a young adult with autism. She has seen first-hand how Special Needs adults lack important resources to plan for long-term care. Michele has taken the initiative to develop a forever home for these individuals and foster a lifelong community. Michele is a graduate of Oregon State University. She resides in Fair Haven, NJ with her two children, Charlie and Annie.

Kelly Wilder-Willis, PhD

Secretary
Clinical Neuropsychologist

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.

Christine Matus

Board Member

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.

Brian Fields

Board Member

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.

Kristi Evans

Advisor

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.

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© 2022 iStrive Community, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity incorporated in New Jersey
EIN-88-2040818