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

Secretary
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

Board Member
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.

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