Vanguard Landing is personal to me—not just professionally, but at my core. I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, and for nearly 40 years I’ve had the privilege of working alongside children and adults with different abilities, advocating for dignity, opportunity, and possibility. My career began in the classroom, where I spent 28 years as a special education teacher and later stepped into leadership roles supporting compliance, mentoring, and systems that truly serve people—not paperwork.
Throughout my career, one belief has always guided me: One Size Does Not Fit All, and you should never put a ceiling on anyone’s abilities. That belief didn’t come from theory—it came from lived experience, relationships, and watching what happens when individuals are truly seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.
Vanguard Landing represents the answer to a void I’ve witnessed for decades: the lack of thoughtful, intentional opportunities for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. This community isn’t just about housing—it’s about belonging, purpose, independence, and respect. As Admissions and Abilities Assessment Director, I take the responsibility seriously because every decision impacts a real person, a real family, and a future filled with possibility.
That’s why this fundraiser matters to me. When we support Vanguard Landing, we’re investing in people over paperwork, access over barriers, and potential over limitation. And that’s a mission I will always show up for—fully, thoughtfully, and with heart.