BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair - Sarah Israel-Nwaogu
For over 10 years, Sarah’s life has been defined by unwavering advocacy, intense medical navigation, and deep maternal devotion. Her journey as a primary caregiver began when her child, then six years old, was diagnosed with a life-threatening, complex medical disorder. Overnight, Sarah transitioned from a standard parenting role into a full-time medical coordinator and bedside caregiver.
Because of the severe nature of the illness, her child had to be withdrawn from traditional schooling. Sarah relocated alongside her child, living for years across specialized medical pediatric facilities and research hospitals—including extended stays at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During this period, her child also managed co-occurring developmental disabilities, requiring a delicate balance of continuous medication schedules, post-surgical rehabilitation, and intensive monitoring.
As her child began to mature, Sarah’s caregiving strategy evolved. With the primary illness gradually stabilizing into a phase of healing and active recovery, her focus expanded from acute survival to holistic development:
Educational Re-entry: Supporting her child’s transition back into structured academic and social environments after years away from a traditional classroom.
Targeted Developmental Support: Allocating time and energy to speech, cognitive, and occupational therapies to bridge developmental gaps caused by years of medical isolation.
Proactive Monitoring: Maintaining vigilant oversight to prevent medical regression or recidivism while managing ongoing treatment protocols.
Scaffolding Independence: Modifying support strategies as her child grows, fostering personal autonomy while ensuring the safety nets remain firmly in place.
Today, as her child looks toward completing their school years with renewed health and higher education, Sarah remains a steadfast partner in their journey. Her current mission centers on equipping the young adult with the tools, adaptations, and confidence needed to achieve their fullest personal and academic potential.
Secretary - Donna P. Ellis.
Donna is an administrative specialist, substitute teacher, and medical coding graduate with over eight years of experience managing busy environments and supporting classrooms.
Her professional skills are backed by a life built on dedication and deep empathy. For 32 years, she has been a proud mother and primary caregiver for my adult son with special needs, navigating the complexities of several forms of disabilities with strength and grace.
When Donna steps away from her responsibilities, she finds joy in the simple things: a captivating book and quality time spent on special outings with her closest family and friends.
Steven Ellis - (Board Member)
Steven Ellis is a dedicated self-advocate and community leader who brings a vital, lived perspective to the Board of Directors. As a 32-year-old individual with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Steven is deeply committed to ensuring that organizations serve their communities with authenticity, inclusion, and respect.
Supported by his family, including his mother Donna Ellis, Steven focuses his board service on promoting accessibility, expanding community engagement, and championing the rights of individuals with IDD. His unique insights help guide the board in making equitable decisions that foster true belonging and independence for all members of the community.
Vision Statement
"To cultivate a family-driven, compassionate ecosystem where every individual in our DDA programs is safely housed, fully integrated into sustainable communities, and empowered to achieve lasting independence through meaningful work."
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to provide safe, compassionate, and family-driven support through our
DDA programs. We dedicate ourselves to fostering independence, cultivating
sustainable community integration, and implementing an 'every individual guides his/her own care and services model,' which empowers them to thrive in their own unique way.'