BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lorraine and her husband live in Gallatin and have three children, including two sweet boys who are neurodivergent, one who was born with congenital hydrocephalus.

Lorraine started the Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative in 2020 after noticing the need for an organization that would provide information, support, and local advocacy.  Lorraine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices as a psychotherapist and is working toward becoming a Certified Clinical Autism Specialist.

Chelsea is originally from Jacksonville Florida. She went to an Arts high school for vocal performance and moved to Tennessee in 2003 on a whim. She worked at Sam Ash Music where she met her husband. They were married in 2006 and now have 3 beautiful children together. EJ is 14 and was born with Down Syndrome. He continues to be a blessing and one of the best teachers Chelsea has ever had. Oscar and Ally are 12 and 10 respectively and attend Merrol Hyde Magnet School.

​

Chelsea attended Volunteer State College and graduated Cuma Sum Laude with a degree in Accounting. She has volunteered with many organizations from PTOs at all her kids' schools over the years to now gratefully serving the Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative as Treasurer.

Nicole lives in Gallatin and works as a developmental therapist in Sumner County. She has volunteered with Gigi's Playhouse and is a Sunday school teacher. Her passion is working with children and their families. 

 

Nicole has a masters degree in early childhood education and enjoys martial arts in her free time. 

Aimee and her husband live in Gallatin. She is a mom of two incredible kiddos; a teenage son who received a late diagnosis as a Level 1 Autistic and her young daughter with Down Syndrome who has had significant medical needs since birth and recently received her diagnosis of Autism. 

 

Aimee has immersed herself into the neurodiverse and special needs community learning as much as she is able and openly shares about her family's journey. She is a Sumner County Connector for the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee and stays busy running her kids to all their therapy and doctors appointments. She is an advocate for Autism and Down Syndrome acceptance in every space.

 

Her favorite quote is, "when we know better, we do better" - Maya Angelou 

Ali lives in Hendersonville and has two awesomely autistic boys ages 4 and 7. 

 

Ali taught special education in Metro Nashville schools for 7 years, and she is currently pursuing her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Stephanie lives in Hendersonville with her husband, four children and three pets. Their youngest son was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age, this empowered her to educate herself on what he would need to navigate his own unique journey.

 

 Early in her family's journey with their son she realized the investment needed to provide him with resources and tools to help him navigate his best life. The research and effort to get him all the best assistance created a desire in her to make this journey a bit easier for other families and ultimately to provide spaces where these families could seek support and advice.

Erica lives in Gallatin. She currently owns a  well-being firm focused on mental, social and emotional health with her husband who is a licensed professional counselor. She is an AUsome mom to a beautiful 4-year old neurodiverse daughter.  Erica joined the board with a desire to ensure all parents, families and youth have resources and guidance so they can thrive. She is an advocate for celebrating and bringing awareness to neurodiversity and diverse abilities! 

​

Erica received her Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University and for the last 11+ years her career has been devoted to sustaining high-performing programs throughout Tennessee, whose mission focused on education, re-entry, and employment support.

Email us to get the conversation started!

info@sumnercountyspecialneeds.org