Team

Marianne Georgiou is a wife, and mother of 3; one of who is a child with exceptional needs. With years of experience in the medical field and serving the special needs community, she is passionate about serving and advocating for those with exceptional needs. Born in Puerto Rico, she enjoys reading, DIY projects as well as cooking and baking. She speaks Spanish and enjoys learning about other cultures.

Marianne is passionate about awareness and education since they are essential to changing social and cultural stigmas as they lead to growth, acceptance and inclusion. She is driven by the fierce love for her children and the pursuit of what sets her heart on fire – to bring a voice to children while at play and empower them with the confidence to grow, learn and thrive to the best of their abilities. Every child deserves a voice! Marianne is always ready to lend a helping hand, collaborate, and share her experiences to best support the amazing community she serves.

Lauren Pardue is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Appalachian State University in 2009. She went on to obtain a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Carolina University in 2011. Lauren has worked exclusively in a pediatric private practice since 2011 and is excited for the opportunity to help serve the special needs community additionally through A Voice for All Foundation.

With years of experience in the financial industry, Kathleen Wilson is an amazing asset to our foundation. She has consistently found success though her effective communication skills and attention to detail. Not only does she handle our finances like a boss, she has the heart and passion for advocacy and the community we serve.

Nathaniel “Nate” Ryan serves as the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer for A Voice For All Foundation, where he leads national growth strategy, partnership development, and innovation in communication accessibility. He brings extensive experience in autism services, program development, and stakeholder engagement, positioning the foundation as a trusted partner in advancing inclusive solutions. His commitment to this mission is both professional and personal, shaped by his family’s experiences and a vision of building more accessible communities for all.  

Jessica Summers holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A.T. in Special Education. After beginning her career supporting adults with disabilities, she discovered her passion for working with children. She has served as a special education teacher, early intervention coordinator in three states, and most recently as a research coordinator for an NIH study on autism and ADHD.

In 2023, Jessica founded The Family Navigator to fill the gaps families often face when navigating a new diagnosis. She helps families interpret medical reports, prioritize next steps, create visual supports, and prepare for IEP and 504 meetings. Her mission is to provide practical, compassionate guidance and to collaborate with local agencies to ensure families receive the support they truly need.

Michele Chassner currently serves as the NC Regional Customer Relations Liaison for The Hope Center for Youth and Family Crisis, where she is proud to support the mission of providing care, resources, and hope to children and families in need.

Before relocating to North Carolina, Michele spent decades working in the nonprofit sector in New York, where her passion for community service and advocacy first took root. She served as a Domestic Violence Shelter Director for ten years and held several other roles dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Michele holds a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Psychology, which continues to guide her compassionate and purpose-driven approach to supporting others.

Captain Richard “Rick” Conerly is a seasoned law enforcement leader with over 18 years of experience dedicated to public safety and community partnership. He began his career with the Smithfield Police Department in 2007, serving in patrol, narcotics, and ultimately as Patrol Sergeant.

In 2018, he joined the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, where he advanced through roles in patrol, criminal investigations, and the Drugs & Vice Unit. Promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2020 and Lieutenant in 2023, he has led Field Operations and now oversees the Administrative Services Division, including Community Outreach and the School Resource Officer program.

Captain Conerly is one of two certified Drug Recognition Experts within the agency and a General Instructor in critical areas such as SFSTs, Civilian Active Shooter Response, Less Lethal Weapons, and Mobile Field Force tactics.

Committed to professional growth, he holds Intermediate and Advanced certifications from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division and is completing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration at Columbia Southern University.

Mackenzie Dolecheck is the Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. As a licensed and certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, she is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible, and engaging recreation opportunities for all. With extensive experience working with individuals across a wide range of disabilities, Mackenzie is dedicated to ensuring that every person feels valued and empowered to participate fully.

Morgan Register serves as the Director of Rehabilitation at Cole Pediatric Therapy, where she leads with compassion and expertise to support children in reaching their fullest potential. As a Feeding Specialist and Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Morgan is passionate about helping families navigate feeding challenges with evidence-based care and empathy. Her multidisciplinary background allows her to bridge the gap between therapy and family-centered support, ensuring every child receives personalized care that nurtures growth, confidence, and connection.