EXECUTIVE BOARD

Founder and President: Wayne Connell, BA

Wayne has an extensive background in retail sales, management and telecom engineering. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. Wayne also has further training in many areas of business and speaking. Wayne has been married to Sherri since 1994. They do not have any children, because of Sherri's illness, but they do have an adorable Shih-Tzu named, Snickers and 3 entertaining goats. People are surprised when they find out Wayne asked Sherri to marry him, despite her disabilities. Wayne just knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sherri, even if it meant dealing with pain and suffering. However, Wayne had no idea that his decision would lead to having a heart for all who live with chronic illness and pain. Wayne's desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. Wayne has seen so many friends and families torn apart by chronic conditions. This is why he founded this organization, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate. His desire is to reach out to this community through speaking engagements, booklets and articles to help bridge the gap of understanding and support. He has already heard countless stories of how IDA has helped loved ones reunite their disengaged relationships and he yearns to continue on this journey with The Invisible Disabilities Advocate.

Vice President: Carole Mitchell

Carole is retired from a career of fashion modeling and marketing, radio advertising and commercial/residential property management. Her most recent accomplishment was founding an organization for Singles 50+ in the Metro Denver area, that grew very quickly to over 500 members. Carole's pride and joy of her life are her children and grandchildren. Carole knows first hand about Invisible Disabilities, because both she and her daughter struggle with debilitating illness. 

Secretary: Ali Garrett, RN, BSN

Ali graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked at The Children's Hospital and has continued her career in Pediatric nursing in a variety of clinical areas. Currently works as a nurse at The Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO. She has volunteered in the Winter Park National Center for the Disabled Ski Program, volunteered for safety and  immunization fairs, taught many classes for the community and hospital personnel, and especially enjoys being an advocate for children and parents of children with disabilities. Ali is very excited to serve as a first time board member and have an impact on people's lives dealing with chronic pain and illness.

Treasurer: Ginger Goins

Ginger has led an eclectic life with travel as a child of a military parent, as a Navy Wave during the Vietnam conflict and as a spouse of a Navy husband. She also owned her own advertising agency in Phoenix for 10 years and has run sales forces in various companies until her "semi-retirement." Ginger has been married to her husband, Jamie for over 35 years and are enjoying their three children and five grandchildren, all of whom live from Oregon to New York. Ginger joined the board because she discovered that the relationship she has had with the Connells has been an eye-opening experience to the needs of those dealing with on-going health issues. Ginger is in the "season of life' of helping her offspring as well as being a special caregiver to aging family members. Her years as a Hospice volunteer has given her a special heart for those who suffer from chronic illnesses.

Kris Harty is an inspirational keynote speaker and author who shares her life story to encourage and educate. Her ability to persevere through challenges and overcome obstacles with grace, style, resilience, and unexpected humor lend impact to her life-changing message: Stick to it no matter what! Kris is Strong Spirit Unlimited, the company and the attitude. Kris is the Founder & President of Strong Spirit Unlimited.

Board Member: Rick Watson

Rick Watson, a founding partner of MEMORY BRIDGING, Inc., is focused both professionally and personally on improving the quality of life and mental acuity of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, stroke and brain injury. His work creating therapies to improve mental health care for Alzheimer’s patients led to his recognition as a Champion in Health Care in 2007. Rick was drawn to his current work by his mother’s Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2002. In addition to his support of IDA, he also serves on the Professional Training and Public Awareness committee of SilverPrint Colorado, a non-profit, government and private-business collaboration making real the recommendations from the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. Originally from the Midwest, Rick moved to Colorado in 1994. He currently lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife Jennifer.