The Joseph Maley Foundation is excited to formally announce and introduce seven new staff members, all of which have joined our team in recent months. We can’t wait for you to meet them at some of our upcoming events (Golf Outing, Crew Carwash fundraiser, Butterfly Ball – you’ll see them at some – or all – of these events), but we also want to give you the opportunity to learn a little more about each and every one of these exceptional new additions to our JMF family.
Erica Christie: Professional Development Manager
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
I have learned that the JMF staff, from top to bottom, is incredibly motivated and committed to our mission. It is exciting and inspiring to be a part of such a committed, passionate, and collaborative team of people. A highlight of my time at JMF so far has been watching a week of disABILITY Awareness programming. Seeing our program in action is truly impressive and energizing. I was delighted to see the ways that our program engages, stretches, and benefits all participants. Learning about JMF’s programming over the past month has solidified for me the incredible power of our work.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
Building on my previous work as a classroom teacher and curriculum developer, my position provides me with the exciting new challenge of creating meaningful professional development opportunities for educators, parents, and professionals in a variety of settings. I am thrilled to be developing this new program area to complement our existing programs and engage new and diverse audiences with our mission.
What is your “why JMF”?
I support JMF because I believe deeply in our mission to serve children of all abilities. As a teacher, I have seen first-hand the importance of teaching children about inclusion, acceptance, empathy, and social justice, and I have always sought to place these values at the center of my curriculum and pedagogy. Working with JMF allows me the opportunity to bring this powerful message to an even bigger audience, as I work with schools, businesses, and organizations across the city to provide professional development and adult learning opportunities.
Interested in professional development for your organization? You can contact Erica by email at: erica@josephmaley.org
Allison Cappella: HOPE Manager
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
I have learned there are so many individuals in our community that are truly interested in helping students in our area schools to succeed. There are so many caring administrators, counselors and teachers that want to create the best possible learning environment for their students to be successful. In order for that to happen they are working to ensure that they are taking care of the whole individual – not only their academics, but their physical, mental, social and emotional well being.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am really excited to launch all of our revised HOPE curriculum into schools this Fall – including classroom curriculum, Service Days, and parent and student speakers.
What is your “why JMF”?
I feel so blessed to work with the Joseph Maley Foundation. I truly believe we can make a difference in the lives of children we are serving – one child at a time. I believe that all children – regardless of their life circumstances- should be afforded the same opportunities, and I believe everyone at JMF is working very hard to ensure each child will feel supported, valued and connected to trusted adults. I want to be a part of an organization that helps individuals to achieve their full potential, and helps to create an environment where everyone can and should work together for the benefit of the children in our community.
Interested in bringing HOPE to your school or organization? You can contact Allison by email at: allisoncappella@josephmaley.org
Lauren McAllen: Program Associate
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
That there is always something new to learn. Collaboration is key and relying on coworkers for support is what gets you through the day.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am most excited about meeting all kinds of students at the different schools we serve. Each school and student has so much to offer. I am excited to master my tasks and then hopefully as JMF grows, share my skills with new coworkers. I am excited about the support, and flexibility I feel as a staff member at JMF. It provides me with peace of mind.
What is your “why JMF”?
I support JMF because the Foundation is doing something totally new and unique. Teaching kids about disabilities is vital. People fear what they do not know, or what they find different and JMF is giving these kids the skills and knowledge to go out into the community and make it better.
Hannah Hamilton: Program Associate
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
I have learned how important it is to be flexible and work as a team in order to be successful. Plans may change or situations may arise, but it is important to keep smiling and do the best you can.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am excited to meet more of our awesome speakers! I am also excited to continue helping spread awareness and acceptance of all.
What is your “why JMF”?
My “why JMF” is because I love helping to spread awareness for all abilities! I love having the opportunity to teach about inclusion, kindness, and empathy. My passion in life is working with individuals with disabilities, so I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to bring my outside experiences into the classroom to share with others.
Lexi Compton: Program Associate
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
At JMF you learn something new every day. It’s been amazing to meet new people, and see the way the kiddos react when we come in to talk to them.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am most excited to see how JMF is going to grow, and how I can grow with it as an individual. I cannot wait to continue to travel to different schools, and meet new people while spreading disABILITY and mental health awareness.
What is your “why JMF”?
“Love what you do, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” That saying could not be more true while working at JMF. The reason I chose JMF is because I don’t know anywhere else like it. Being here, I feel like I joined a family – not just a nonprofit.
Katrina Ornelas: Program Associate
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
Coming from a summer internship, to now a full time staff member has been a great transition full of support and filled with new experiences. I have learned that JMF lives and breathes the mission statement. Day in and day out our staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters make our mission possible. The amount of love, acceptance, and empathy every one has for one another creates the utmost family-like environment.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am most excited about having an immediate positive impact on Indianapolis. I have lived in this area for about four years and nothing compares to the feeling of working at JMF and seeing immediate results of our hard work. Every day we have people coming up and thanking us for serving not only children, but the community as a whole.
What is your “why JMF”?
As my summer internship came to a close I knew that I felt a purpose like never before with this organization. I worked within the Joseph Maley Family Support Program. This was one of the most inspiring times for me here at JMF and I did not want to lose my chance to feel this way again. I saw families’ lives changed because of our well-developed Family Support Program. The feeling of helping secure children’s rights are met is a type of excitement that is difficult to put into words. This is something I look forward to continue to do during my time at JMF.
Elizabeth Perez: Program Associate
What have you learned in your time at JMF so far?
I have definitely learned a lot in my time here at JMF. I would say what I was most surprised by was all the planning it takes, but how rewarding it is, to get to be in the schools and see the impact we are making.
What are you most excited about as a new JMF staff member?
I am most excited about continuing to grow and learn new things, and just seeing the little things that we do turn into bigger moments.
What is your “why JMF”?
JMF is something that I was introduced to when my sister was involved as one of the speakers for the disABILITY Awareness. I was able to take her to some of the talks and experience that side of JMF. Being involved in the community and especially the disability community has always been an important part of my life, especially growing up around my aunt who had Down syndrome. When I was approached about JMF I knew it was a way to continue to grow and evolve my involvement with the community and help to teach others to do the same.