Sherri is fueled by a deep-seated passion for ensuring every adult man and woman with intellectual disabilities discovers their forever home. Her motivation stems not from abstract empathy but from a personal connection - her two adult sons who dream of living independently in their very own home. Alongside Sherri, her family and an extended team are united in turning this dream into reality, not just for her sons but for their friends and others in similar circumstances. Together, they strive to foster independence, dignity and hope for a bright and secure future.

Eric Clement, a dedicated veteran of the United States Navy with 24 years of honorable service as a naval photographer, brings a wealth of experience and a heart for service to his role as President of LIvingHope. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Eric has a strong foundation in business and a deep commitment to making a difference. His career path has been marked by a passion for assisting veterans in need, having served as a Grant Management Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he worked tirelessly to make homes handicap accessible for those who have served our country. Beyond his professional life, Eric's unwavering dedication shines through in his over a decade of volunteer work as a Special Olympics coach and his two decades of service as a video director for his church. Eric's leadership is a driving force behind our LivingHope's mission to create positive change in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Michelle Shelley is a dedicated and compassionate member of the Board. Bringing a wealth of medical expertise, Michelle currently serves as a Registered Nurse in a renowned North Texas hospital. Her prior experience as an educator fuels her commitment to ensuring that all individuals are supported and provided opportunities to reach their full potential.

This drive is deeply personal; with two nephews who are intellectually disabled, Michelle seeks to create a world that allows them and others in similar circumstances, to thrive and live out their abilities to their highest extent.

As the Co-Chair of Finance, she leverages her knowledge and passion to make lasting contributions to LivingHope Communities. Her belief in the transformative power of the organization and her privilege to serve alongside an incredible team of board members underscore her dedication to our cause. 

Lynn Deckinger brings over 35 years of expertise in non-profit marketing, with a career defined by strategic vision, creative storytelling, and impactful leadership. As Secretary and Co-Chair of Marketing for Living Hope Communities, Lynn leverages her extensive experience in brand positioning, advertising design, and digital media to connect with audiences and drive meaningful change.

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Lynn’s career includes serving as Associate VP of Marketing at Wichita State University Foundation,  Communications Manager for the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she was celebrated for her ability to remain calm under pressure and execute high-profile events, such as the organization’s 25th annual meeting. She also played a pivotal role in the grand opening of Exploration Place, crafting its initial marketing plan. She is currently the Director of Brand Management for Grove9, a full-service marketing agency in Kansas. 

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A graduate of Friends University, Lynn holds a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in business administration and a minor in marketing and computer science. She has also dedicated her talents to community service, volunteering with organizations such as the United Way of the Plains, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Friends University Alumni Advisory Board.​

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Lynn's leadership and creativity have earned her recognition, including being named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Wichita Business Journal and a 2025 Marketing Awards recipient.

Lynn is married to Lance Deckinger, they have two adult children and two grandchildren. Devin and Drake Church are their nephews. 

Marchelle Peters brings over 25 years of experience in education, with a distinguished career dedicated to supporting students with exceptionalities. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, where she leads initiatives to enhance student success and equity.

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Prior to her current role, Mrs. Peters served as the Executive Director for Special Education Services in Katy ISD, where she also held leadership positions as Director for Specialized Programs and Assessments and as an Instructional Officer for LIFE Skills and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs. Her extensive experience also includes serving as a Diagnostician Coordinator in Spring ISD, a Program Specialist for Assessment and Inclusion in Tomball ISD, and a Diagnostician in multiple districts. She began her career as a Special Education teacher in Pasadena ISD, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advocating for students with diverse learning needs.

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Mrs. Peters holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Texas Tech University. Her expertise in special education, program development, and student advocacy continues to drive meaningful change in the field of education.

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In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering alongside her husband, and connecting with friends.

Kurt Podeszwa is a camping professional, speaker and educator. He has a bachelor’s degree in Education, and has spent much of his adult life working in outdoor and adventure education, with over 30 years of professional youth development and nonprofit management experience.

Kurt is the President of Camp Aranzazu (Ah ran’ zah zoo) a camp that serves children and adults with special needs and chronic illness in Rockport Texas, serving campers from Houston, San Antonio, and the coastal bend. Kurt is an accomplished presenter and author and the founder of Journey Consulting. Kurt has
held various positions within the American Camp Association, including the national board, and the National Standards Commission.

Kurt has three children, Salem, 26; Indigo, 23; and Kerryck, 22; and is married to Marchelle
Peters, who has three children; Brandon, 20; Bryce, 14; and Brea, 12.

The passion, the drive, the reason to make a difference all stems from Tabitha’s son
Tyler – A.K.A. “T-DAWG”. Tyler provides a sense of JOY everyday and allows his family
to look at life through the lens of simplicity.
Tabitha is a Wilkes Co. native and takes pride in her community and the growth that
surrounds it. She is a 2005 graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Advertising and Marketing. Tabitha started her career at Lowe’s
Companies, Inc. in customer service. After becoming a mom, Tabitha determined that
she wanted to spend more time with her family and a career change was necessary.

After transitioning, she has been at Wilkes Community College for 15 years and serves
as the Director of The Walker Center- Wilkes County’s premier venue for cultural
entertainment.

Tabitha’s passion is to help those in the autistic community and those with disabilities to
find their place and help them earn the respect they deserve.

Tabitha lives in the Traphill community of Wilkes with her husband, Jason, her son Tyler,
and her two dogs Goose and Cora Jane. She appreciates the support she has from her
family and is grounded in her faith.

Jennifer B. Lewis is a North Carolina native and seasoned real estate attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. A sole practitioner based in Wilkesboro, NC, Jennifer focuses her practice on real estate and estate planning and leads a dedicated team of four employees. She was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1993 after earning her law degree while working full-time in the banking industry.

Jennifer began her career with a large commercial bank, where she also taught banking and life skills in local middle schools through Junior Achievement-an early demonstration of her lifelong commitment to education and community service.

She has served as Legal Counsel for the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce for over two decades and has been an active member of Rotary International since 2005, currently chairing the Family of Rotary Committee. Her passion for service is also reflected in her past board membership with Habitat for Humanity and her ongoing involvement in committees at First United Methodist Church of Elkin.

Jennifer lives in State Road, NC, with her husband and is the proud mother of two grown daughters and grandmother to two grandchildren. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, entertaining, and gardening. 

Dr. Karolen Bowman brings over 42 years of dedicated medical service to the Wilkes County community, with a career spanning pediatrics, family medicine, and advocacy for individuals with learning differences and Autism.

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A lifelong resident of Wilkes County, Dr. Bowman began her journey in medicine after graduating from North Wilkes High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science ('74) and a Medical Degree ('77) from Wake Forest University, followed by a Pediatric Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in 1980. She became board-certified in pediatrics in 1982.

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Throughout her career, Dr. Bowman has served in various leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Wilkes Regional Hospital (1987-1988). She spent 24 years as a pediatrician before transitioning to family medicine for 18 years, evolving her practice to support patients with learning differences and Autism as they aged into adulthood. Her dedication to her patients earned her recognition as a runner-up for the GlaxoSmithKline State Award for Pediatrics.

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Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Bowman has been deeply involved in the Wilkes County community. She is a lifelong member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, where she serves as an elder and choir member. She has also been a passionate advocate for early childhood education, helping Wilkes County become one of the first to participate in the Smart Start initiative.

Her community service includes 10 years on the Wilkes Community College Board of Directors, active membership in the North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club, and volunteering with WeBUILT Wilkes, a group focused on community development.

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Dr. Karolen Bowman is married to Dr. J. Thomas Bowman, and together they are proud parents to four children: John, David, Paul, and Kathren.​