Our Board of Directors

A woman, smiling, sitting at a teacher's desk that is cluttered with fun knick knacks and pictures

Mandy Thorn - President

Mandy Thorn brings over 20 years of dedicated experience working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently a Paraeducator at Humble ISD, Mandy excels in developing and executing daily schedules with visual supports, ensuring students gain essential job skills for their transition into the workplace. Her commitment to maintaining classroom and student schedules, as well as tracking behavior data and implementing behavior support plans, showcases her organizational prowess and attention to detail.

Previously, Mandy served as the Site Director for the YMCA, where she managed afterschool activities for over 30 students, adapting schedules and routines to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Her strong leadership and motivational skills ensured a smooth operation and inclusive environment for all participants.

Mandy studied Psychology at LoneStar Kingwood College and is a certified Para-Educator in Special Education. She is passionate about creating inclusive social opportunities, having organized numerous dances, social outings, and Sunday school classes for adults with special needs. Mandy's dedication to making everyone feel accepted and included is at the heart of her work, driving her to continually provide exceptional support and guidance to those she serves.

Jamii Hanney - Secretary

Jamii Hanney is a dedicated Transition Teacher at Mosaic in Humble, Texas, where she has been making a significant impact since August 2011. With a passion for helping adult students transition into independent adulthood, Jamii focuses on employability, independent living, and recreation and leisure skills. Her journey in special education began at Kingwood Park High School, where she worked from August 2004 to May 2011, teaching Life & Applied Skills to students with behavioral challenges and guiding them in career development. Prior to this, she served as a Life & Applied Teacher at Taylor-Katy High School.

Jamii holds a BS in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University and a Teacher Certification in Special Education from Texas A&M Prairie View. She is a certified Special Education Teacher, a role she has cherished since 2004. Jamii’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to special education have driven her to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all her students. Her dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential is evident in her work every day.

Marcia Callarman - Board Member

Marcia is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 35 years of nursing experience, including 13 years in nursing education. She is dual certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Nursing Education, and is known for efficiency, organization, and a keen attention to detail. Marcia currently serves as a Professor of Nursing and Clinical Coordinator at Lone Star College and brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in clinical settings, including ambulatory care, risk management, and nurse reviewing.

Marcia earned an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing from Lone Star College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas Medical Branch. She graduated in 2012 from Texas Woman’s University with a Master of Science in Nursing Education. She is an active member of various nursing organizations and has been awarded Nurse of the Year and Faculty Excellence during her career as a nursing professor. Marcia's commitment to nursing and education, and the recognition of peer achievements underscores the impact she has made in the field.

Sandi Reese - Board Member

Sandi Reese is a fifth-generation Texan, currently residing in Kingwood with her husband and two of their eleven children.

With nearly 25 years of experience advocating for individuals with special needs, Sandi remains dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities, particularly children and adults living with Angelman Syndrome (AS).

Her extensive advocacy roles include serving as a Board Member and Campus Representative for the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee at Leander Independent School District; Site Coordinator and Parent Faculty Member for the Texas Parent-to-Parent Medical Education Program; PATH Trainer and Facilitator for The Arc of Texas; Parent Advisor and Council Member for the Family Advisory Council at Dell Children’s Medical Center; and Member of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities in the City of Leander. Sandi has also written for Complex Child E-Magazine and provided guidance and support to hundreds of parents in the special needs community.

Sandi’s focus has always been on long-term, systemic change, not just immediate solutions. Her patient guidance has led to transformative experiences for dozens of healthcare providers and educators, who have gained invaluable insights into the realities of caring for people with special needs.

Through her deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with multiple disabilities, Sandi has become a powerful advocate for change. Her tireless efforts have opened minds, hearts, and doors, fostering better educational, healthcare, and governmental systems. She is known for her unwavering determination to improve the processes and culture of institutions, ensuring they better meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Christa Mahaffey - Board Member

Christa Mahaffey is an accomplished educator with nearly two decades of experience supporting students with special needs through personalized instruction, behavioral planning, and strong family and community partnerships. She currently serves as a Special Education Teacher in Humble ISD, where she mentors new educators and plays an active role in shaping inclusive learning environments.

Before relocating to Texas, Christa held several leadership roles in the Kern High School District in California, including Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant Program Specialist. In these roles, she developed and implemented multi-tiered systems of support, advised students on academic and career pathways, and led professional development across campuses.

Christa holds two master’s degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University—one in Educational Leadership and the other in Special Education. She is currently pursuing her Principal and Superintendent certifications. With a strong belief in collaboration and innovation, Christa brings strategic vision and deep classroom experience to her role on the board.

Cathy Mahaffey - Board Member

Cathy Mahaffey brings over two decades of administrative, HR, and payroll expertise, with a strong background supporting leadership teams and managing operational logistics in high-paced environments. Currently serving as an Office Administrator at Kirsch Roofing, she works directly with homeowners and project teams, overseeing customer data, scheduling, and internal coordination.

Prior to this, she served as Office Manager at Diversified Construction Solutions, where she handled all HR functions, including payroll, onboarding, and compliance reporting. Her role also included accounts receivable, certified payroll submission, and project closeout management, reflecting her deep understanding of both administrative systems and construction operations.

Her career includes executive support roles at Braun Electric and Rain for Rent/WOSCO, where she was responsible for travel coordination, expense reporting, event planning, and policy development. Her strengths lie in policy implementation, team-building, and process improvement. She is proficient in ADP, Kronos, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office.

After taking time away from the workforce to serve as a caregiver for her husband, she recently relocated to Texas and is excited to re-engage her talents in a meaningful and impactful role. Her resilience, professionalism, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any organization.