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Our Board of Directors
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.
Dr. James Williams - Member
Dr. James Williams is the Administrator for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), a division of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). Prior to serving as the Administrator of IVRS, Dr. Williams was the Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Consulting, a national provider organization specializing in providing vocational services, evaluations, and training to individuals with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and a Certified Special Education Teacher. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from
Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. He has had the wonderful opportunity to work in both public and private special
education with students of all ages in both teaching and administrative roles. His passion for the last 18 years has been, and always will be, providing transitional and vocational Pre-ETS services to students
with disabilities. He strives to use his professional and personal experience with ASD as a catalyst to inspire and educate others to believe in the incredible possibilities for adults and children with disabilities
when they receive the appropriate services and accommodations.