Alicia Atkins

Alicia Atkins has been involved in the LEAP Project since 2019.  Alicia was born in Richmond, VA.  She attended schools in Henrico, VA, and is currently a Henrico County School Board Member.  Her favorite thing about being a LEAP trainer is teaching people about healthy relationships and how to identify unhealthy relationships.

Susan Gayle

Susan has worked with Caroline County Public Schools for nearly 30 years as a Special Education Parent Teacher Resource Coordinator.  She is a parent of three children, one with a disability, and has been helping other families advocate for their children throughout the IEP process.  Susan has been a Certified Mandt Trainer (building healthy relationships) since 2006 for the schools and has been a LEAP trainer since it started in 2013. Her favorite thing about being a LEAP trainer is teaching others how to remain safe in all relationships.

Kelly Hickock

Kelly is the Community Services Manager for Resources for Independent Living, Inc. Kelly has a degree in Architectural Drafting & Design and Construction Management allowing her to work with design/build professionals directing numerous projects related to Architectural Accessibility, Universal Design and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Kelly’s favorite part of LEAP training is educating and empowering people to understand what is a healthy relationship and what it is not.

Casey Leon

Casey Leon has worked with adults with Intellectual Disabilities for over 25 years. She currently works to increase self determination, agency and self-advocacy efforts across programs. Casey's favorite thing about teaching the LEAP curriculum is helping individuals increase their understanding of healthy relationships and seeing their response to the empowering content.

Renée Soniat

Renée Soniat has a lifelong connection to the disability community, both personally and professionally. As Co-Director of the Family to Family Network of Virginia at VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities, she passionately leads initiatives that promote accessibility, self-advocacy, and safety. She also coordinates the iCAN! Accessibility Project and the Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) Project. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Sociology at VCU, her research focuses on social trends that inform prevention strategies for at-risk communities. Above all, Renée finds her greatest joy in her family.

Tracy Wade

Tracy Wade is a secretary and receptionist at Hermitage Enterprise. In her spare time, she loves watching football. Tracy’s favorite part about LEAP training is doing the power statement.

Taylor Thomas-Harris

Taylor has experience supporting people  in health literacy and healthy relationships. Taylor's Cerebral Palsy and use of a wheelchair enable her to be a thoughtful advocate for herself and other people with disabilities. Taylor has been employed as a Direct Support Professional with SOAR 365,and she is inspired to pursue a future career in social work, due to her desire to make a difference in the lives of those who have disabilities.

Taylor is currently accepting engagements as a motivational speaker. Taylor’s  favorite thing about being a LEAP trainer is working alongside amazing people and helping individuals with disabilities understand different relationships we have with people in a healthy way.

Rose Sutton, M.Ed, PRS, FSP

Rose Sutton, M.Ed, PRS, FSP  is currently the director of the Autism Society of Northern Virginia and the mom of three young adults. Rose’s favorite part of being a LEAP trainer is teaching people that they are the center of their world.

Nicole Rada

Nicole has been an advocate and professional in the disability field for more than 20 years. She has collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement programs that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.  She is passionate about working to improve the lives of people with disabilities and helping people with disabilities advocate for themselves. Her favorite thing about LEAP training is being able to interact with people while teaching them about healthy relationships.

Britney Lee

Brittney Lee is part of Richmond Residential Services, Inc. Brittney’s favorite part of LEAP is being able to teach LEAP and going over the 'Power Statement'. Its a great reminder for folks to remember that everyone's feelings are important and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. 

Wanangwa Mkandawire

Wananagwa is part of Richmond Residential Services. Her favorite thing about LEAP is being able to learn how to identify and navigate healthy relationships. It is fun watching participants engage in the material that we go over seeing their confidence build throughout each session

Jay Ferrell

Jay is part of Richmond Residential Services. He likes LEAP because it teaches individuals what to look out for to keep themselves safe in relationships. It also teaches them who they can contact if they ever need help in an unsafe situation.

Lyniece Smith