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.

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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.

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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.

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.

 

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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.

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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.

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Vanessa Rakestraw

Vanessa S. Rakestraw has been with the LEAP Project since it began.  She is a native Virginian, and obtained her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a person with a disability and has been employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Disability Policy Specialist.  She is now retired, but projects like LEAP keep her busy.  Her favorite thing about LEAP is meeting new people.