New Executive Director, Gail Loveland

The National Ability Center announced the hiring of its new Executive Director today. Gail Loveland joins the NAC following a five success-filled years at Outdoors for All in Seattle, Washington.

The NAC’s board of directors received interest from many qualified candidates across the country. Loveland’s experience working with people with disabilities and innovative strategies for community involvement led to her hiring at the NAC. Loveland helped Outdoors for All to become a Paralympic Sport Club – a designation shared by the NAC. She also volunteered with the International Paralympic Committee with 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Loveland was the Associate Executive Director at the Outdoors for All Foundation in Seattle, Washington. She says she attributes her passion for adaptive recreation to the incredible athletes, families and volunteers who never cease to surprise and inspire her.

Over the last fifteen years, Loveland has gained experience in the recreation and non-profit fields as a ski and snowboard instructor for Keystone Mountain, Education and Program Director for the Starlight Children's Foundation, and Board President of the Washington State Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse. Her free time includes outdoor activities, team sports, and cheering on her home teams like the Philadelphia Flyers.

Loveland graduated from the University of Vermont School of Business with honors and holds an Executive Certification in Non-Profit Management from Georgetown University.

Gail will start at the NAC on June 21st, and you can meet her at the NAC's free Community Open House and Paralympic Experience on July 17th. Mark your calendars!

TRAILS SCI Outdoor Expo Tomorrow

The 2010 Eight-week SCI Forum ends tomorrow at Liberty Park. This is TRAILS' Outdoor EXPO, and it is always a great time to learn about some of the adaptive sports that TRAILS sponsors and that their community partners (like the National Ability Center) provide. Dave Serbeck, one of the Forum participants will also be showing off the simple adaptations he has made to his 4-wheeler so he can drive it. Meet at Liberty Park on the west side just north of the tennis courts. Feel free to bring your family, friends etc. Even if you haven't been able to come to any other nights, please come to this one! There will be around 15 different stations for you to visit. A BBQ dinner will be provided. Please bring blankets, chairs, etc for the park. There should be adequate parking.

What: SCI Forum party

Where: Liberty Park (West side of the park, just North of the tennis courts. Enter the park from 900 South)

When: Tuesday, April 27th; 5-8pm

Should you have any questions. concerns etc please contact Lynette Ballard at 801-581-3142 or lynette.ballard@hsc.utah.edu.

Free NAMI Classes!

Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested in these two free NAMI classes that start next week.

Family to Family is for anyone who lives with or loves someone with a mental illness. This class gives family members tools for coping, communicating and understanding their loved one with a mental illness. The class provides education, resources and support. This class runs for twelve weeks beginning Thursday 3/25 6:30 pm at the new IHC Hospital located at Quinn's Junction. The class will be meeting in the private dining room off the cafeteria. To RSVP please call Deb Kirby at 435.649.1921.

Bridges is for adults ages 18 and older who have a mental health disorder. This class provides consumers with tools for coping, communicating and recovery. The class provides education, resources and support. This class runs for ten weeks beginning Thursday 3/25 6:30 pm at the People's Health Clinic conference room at their new location at Quinn's Junction. To RSVP please call Sherri Christensen at 435.731.6056.

Please RSVP right away!

Thanks for your help in spreading the word!

Wendy Mair
Wasatch-Summit Affiliate Director and
Child and Adolescent Resource Specialist
NAMI Utah
wendy@namiut.org
435.503.0432