EXECUTIVE BOARD

Founder and President: Wayne Connell, BA

Wayne has an extensive background in retail sales, management and telecom engineering. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. Wayne also has further training in many areas of business and speaking. Wayne has been married to Sherri since 1994. They do not have any children, because of Sherri's illness, but they do have an adorable Shih-Tzu named, Snickers and 3 entertaining goats. People are surprised when they find out Wayne asked Sherri to marry him, despite her disabilities. Wayne just knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sherri, even if it meant dealing with pain and suffering. However, Wayne had no idea that his decision would lead to having a heart for all who live with chronic illness and pain. Wayne's desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. Wayne has seen so many friends and families torn apart by chronic conditions. This is why he founded this organization, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate. His desire is to reach out to this community through speaking engagements, booklets and articles to help bridge the gap of understanding and support. He has already heard countless stories of how IDA has helped loved ones reunite their disengaged relationships and he yearns to continue on this journey with IDA.

Vice President: Carole Mitchell

Carole is retired from a career of fashion modeling and marketing, radio advertising and commercial/residential property management. Her most recent accomplishment was founding an organization for Singles 50+ in the Metro Denver area, that grew very quickly to over 500 members. Carole's pride and joy of her life are her children and grandchildren. Carole knows first hand about Invisible Disabilities, because both she and her daughter struggle with debilitating illness. 

Secretary: Ali Garrett, RN, BSN Ali graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked at The Children's Hospital and has continued her career in Pediatric nursing in a variety of clinical areas. Currently works as a nurse at The Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO. She has volunteered in the Winter Park National Center for the Disabled Ski Program, volunteered for safety and  immunization fairs, taught many classes for the community and hospital personnel, and especially enjoys being an advocate for children and parents of children with disabilities. Ali is very excited to serve as a first time board member and have an impact on people's lives dealing with chronic pain and illness.

Board Member: Rick Watson Rick Watson, a founding partner of MEMORY BRIDGING, Inc., is focused both professionally and personally on improving the quality of life and mental acuity of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, stroke and brain injury. His work creating therapies to improve mental health care for Alzheimer’s patients led to his recognition as a Champion in Health Care in 2007. Rick was drawn to his current work by his mother’s Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2002. In addition to his support of IDA, he also serves on the Professional Training and Public Awareness committee of SilverPrint Colorado, a non-profit, government and private-business collaboration making real the recommendations from the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. Originally from the Midwest, Rick moved to Colorado in 1994. He currently lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife Jennifer.

ADVISORY BOARD

F. Marcus Brown III, Ph.D. - Psychologist Dr. Brown is a clinical psychologist who has been involved in professional work with elders since 1978. Since 1980 he has served as the senior psychologist for the Geriatric Treatment Unit of Connecticut Valley Hospital. Dr. Brown provides consultation and training to nursing facilities, hospitals and community organizations in New England and Florida. He is co-author of the Seniors' Guide to Life in the Slow Lane, a humorous look at aging; Changes and Challenges - Coping with Later Life, a program for normal elders living in facilities; and Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia and Depression in Older Adults...

J. Stephen Geraghty, MD - Family Practice 

Dr. Geraghty opened his practice, Geraghty Family Medicine, in 1999 in Centennial, Colorado. He was later joined by Dr. Lawrence Wilner. He specializes in family medicine and loves his work.

John R. Schultz, M.D. - Interventional Pain Management Specialist

Dr. Schultz earned his medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He has trained in anesthesiology, critical care medicine and pain medicine.  He is an active participant in the International Spinal Injection Society. Dr. Schulz is a new physician to The Centeno-Schultz Clinic, performing procedures across the Denver Metro area from Lone Tree to Broomfield. With over 18 years experience in medicine Dr. Schultz is a welcome addition to The Centeno-Schultz Clinic.