Meet Our
Board of Directors

Deb schwartz - pRESIDENT

Debbie Schwartz joined our Board in 2021. She was a Special Education teacher for Brownstown Central Community School for 19 years and retired in 2021. Deb also retired from Indiana National Guard after 21 years of service. She is currently working at Hickory Hills Golf Course and also teaches independent living skills at the Jackson County Juvenile Home. Deb has been married for 39 years to her husband, Dan, and they have 2 children, Sean and Danielle, and recently adopted Dylan. Dylan also serves on our Arc Board as a self-advocate. Deb loves being involved in our community and giving back to others.

LAURA MERKEL - vp

Laura has been a board member since 2008. She has worked with people with disabilites, in both a professional and a volunteer capacity, for all of her adult life. After obtaining her M.A in Art Therapy, she moved to Jackson County, where she worked in various agencies, and retired from her job as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, after 14 years. Laura was born and raised in New York City, and currently resides in Brownstown, where her 2 sons and their families have also chosen to live. She is also kept busy with the activities of her 5 grandchildren, ages 20 years to 5 years old.

Wendy cash - secretary

Wendy has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2022. She is currently serving as Secretary.

Carla ault - treasurer

Carla has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2007. She is currently serving as our Treasurer.

beth white

Beth was born and raised in Seymour. Beth has served on our board since 2013. She has seen the progress that has come occurred since the late '60s with regards to Special Education and how services and care for our local handicapped citizens have progressed. A little over 30 years ago Beth and her husband were blessed with a gorgeous baby girl. Within 4 hours of her birth, she was at Riley Hospital. Beth and her family have maneuvered Early Intervention Services, Special Education Services within the school system, and then waiver services and caregiver challenges. Progress has happened all along the way, but there is still a lot that needs to be addressed for the disabled community. Beth desires to try and be a part of that continued progress for her daughter and other Jackson County people that need support.

stefani SPALL

Stefani Spall joined our board in February 2022. She has been a Certified Nursing Assistant for the last 15 years at Hoosier Christian Village. She loves caring for others and finds joy in seeing others grow. She also has been a participant in Relay For Life. Stefani has 3 children Dakota, Savanna, and Jackson. Her son, Jackson, is special needs and they both have participated in many activities The Arc of Jackson County has provided. She is excited to help others and improve the lives of people with disabilities.

jackie hare

Jackie Hare is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. She is the mother of two beautiful children, Noble and Georgia, and her dog Mac. Jackie enjoys her work in the community, and she is thrilled to have a career as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau that encourages her to volunteer and contribute to her community. In her free time, she goes camping and hiking with her kids. Jackie joined The Arc of Jackson County board because she is passionate about creating opportunities in our community for everyone.

sHELIE BRUMMETT

Shelie has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2015. Shelie is a Behaviorist and works with many people in our community.

barb nelson

Barb has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2013.

jim shepherd

Jim has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2007. Jim was President for several years. Jim is a Behaviorist and works with many people in our community. He is also the owner of Enhance, Inc.

lisa whitson

Lisa has served The Arc of Jackson County since 2022. She has been a direct service provider staff member for the past nine years, providing care for clients in Jackson and Jennings Counties. Lisa's journey serving people with special needs began with the birth of her daughter, Kourtni, in 1990. Kourtni was profoundly disabled and required complete care. When she passed in 1992, Lisa decided to devote her adult life to people with special needs. She has previously worked in the school, special needs classrooms, setting for 26 years.

anne scarlett

Bio

bill elmore

Bio

Self-Advocate Board Members

dylan bridges

Dylan Bridges joined our Board as a self-advocate in 2021. Dylan graduated from Brownstown Central High School in May 2021. Dylan volunteers at Hickory Hills Golf Course in Brownstown two days a week. He is learning how to play golf, loves to travel, and sees new places. Dylan is excited to be on the Arc Board as a Teen Advisor. Dylan wants to help others and make a difference in his community. Dylan has volunteered at social events for Mental Health America of Jackson County and The Arc of Jackson County for the past several years.

Jackson legg

Jackson Legg joined The Arc of Jackson County Board of Directors as a self-advocate in February, 2022. He is currently a Junior at Brownstown Central High School. He has been a volunteer at Hoosier Christian Village for many years and has also been a member of Relay For Life. Jackson has raised money for Riley Children's Hospital by making necklaces, bracelets, and key chains. He has been a participant to many activities sponsored by The Arc of Jackson County for the past four years. Jackson wants to help others like himself and to make a difference in the community.

Meet Our Board of Directors