Diversability Inc. Executive Board

Jamie ventured to Bend from the West side of the Cascades in 1997 and has been camping, skiing, kayaking and biking her way around the landscape ever since.  Jamie is a founding board member bringing over 25 years of governance and risk management perspective to Diversability Inc. As Lead Consultant of Solstice Consulting, LLC Jamie works with executive teams of companies involved in expansion efforts, restructuring personnel, revitalizing internal systems, and improvements to overall function. Jamie is connected to the diversability community through both family and friends, which has led to her involvement in the organization. The desire to ensure that individuals with diversabilities and their families have the resources needed to thrive in our community drives Jamie’s work.

Gretchen is an honorary founding board member of Diversability Inc. with 27 years of business administration experience in profit, non-profit and academic organizations. She moved to Bend in 2003 and received an MBA from Concordia University in 2013. Gretchen's son is affected by Autism and ADHD, opening her eyes to the difficulties he faces and the need to make sure he receives the services that accommodate his ability to learn and grow into the best independent man possible. In 2017 Gretchen was diagnosed with a disabling variant of Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, Gretchen has gained strength, awareness and a perspective she never expected, as well as an increased understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of diversabilities. Aside from her advocacy efforts, Gretchen loves spending time with her husband Brian, their combination of four children, and their two tiny chihuahuas (even though they bark a lot!).

Vanessa joined the Board in 2021 after volunteering as Facilitator of Sib Group. Vanessa graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a double minor in History and Psychology. Her drive and passion to work with kids and families with diversabilities comes from her close relationship with her brother Jason. Jason was born with congenital CMV, which contributed to physical and mental diversabilties. Jason and Vanessa created a deep bond from a young age and he has been a guiding light and force in her life. Vanessa draws inspiration from her parents who were critically involved in advocacy for developing long-term care options for Jason and others with diversabilities. She recently relocated from Bend, OR to Salt Lake City, UT, where she enjoys hiking in the mountains, practicing aerial yoga, and adventuring in the incredible desert landscape.