TEAM DBNR

Wesley Hamilton

Executive Director

Wesley Hamilton

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Disabled But Not Really (DBNR), my professional journey traces its roots to personal adversity. Having been a victim of gunshot wounds that resulted in a spinal cord injury, I embarked on a life-altering path, navigating both my physical disability and emotional depression. But, as a single father to my precious daughter, Nevaeh, I found the motivation and resilience to transform from a victim to a victor. Harnessing the power of fitness and nutrition, I became empowered and began to flourish personally and professionally. As a father and potential role model, I drew motivation and, in turn, pursued adaptive athletics, spreading a message of positivity and resilience. In 2015 I founded the Disabled but Not Really. The passion I bring to DBNR is palpable, evident in its continuous growth and the impact it makes. DBNR actively participates in community events, advocating the significance of mental and physical health in surmounting life's challenges. Moreover, we have amplified our scholarship program to empower disabled individuals to improve their fitness and nutrition, enhancing their overall well-being. Our goal at DBNR is to raise awareness and inspire change, hope, and resilience in every life we touch.

Email:info@dbnrkc.org

Ashley Walker

Administrative Assistant

Ashley Walker

Administrative Assistant

Ashley Walker is an empathetic Administrative Assistant at the Disabled But Not Really Foundation. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations and CRM, she's a brilliant communicator with a passion for inclusivity. With a background in the Fitness Industry, Ashley inspires resilience and strength.

Email:info@disabledbutnotreally.org

Payton Nowlin

Adaptive Fitness Instructor

Payton Nowlin

Adaptive Fitness Instructor

Payton Nowlin is a fitness coach and Occupational therapist. She is passionate about helping people lead happy, healthy, independent lives. Payton has experience teaching people of all ages and abilities through fitness and has worked as a personal trainer and group fitness coach since 2015. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and participating in obstacle course races for fun. Payton is a northwest Kansas native, glad to call Kansas City her home. Growing up in a small rural community, Payton realized how disparities can impact one’s life. Her goal is to make fitness fun and accessible for all and to promote better health outcomes for future generations. CFSC, NASM-CPT, AIT

Email:pnowlin@disabledbutnotreally.org

Keyonna Pitchford

Program Director

Keyonna Pitchford

Program Director

Keyonna Pitchford is a certified holistic patient advocate, consultant, and speaker with over five years of experience in healthcare advocacy. Strengthened by her personal journey, she’s gained deep insights into the critical need for full-life wellness and the challenges posed by misalignments in traditional healthcare systems. Keyonna is dedicated to empowering patients to find clarity, peace of mind, and a sense of agency as they navigate their healthcare journey and co-create their new normal. In addition to her advocacy work, Keyonna serves as the Program Coordinator for the HMFC team. In this role, she is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the 12-week challenge program, ensuring a positive and impactful experience for all participants. Her responsibilities include program planning, participant engagement, logistics, communication, and evaluation, with a strong focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.

Email:programdirector@disabledbutnotreally.org

Jim Summers

Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator

Jim Summers

Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator

Jim Summers is an experienced leader with over 25 years in program development, volunteer management, and community outreach. He has directed multi-million dollar initiatives with partners like The Boeing Company and The Walt Disney Company, and has a proven track record in building strong community partnerships. Jim’s passion for connecting people and resources makes him an invaluable asset in expanding our impact and strengthening volunteer engagement.

Email:volunteer@disabledbutnotreally.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Melanie Kizine

Director of Advocacy

Melanie Kizine

Director of Advocacy

Melanie is an entrepreneur and dedicated mother who has devoted her life advocating for special-needs children. Her journey began when her son faced a birth injury and was diagnosed with a disability. Through this experience, Melanie quickly became aware of the challenges families face while navigating the healthcare system and accessing support services in education. Driven by a determination to create change, Melanie actively volunteered at her local children's hospital, providing much-needed comfort and support to families during their most difficult moments. She also took to the stage, sharing her narrative and connecting with families to raise awareness about the unique needs of disabled children. Through her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, Melanie has earned a respected position as a vital voice within the special needs community. Her advocacy work has garnered recognition and respect as she continues to impact the lives of those she encounters profoundly. Looking ahead, Melanie's vision extends to collaborating with legislators and healthcare professionals to improve family services. She aims to ensure that all families navigating similar journeys receive the support and resources they need to thrive. With her invaluable insights and unwavering dedication, Melanie brings a wealth of experience to her role as a board member at Disabled But Not Really. Her understanding of the challenges faced by families and her ability to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences makes her an asset to the organization. Melanie's passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and firsthand knowledge position her as a valuable contributor to the mission of Disabled But Not Really. Her professional expertise and personal experiences will drive positive change and further the organization's impact on empowering individuals with disabilities. In summary, Melanie is an extraordinary individual who has become a prominent advocate for special-needs children through her journey as a mother and entrepreneur. With her sights set on improving family services and collaborating with key stakeholders, she is poised to make a lasting difference within the special needs community. Melanie's dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to Disabled But Not Really as a valued board member.

Email:directorofadvocacy@disabledbutnotreally.org

Dr. Ashley D. Smith

Director of Mental Health and Wellness

Dr. Ashley D. Smith

Director of Mental Health and Wellness

As Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Ashley J. Smith will play a crucial role in enhancing the mental well-being of individuals with disabilities. Through her leadership, the Disabled But Not Really Foundation will provide comprehensive mental health support, helping individuals build resilience, achieve psychological strength, and live fulfilling lives.

Email:mentalhealth@disabledbutnotreally.org

Kasey Reed

Director of Partnerships

Kasey Reed

Director of Partnerships

Kasey Reed brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt passion to the Disabled But Not Really Board of Directors. Born and raised in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, a small town just outside Kansas City, Kasey has always valued community and made a positive impact. After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 2015, Kasey pursued his studies in Finance and Economics at The University of Central Missouri. His educational background has equipped him with a strong understanding of financial matters and strategic decision-making. Kasey currently works as a trade-finance analyst at Hostess Brands. His professional expertise and keen analytical skills make him a valuable asset and advisor to the Disabled But Not Really. Kasey's connection with the organization runs deep. Witnessing the transformative journey of his younger sister, Kassidy Reed, who became involved with Disabled But Not Really a few years ago, Kasey experienced the profound impact the organization can have on individuals and their families. Motivated by his sister's experience and inspired by the Disabled But Not Really mission, Kasey is determined to contribute to the organization's ongoing success. He believes in the message Disabled But Not Really brings to the public's eyes and the positive change it brings to countless lives. Kasey's dedication, financial acumen, and genuine passion ensure that he brings valuable insights and unwavering support to the organization. With his guidance and commitment, Disabled But Not Really will continue to thrive, empowering individuals and spreading a message of inclusion and resilience to the world.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
Email:directorofpartnerships@disabledbutnotreally.org

Tom Knaus

Director of Fundraising and Program Development

Tom Knaus

Director of Fundraising and Program Development

As Director of Fundraising and Program Development, Tom Knaus will leverage his expertise and passion to drive the growth and success of the Disabled But Not Really Foundation. His leadership will ensure that the foundation continues to expand its reach, impact, and ability to empower individuals with disabilities.

Email:fundraising@disabledbutnotreally.org

Linda Johnson

Director of Community Engagement and Disability Services

Linda Johnson

Director of Community Engagement and Disability Services

As Director of Community Engagement and Disability Services, Linda Johnson will lead the Disabled But Not Really Foundation in expanding its reach and impact within the community. Her efforts will ensure that individuals with disabilities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, have access to the services and support they need to thrive. Through her leadership, the foundation will continue to build inclusive communities and advocate for meaningful change.

Email:community@disabledbutnotreally.org

Lisa Golden

Director of Events

Lisa Golden

Director of Events

As Director of Events, Lisa Golden aims to create impactful and memorable events that not only raise funds for the Disabled But Not Really Foundation but also raise awareness and promote empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Through her leadership, we believe the foundation’s events will continue to grow in scale, reach, and impact.

Email:events@disabledbutnotreally.org

CALLING ALL TALENT!

Disabled But Not Really is seeking new talent to join our Board of Directors.

The DBNR team is seeking talented professionals from all backgrounds to join our Board of Directors. If you have specific resource or networks to bring, and if you have a passion for giving back, Disabled But Not Really would love to have a conversation about your vision for philanthropy and bringing inclusive training and inclusive environments to all communities. Send us a an email to info@dbnrkc.org

TEAM DBNR

Wesley Hamilton

Ashley Walker

Payton Nowlin

Keyonna Pitchford

Jim Summers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Melanie Kizine

Dr. Ashley D. Smith

Kasey Reed

Tom Knaus

Linda Johnson

Lisa Golden

CALLING ALL TALENT!

Disabled But Not Really is seeking new talent to join our Board of Directors.

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