Thomas Locklin is our Junior Board President. Thomas, from Birmingham, Alabama serves as Vice President for Palomar Insurance. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance.
"After getting to witness the difficulties Lane and Kathryn faced with Libby, it was an eye-opening experience as to how hard it is to care for a child with special needs. I feel truly humbled to serve on this board and work diligently in our mission to help families around the state bridge the financial gap in caring for their loved ones."
Mandy Bailey, owner and founder of Bailey Advisory, lives in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Mandy is originally from Lenexa, KS and obtained her degrees of Finance and International Business from the University of Kansas.
"I met the Hagans through small groups at church and was drawn to their passion for helping other families through their creation of Libby's Friends. I saw first-hand the village it takes to raise a child with special needs. I knew I wanted to be part of the Libby's Friends family helping to raise awareness, advocate for, and provide financial assistance for the families in this community."
Maddie Deagon serves as the Secretary for the Libby's Friends Junior Board. Maddie, who grew up in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, has worked for DataPerk, LLC as an account manager since 2021. She Graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in accounting, and a MAcc from UAB.
"Libby's Friends meets a unique need in our community and the impact changes the everyday life for our neighbors! It is an honor to serve alongside a wonderful team to help give back to the community in such a sweet way."
Steven Guy serves the Junior Board in the role of Event Coordinator. Steven is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's of Electrical Engineering, then obtained his MBA from UAB.
"The mission of Libby's Friends is an opportunity we see with clients and from colleagues. My wife, Mary Katherine, and I have watched Kathryn and Lane with admiration for a long time and being able to help with this dream to fill a need is a great joy. I cannot wait to work with this team and see how Libby's Friends grows to fill the financial gaps of families providing for a child with a disability."
Macy Ingram serves as the Social Media Director for Libby's Friends. She graduated from the University of West Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Sociology / Social Work. Macy currently lives in Trussville, Alabama.
"I am a proud mom of three young boys. Our second son, Hayden, had an experience similar to Libby's and we got connected with the Hagans early on in Hayden's life. We have a first-hand experience with how hard caring for a child with special needs can be. The sheer cost of medical devices and equipment is astronomical. When I had the chance to join and serve on the Junior Board, I took it. Libby's Friends has the ability to impact so many families with special needs in this state, and I knew I wanted to be part of that mission."
Jana Newton, founder an owner of Iron City OT, is from Daphne, Alabama. She attended college at the University of Alabama where she obtained her B.S. in Health Sciences prior to receiving her Masters of Occupational Therapy from UAB.
"I have seen the challenges many families face to afford needs that will help their child live life to the fullest. When I discovered Libby's Friends, I was overjoyed to see kids getting equipment and services to help them thrive! I am grateful to be part of Libby's Friends to support a community that has made such a huge impact on my life."
Pritchard Allen, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, serves as a Senior Mortgage Originator with Cardinal Financial. He graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Alabama.
"I think what is so interesting and impressive to me about Libby's Friends and the services they provide to those in need is how effective and efficient everything really is. The children and families that Libby's Friends helps aren't forced to wait around for long periods of time and wade through bureaucratic red tape before someone finally shows up to provide them much needed assistance. Libby's Friends identifies someone in need and immediately springs into action to get through the necessary steps to deliver relief as soon as possible. Proven time and time again by the incredible number of people helped in the community by what's still a relatively new organization."
Bethany Eubanks, a Nurse Practitioner originally from Durham, NC currently works at UAB Hospital. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Samford University and masters from UAB.
"As a healthcare worker, I daily see the financial toxicity of recommended medical visits, treatments and therapies. I am honored to participate in an organization that helps bridge the financial gap for families in America."
Chandler Kunka, from Alpharetta, GA, is a physical therapist with United Ability. Chandler obtained her Bachelor's of Biology at Samford University. She then went on to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UAB.
"I first learned about Libby's Friends when I started working for United Ability, and have since seen the tremendous impact it has had on some of our patients' families. The support from LF that these families get with a new device, equipment, or covering the cost of therapies has truly made an impact in providing assistance and access that is so difficult for many families with special needs. Seeing these kids and families receive these devices/equipment that are life changing is incredible. I love that I have been able to help connect families to LF and to be part of such a giving and supportive organization."
Gray Robertson is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. Gray attended the University of Alabama and earned his degree in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences. For the past seven years, Gray has worked with the Crimson Tide Sports Network as a broadcaster, covering Alabama Softball, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Baseball and Men's Basketball.
"I think the work that Libby's Friends does for families in need of assistance is so wonderful and inspirational. This organization provides aid for people who truly need it and helps alleviate the stress of finances for families who might already be going through so much. I wanted to join this non-profit because I believed it is a great way to make a difference. Since joining the junior board, I have seen that belief prove true."
Meredith Bishop, a Developmental Specialist / Inclusion Consultant, has worked with United Ability the last seven years. Meredith is from Birmingham, Alabama and obtained her degree from Samford University in Human Development and Family Science.
"I had the joy of having Libby in my preschool class at Hand in Hand Early Learning Program. She had a huge impact on my life and when I heard about her non-profit, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. With my job, I see the need for more financial resources for special needs families. Libby's Friends is a shining light for these families in our community."
Jonathan Wiggins works at Regions Bank where he serves in the role as Vice President of Data and Analytics. Jonathan is from Andalusia, Alabama and graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor's of Information Systems degree.
"I have experienced first-hand what it's like to purchase medical devices for my own daughter and the costs associated with that. When I saw Libby's Friends had opportunities to join the junior board, I wanted to join so I could help other families struggling with the same issues. It's amazing being able to help and watch other families receive the devices their children need."
Kelsey Seehase, a Development Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, also is an instructor at Special Equestrians. Kelsey, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, graduated from Auburn University with degrees in Rehabilitation & Disability Studies as well as Political Science.
"Growing up alongside a sister with Down syndrome and immersing myself in the special needs community has opened my eyes to the challenges of raising a child with unique abilities and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faces by their families each day. When I learned how Libby's Friends is truly making a difference in the lives of so many deserving people, I knew I had to help."
John Trippe, a native of Homewood, Alabama, currently works at SCA Health as an associate in mergers & acquisitions. John graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in Finance and Economics as well as a Masters in Economics. John currently lives in Vestavia Hills, Alabama with his wife, Lauren and their two boys, Thompson and John David.
“As a parent of a child with special needs,our family has experienced first-hand the financial and logistical issues associated with obtaining necessary medical devices and equipment for our son. It is a joy to serve on the junior board of an organization that impacts so many families, including my own.”
Bridget Roop is the VISN 7 Academic Detailing Pharmacy Program Manager. She graduated from Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy in 2007, completed a PGY-1 residency at Birmingham VA and has been working within the VA system since that time.
“I learned about Libby's friends through a close friend of mine, Jana Newton, who also serves on the junior board. We attended the spring crawfish boil and I got a chance to learn about all the great things this organization does.and the families they have helped. I wanted to join in on the fun and blessings this group offers! ”
Mary Kate is a pediatric occupational therapist at Childs Play Therapy Center, working in both outpatient and school settings. Mary Kate obtained her bachelor of science at Auburn Universiry, followed by her masters of science in occupational therapy at Alabama State University. She lives in Hoover with her husband, daughter, and two pups.
“As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand the financial burden that many families take on to provide the best care and resources for their child with special needs. It is an honor to be part of an organization that is on a mission to relieve some of that stress and spread awareness in our community.”