—Our Board—
We are proud to be a disability-led organization, with 51% or more of our Board identifying
as people with disabilities.
President
Irene Perez Hardesty
BIO
Irene Hardesty has been a dedicated member of the Ai Board since 2019 and has served as its president for the past three years. A licensed Master of Social Work, Irene provides therapy to youth in Shenandoah County Schools through the Shenandoah Community Clinic, where she has volunteered as a social worker since 2004.
Her professional background includes service with hospice, the Veterans Administration, advocacy work, and commitment to individuals with disabilities. Irene’s commitment to community extends beyond her profession; she volunteers actively with her church, as a mentor, and participates in supporting continued education.
In addition to her long-standing dedication to individuals with disabilities, Irene is passionate about supporting at-risk youth, promoting adaptive sports, and advancing opportunities through education.
Among all her achievements, Irene considers her family; especially her grandchildren and her role as “Nana,” to be her greatest joy.
Irene holds a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, and a Bachelor of Social Work from University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC.
Vice President
David Booth
BIO
David Booth joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in April 2021. David is a former Ai Board member.
David has been a physical therapist for 33 years and spent 30 with Valley Health. David retired from Valley Health in 2024 where he served as the Winchester Medical Center Director of Outpatient Rehab Services.
David recently decided to go back to work full-time doing what he loves and is working at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, the in-patient rehab unit corun with Valley Health.
Over the years, David has had the opportunity to use his team’s Rehab skills to assist in areas such as the original Free Medical Clinic, and equipment donations to Wheels for the World. David has served on the Board of Directors with the Adult Care Center.
David enjoys working in the yard, gardening, music, and time with his wife, son, 3 grandsons, and 3 stepdaughters. David also enjoys caring for his 6 Nigerian Dwarf Goats and 5 dogs.
Treasurer
Trish Dick
BIO
Trish originally joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. in December 2009. She served many terms as an Officer, and one year as Emeritus before joining again in August, 2020. She is passionate about bringing public awareness and education support services for the disabled, at work, school, and at home.
Trish is the Chief financial Officer at Miller and Anderson, Inc. She is a member of the Women’s Build Habitat for Humanity, the Chamber of Commerce and a founding Board member and Treasurer of the Tommy Dick, Jr. Cancer Foundation.
Trish received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Virginia Wesleyan, and an MBA from the University of Memphis.
Secretary
Anne S. Brewster
BIO
Anne joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in June 2020. During her 25 year+ career as a home health physical therapist, she has regularly encountered situations where clients have needs that are not met from typical resources, and is thankful that organizations like Ai exist to provide additional support. Anne is happy to be part of an organization that does great work in the community and facilitates more disability awareness to help more people. In addition to her home health work, Anne is also a wellness coach and advocate for improving long term health by adjusting daily choices.
She is involved in leadership through her church with the Women’s Mission, small group and care team, and participates in support of the Winchester Men’s Mission, and the Backpack Feeding Program.
Anne’s prior career was as a Landscape Architect before she returned to school to become licensed as a Physical Therapist. She is currently in training to become a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist.
Anne received a Master of Physical Therapy Degree in 1995, and a Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture Degree in 1982.
Dr. Kelly Morse Canterbury
BIO
Kelly joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in June 2022. She Is looking forward to getting more involved in the community and educating the public about disabilities and accessibility.
Kelly was a Young Life leader, and actively involved in community service through her church. She has done mission work in Richmond, DC, and Guatemala, and is on the grant review board for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Kelly holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Fay Dutton
BIO
Fay Dutton is a member of the Board of Directors of Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) since February 2021, and is a former Board member from 2000-2018. She worked extensively on the Ai Personnel Committe and assisted with updating the Policies and Procedures Manual, and Bylaws. She has frequently assisted in composing essential information for the daily existence of Ai.
Previously, Fay spent years on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Grafton Inc. Independent Living Center, and Shenandoah Valley Arts Council.
Fay has been involved in numerous art shows and received numerous awards including the Winchester Star Leadership Award, Disabled Professional Woman of the Year Award from the Pilot Club International, and the Artie Award from the Shenandoah Arts Council. Fay majored in French and English at University of Mary Washington. She has donated numerous pieces of art to various organizations in Winchester.
Sue Jones
BIO
Sue joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in September 2022. She is a retired Registered Nurse who has vast experience with volunteering.
Sue has dedicated herself to non-profits, particularly the health care and educational fields. She has served in numerous key roles, including: Chairman of the Board of Grafton School, Chairman of the Board of Our Health Inc., Vice Chair of Clarke County Education Foundation, and a Trustee of Shenandoah University.
Sue enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Will Lawrence
BIO
Will Lawrence joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. in July 2021. As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Will wants to make everyone’s life better. He enjoys developing long-term relationships with his clients, in which they have the opportunity to build wealth, live generously and leave a legacy. This is accomplished by using an established process to build a personalized and tailored strategy that will help achieve what is most important to our clients.
Will serves several boards for non-profit organizations and finance committees in our amazing community. He is also a member of The Kiwanis Club of Winchester. When not at the office, Will hosts a radio show and his wife, and stays busy raising children and traveling.
Dr. Lynn Wiley
BIO
Lynn joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in December 2020. As an educator, she has provided instruction and professional development throughout the state, on content related to early childhood special education, evidence-based instructional practices, traumatic brain injury, social-emotional development, and educational technology. She currently teaches at Shenandoah University in the Department of Psychology.
Lynn cares deeply about ensuring access and equal opportunities for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities.
Lynn received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Speech & Hearing Science, Language Acquisition, an M.A. from Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, in Education of the Hearing Impaired, and a B.S. from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC in Special Education.
Director Emeritus
Louise Garrett
BIO
Louise joined the Board of Directors at Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in September 1996. She has served many terms and multiple times as an Officer. She rejoined in June 2020 and was Board President until her resignation in June 2022, when bestowed Emeritus status by the current Board Members. Louise has a lifelong history of volunteerism and community involvement including Star Tannery Volunteer Fire Department, Faith in Action, NASW-VA, and E.A. Hawse Health Center.
Louise is passionate about serving on the Board at Ai because she believes that Ai serves as a valuable resource and support for persons with disabilities.
Louise received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at James Madison University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She attained a clinical license (LCSW) shortly thereafter and opened her practice – New Vision Counseling Services. In addition to private practice, she worked as a Medical Social Worker for Valley Health and VA Medical Center until her recent retirement. Helping others has been both a professional and personal desire and goal.
