Rob Alkire joined Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in 2012. He started out as a Research Assistant and has worked his way up to Social Media Manager. He promotes our services and events on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and keeps the public updated on other disability related information.

Rob suffered a spinal cord injury in 1984, and says; “it hasn’t stopped me from being what I want to be, and doing what I want to do.” He has worked his whole life in jobs that have helped him financially and personally, has had people help him along the way, and strives to do the same for others. “Treat people like you want to be treated, do things for the right reason, and see how far it gets you.”

Rob graduated from James Wood High School in Winchester. He has worn many hats at Ai, from consumer, to Board member, and now, an employee. He worked for a medical equipment and supply company before coming to Ai, and has hands on experience with wheelchairs, and other durable medical equipment.

Diane joined Access Independence, Inc. in December of 2019 as a temporary full-time employee through an employment agency. She was hired on as permanent full-time in February 2020. She works closely with the Executive Director, staff, and the Board.

Diane moved to Virginia from California May of 2019. She worked for the County of Orange in Southern California as the Executive Secretary to the Orange County Treasurer for five years. Prior to that, she was the Membership Director/Administrator for a private Country Club in Costa Mesa, CA for over 14 years.

Diane is married, has three daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, and spending time with her family.

Christopher Flacksenburg joined Access Independence, Inc. October 2024, with a drive and interest in helping others. Chris has a varied work background including working with the special needs community with NW Works, the area youth at Frederick County Public Schools, and in Public Safety with the Maryland State Division of Correction. He has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Chris has lived in Winchester, Virginia since 2005 and is married with two grown children. Chris and his wife grew up in New York and spent a short time in Maryland before settling in Virginia.

Chris has recently taken up travel and photography in his free time, in addition to other interests.

Aaliyah Gray joined Access Independence, Inc. in May of 2022. Aaliyah has 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. Over the years Aaliyah has had the pleasure of working for Grafton, Berkeley Senior Services, the Children’s Home Society, the Arc of Washington County, NW Works, and SVCR.

Aaliyah cares deeply about creating an inclusive community and helping others. She has participated in church mission trips, youth groups, and volunteering for summer camps/vacation bible studies.

Aaliyah studied Psychology and Health Care Administration with a focus in Long Term Care. She desires to help others in finding their voice and overcoming adversities. She is very passionate about helping people accomplish their goals, and becoming their best self despite past traumas/obstacles, race, class, gender, and sexuality.

I graduated from Laurel Ridge Community College with an Associate of Applied Science with a major in Management in 2024.

Before starting at Access Independence, I was at home with my four boys who all have Autism. I have been navigating the world of disabilities for almost 15 years now. My second born son was diagnosed with Autism shortly after he turned one. Then we found out my oldest also had Autism and ADHD. For many years I worked with different therapist and specialist with my children.

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