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Our Board of Directors

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President, Executive Director

Jonathan Frieman

Jonathan is a social entrepreneur with a law degree from New College School of Law. He helped the Marin City Health and Wellness Center gain FQHC status. As a long time board member, Jonathan is helping transition InSpirit to a new era. 

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Director

Deva Wheeler

As the founder’s daughter, Deva was grateful to be raised by her mother in their home. She has first-hand experience with the challenges facing those with quadriplegia and appreciates the critical difference care and resources make.

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Director

Hope Soforenko

Hope comes from a long line of family members committed to advocating for the equal rights for all. In addition to her role at InSpirit, she was also a member of two other Bay Area non-profits, Recovery Cafe in San Jose and Canopy in Palo Alto

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Director

Robert Lasser

Bob is excited to help increase the number of recipients we serve. He will be working on InSpirit's finance committee with the hope of allocating as many funds as possible in this direction. He has experience as the CFO of a small treatment program.

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Secretary-Treasurer

Marty Meade

Marty is the original co-founder of InSpirit. She is an Artist, Certified in Art Therapy and an Instructor at College of Marin. Marty has been on the Board since the beginning and is committed in the transition to see that Aniece Taylor's vision is carried on.

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Director

Ben Kinney Jr.

Ben is a disability rights activist who is committed to protecting our recipients’ right to live in their own homes. He met Aniece at a time when there was very little awareness of the struggles and discrimination faced by people with quadriplegia.

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Director

Leslie Franklin

Given Leslie’s background in  mental health, she knows the importance of having both advocates and access to resources. She joined the board after observing how InSpirit supported and empowered this underserved population.

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Director

Amy Valens

Amy has organized InSpirit's annual  plant sale for over 25 years. She has been learning about the practical and political issues of quadriplegia since her gardening and beekeeping companion Aneice Taylor was injured in 1982.

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Director

Brian Jacobson

Brian suffered a spinal cord injury in 2004. Since his accident, he has combined his experience with paralysis and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling to help people with physical, mental and developmental disabilities live independently.

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Director

Laurie Chorna

Laurie has had the great pleasure of working for InSpirit since 2003. She has been involved in local community/social action and non-profit organizations, including Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfax, and The Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley.

Staff Members

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Executive Administrator

Maya Friedman

Maya became involved with InSpirit when her mother became paralyzed from Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2020. She is grateful to InSpirit for their unwavering support, and is pleased to join InSpirit as their new Executive Administrative Assistant.

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Design Services

Nancy Nichols

Nancy is a longtime friend of Aneice Taylor and her family. When Aneice was paralyzed in 1982, she took on various roles involving personal assistance as well as the development of graphic design services and ongoing participation with InSpirit.

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