Our Board of Directors

Interim President
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.

Board Member
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.

Board Member
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

Board Member
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.

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.

Board Member
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.

Board Member
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.

Board Member
Amy Valens
Amy has organized InSpirit's annual Mother's Day 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. ​

Board Member
Maya Friedman
Maya became involved with InSpirit when her mother became paralyzed from Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2020. Grateful for InSpirit's unwavering support during that time, she is now honored to serve on the organization's Board of Directors.

Board Member
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

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.