Fair Shake Network
"Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed people can
change the world. 
Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has." 
-- Margaret Mead
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About Us



The FSN is incorporated as a non-profit and is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of 7 members and is elected from the membership of the association. The current membership structure of the FSN includes individual and organizational members.


Our 2011-2012 board members are:

Chairperson

Kelly Simpson


As a Community Resource Advocate for more than eight years, she enjoys being a member of a community that helps people to become independent.
Kelly is married and the mother of three adult children, two of which are legally blind with an eye condition known as Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. She is a step-mother to 4 more adult children and grandmother of 2. She has been an advocate for her children since their birth. She is very proud of all of the children.

Kelly has served as a board member for the Statewide Independent Living Council for over eight years. She is a member of the Tuebert Interagency Council for the Blind & Visually Impaired. She has been active with Cabell Wayne Association for the Blind for over 25 years and was co-founder of the parent's support group. She is a member of the National Association for Parents of Visually Impaired Children, Leber's Congenital Amaurosis Association, and the Cabell County Democratic Women's Association.

Kelly is a 2003 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking Program. She attends the WV Legislature as an advocate for Mountain State Center for Independent Living and monitors legislation that affects people with disabilities.
Vice Chairperson

Bob Waybright


Bob was born in Elkins, WV.  He has lived most of his life in Webster County, WV.  When he was 18 he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.  After spending five months in Charleston General Hospital recovering from his accident he went to the rehabilitation  center located in Institute, WV where the P.T. and O.T. staff taught him how to take care of himself and move back into the community.  Bob was married for 5 years; he has now lived on his own in his home since 1992
Bob was a 4-H leader for ten years. He has run for county office two times and was on the Webster County Republican Executive Committee for over 10 years. He also worked for the Webster County Board of Education for over 18 years as a teacher’s aide and an Autism mentor.  He was also a co-founder of the Webster Co. and the Nicholas Co. Wheelchair Support Group.
In 2005 Bob graduated from Partners in Policymaking.

Bob has cut his hair for Locks of Love twice and has raised $250.00 for the organization. He has also played wheelchair sports where he has held state records.

Bob would like to see that every county in WV would have all the same benefits.

Treasurer

Donald Carson


Donald was born in Joliet, IL, he now resides in Beckley, WV.

Donald is a Member of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living , Fair Shake Network, WVSILC, and Chair of WVDRS CAAC.

Donald would like to see all People with Disabilities, be treated, like everyone else.

Donald is also a Partners in Policymaking graduate.

Secretary

James Qualls


James lives in Huntington, WV.  He is very active in the disability movement and is involved with many disability organizations.  Not only is he on the board of the Fair Shake Network but he is also involved with the WV Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC), the Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities, Consumers Advisory Board, Mountain State Center for Independent Living and People First. 

His hobbies include sports, and Rock ‘n’ Roll music (guitar rock).  Some of his favorite musicians are Eric Clapton, Joan Jett, Robert Plant and others.  James has looked to others in the disability movement as his heroes such as David Stewart and Jan Lilly-Stewart, Delmar and Karen Davis, Kevin Smith, Christina Smith, Ron Yost, Justin Dart, Ed Roberts, and John Lipscomb.
Christina Smith

Christina has been the Executive Director of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley for almost six years and was recently appointed as Executive Director of The Arc of West Virginia. Christina has a bachelor's degree in business from WV State College and a minor in communications.     

Christina has first-hand knowledge and experience of the issues families and individuals with disabilities face daily. Her daughter, Anna, was born with Down Syndrome. She has had to navigate the system through multiple health issues and developmental delays since Anna’s birth. In addition,

Christina's sister was diagnosed with Lupus at 13 years of age, a disease that has now led to paralysis and partial blindness. Christina understands the important role of advocacy when assisting families and individuals who have specific needs associated with all levels of disability.

Christina and her husband, Tim, reside on their farm in Belleville, WV with their two daughters - 8 year old, Olivia, and 6 year old, Anna - and a plethora of animals!
Darla Ervin

Darla lives in Morgantown, WV.  She is the widow of the late Ken Ervin and the mother of one son.

Darla is very involved in the disability movement.  She is the co-chair for Adapt WV, she is a board member of the Northen WV Center for Independent Living, and a member of People First.  She is the secretary for the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Service. Darla is also active in issues of domestic violence and advises parents of children with disability on custody issues.

Darla is an artist and is part of WVU Center for Excellences Disability Fine Arts Program.  She is also a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking .

Vanessa VanGilder
Vanessa is a member of the Statewide Independent Living Council and serves as the Vice-chair. She is married and is the parent of a daughter with a developmental disability. She is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking. Vanessa has a Bachelor’s degree from WVU Tech, is employed as a 911 dispatcher, and is the coordinator for Family Leadership First. Vanessa previously was the Fair Shake Network director for 3 ½ years.
FSN Staff:

Jan Lilly-Stewart

Director


Jan is  one of the founders of the Fair Shake Network


Jan has been involved in fighting for the rights of people with disabilities all her life. She has worked more than 25 years in counseling and advocacy positions and has earned the admiration and respect of policymakers, colleagues and countless people with disabilities.


As Director of the Fair Shake Network, she continues to work tirelessly to give a voice to those with disabilities.


Jan was born and raised in Beckley, WV, she is a graduate of Marshall University and holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She resides in Charleston, WV, with her husband.

Paul Smith
Administrative Assistant


Paul was hired as the FSN Administrative Assistant in July 2008.  He has experience in the field of computer science, experience in planning special events, preparing reports, updating data bases, designing websites, publishing newsletters, and correspondence.

While working for Kay-Bee Toys at the Town Center Mall as an assistant manager, Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him a paraplegic. After his accident he started a Desktop Publishing business.  He and his wife Debbie has been married for 27 years. They have 2 children, Danielle and Richard and 3 Grandchildren.  Paul is a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School and attended WV State College.

Paul attends church at Cold Springs Gospel Tabernacle Church in Bomont, WV. fishing and camping. 



Our Vision

The FAIR SHAKE NETWORK has a vision that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their community and realize their dreams.



Our Mission
The mission of FAIR SHAKE NETWORK is to ensure that people with disabilities have a 'fair shake' by educating policymakers and the public, and providing an effective voice in the development of public policy.