Founders & Board
Anakin Suerink
Founder, Board Member & Program Support
Elizabeth Eckert
Executive Director &
President
Dierdre Eckert
Founder, Board VP & Program Support
Anakin is a young man who has faced many challenges in his life including legal blindness, Autism, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus and more.
He is also a Make a Wish kid, a strong self-advocate, a fundraiser, a valued employee who plays guitar, writes novels, loves animals and his family and has numerous goals.
Anakin dreamed of a place for all to belong!
Elizabeth has a long history of working with people with diverse-abilities. She has degree in Psychology and education in Nursing and Adult Education in addition to being a certified force-free dog trainer.
She has endless passion for supporting others, her family, dogs, writing, advocacy, volunteering, and helping her children achieve their dreams.
Elizabeth lives with Multiple Sclerosis.
Dierdre is a dedicated mom with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry in addition to a diploma in Office Management.
She enjoys spending time with her family, dog, writing, and teasing Anakin.
Dierdre has always been a support to Anakin in his projects including helping him to fundraise for the Make a Wish Foundation.
She lives with an anxiety disorder.