Client Outreach & Engagement
Lauren Sherwood
Lauren is an active advocate in her community through leadership as the Director of Special Families of the Roanoke Valley and on the Board of TrusteesThe person or organization who oversees assets and administers the provisions of a Special Needs Trust – including investing, account reporting, tax reporting, check writing, and disbursements - on behalf of the trust’s named beneficiary. More with Hopetree Family Services. She is the proud mother of three girls. Lauren is a member of the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2013. She also holds a M.A. in Political Science from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Roanoke College.
Amy Stinson
Amy is a mother of 2 sons, both warriors. One is a US Marine, the other is a Type 1 Diabetic. Some people only dream of meeting their heroes, Amy was lucky enough to raise hers. Family time is valued more than ever now with her oldest son in the Marine Corp. That time consists of board games, jokes, day trips and more simple things in life.
Amy received her Associate's degree from Patrick Henry Community College. She is active in her church, participates in fundraising activities for Type 1 Diabetes, and crafts in her spare time. She believes one of the most important things in life is to be heard and acknowledged. Her experience in the medical field taught her that most patients just needed someone to listen. It is Amy’s goal to be that person for her Moms In Motion clients.
Jessica Monaco
Jessica was born and raised in Northern Virginia. She then spent six years stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota before returning to Virginia. Jessica currently resides in Amissville, VA with her husband, Lee, and their three growing boys: Kaden, Coleman, and Preston.
Prior to becoming a mother, Jessica received her Associate's in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Coastline Community College. She was first introduced to the world of disability when her son, Coleman, was diagnosed with Autism (Sensory Processing Disorder) at age 2. It then started all over again when her son, Preston, was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 3. Though both of her younger children technically have the same diagnosis, she finds it remarkable how very different they are from each other symptomatically.
In the early years, Jessica fought hard for early interventions for Coleman, getting him three years of Early Childhood Special EducationSpecifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. and countless therapies prior to heading off to kindergarten. Preston was found to be very high functioning by the school system, despite his diagnosis, and currently does not receive special education services from the school. However, due to Jessica's advocacy and persistence, he was offered a placement in the VPI program for observation. The school's decision regarding Preston forced Jessica to pursue therapies and assistance for him through other means, which has only added to her knowledge base of what’s available for families of children with disabilitiesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes people who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability. More.
Jessica became familiar with Moms In Motion in 2013 when Coleman was found eligible for the EDCD Waiver. Jessica was ecstatic when the opportunity to be employed by Moms In Motion presented itself. She is beyond excited to help others in a similar situation learn to navigate this path of disability services, as well as working to make it easier for others to travel.
Tammy Hamrick
Tammy is a military spouse who currently lives in Prince George, Virginia with her husband of 16 years and their three children. Tammy loves to help people and is quick to volunteer not just herself, but her family.
Prior to coming to work for Moms in Motion, Tammy worked for an organization that assisted International nurses with relocating to the United States. She assisted these families with IEPS and with navigating social services. During this same time her best friend, who had two boys, was in the process of getting a waiver through Moms in Motion. Tammy was amazed at the positive impact this waiver had on her friend and her boys.
It was then that Tammy realized her voice and desire to help others could truly make a positive impact on other people's lives. She immediately registered for the next semester at Southern New Hampshire University where she is currently working on a bachelor's degree in Human Services and is on track to graduate in the Fall of 2021. She made a vow that day, she would one day work at Moms in Motion and use her skills, voice and her passion to help others. Tammy has a heart for children and families and believes kindness is contagious.
