Antonio is a native of upstate New York, but has lived in Virginia Beach since 2000. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and now a retired Naval Officer. He is the father of two beautiful children, Gisella and Giovanni. Giovanni, a prenatal diagnosis for Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is what brought Antonio to this team.

Antonio is the founder of Giovanni’s 21 Gifts, a Non Profit organization that raises awareness for families who have a child with Down syndrome. He is very familiar with all waiver programs, to include military programs. Giovanni benefits from the CCC PlusA Virginia Medicaid waiver program that provides services to elders and people with physical disabilities in the community (as opposed to in a nursing home) to prevent the premature institutionalization of these groups. Services available via this waiver include assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as bathing, grooming, dressing, light housecleaning, preparation of meals, and monitoring of medications. More Medicaid Waiver, which has given Antonio a wealth of knowledge to support other families on their journey.

Lyzz is originally from Richmond but moved to Norfolk while attending Old Dominion University as an undergraduate. She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a Minor in Communications from Old Dominion University. She began working in the human services field shortly after graduation and has been employed in various jobs assisting clients with mental health, behavior management and obtaining needed community supports. Lyzz went on to obtain her master’s degree in education and has been a licensed special educationSpecifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. teacher for the last 15 years. Lyzz is a huge advocate for her students and their families and is excited to support families outside of the classroom environment. Lyzz is also the mother of twins and loves to spend time with her family at the beach, riding dirt bikes and conducting community outreach.

Patricia is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Human Service Counseling, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Patricia loves children and helping others in any way that she can. She feels that it is truly her purpose in life to be a blessing to others. Having worked with children with disabilities in a group homeHousing arrangement where 3-7 people with disabilities live, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Homes usually have support staff that rotate around the clock on shifts. More setting and having a godson who has Autism, Patricia knows firsthand the challenges and obstacles families face. When she saw how much of a blessing Moms In Motion was for her godson and his family, she knew that she wanted to be a part of this incredible organization.

Tia was born and raised in Nelson County, VA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Minor in Sociology from Old Dominion University. She is the mother of two. In 2019, she delivered her son who was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis and developmental delays. It was through this journey that she became her son’s biggest advocate and was introduced to Moms In Motion. Tia has always enjoyed helping people navigate through the difficulties of life and helping them in finding “their voice”. She looks forward to helping families in her community.