Ambar is originally from Los Angeles, California, having made her way to Virginia Beach after serving nine years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Ambar was deployed throughout the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism and in humanitarian missions, providing relief efforts in the Haitian earthquake of 2010.

Upon leaving the military, Ambar went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and minor in Human Services from Old Dominion University. She has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Military Social Work.

Ambar’s calling toward Moms In Motion was to advocate for families in need and link them to resources that will enhance their ability to live fulfilling lives. She considers it a tremendous privilege to work with an organization providing that service for families in Virginia.

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.

Mariana has a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor's in Human Services with a minor in Social Welfare from Old Dominion University. She has worked as an intensive-in home clinician, ABA therapist, and substance abuse counselor. Mariana also has experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a support assistant. She loves being able to work with people and finds her job very rewarding.

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.

Tenisha is a native of the Norfolk, Virginia area. She resides with her two wonderful daughters. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Business Marketing from Norfolk State University and a Master's in Public Administration from Regent University.

Tenisha has a strong passion for connecting individuals with services and resources that enhance their overall quality of life. She possesses a wealth of personal and professional experience with Medicaid, Consumer-DirectedServices where the person using them is allowed to select, hire, fire, and train their particular caregiver(s). More services, customer service, and providing services to individuals with disabilities. Tenisha was drawn to Moms In Motion by witnessing firsthand the level of professionalism and efficiency that her aunt received through the 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.