I'm from Sulphur, La and an alumna of McNeese State University. My life took a profound turn when my husband, Joe, and I became parents to two wonderful boys, Brooks and Charlie. However, it was becoming a mother to Brooks, a special needs child with Spina Bifida, that ignited my passion for fostering inclusivity.

Witnessing the challenges Brooks, and others with special needs, faced in everyday activities led me to establish Families for Inclusion, where I now proudly serve as Founder and Executive Director. Becoming a mother has completely shifted my perspective on the world. My paramount concern is now ensuring that every individual feels included and welcomed in our community.

I envision a landscape where opportunities for individuals with special needs abound, seamlessly integrating them into every facet of our community life – from active participation in the workforce to inclusion in diverse events and activities. The goal is not merely a hope for change but a commitment to cultivating an environment where inclusivity becomes an inherent and celebrated part of our communal fabric.

Since starting Families for Inclusion in 2022, I’ve learned (and learn more and more each day) so much about the special needs community and will continue to advocate so that ALL people (regardless of their abilities) can be included.

Hey y’all!

I am from Carencro, Louisiana, born and raised. I moved to SWLA in 2008 to attend McNeese State University and graduated with my BS in Early Childhood Elementary. I taught for 10 years and have since decided to become a stay at home mom. I am married to Ryan Steelman and have three beautiful children; Ben, Luke, and Kathryn. Our son, Luke, was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and lived for 12 hours before passing away.

While working in the schools, I had experience with inclusion and working with special needs children. I always made it my goal for the children in my classroom that no one knew any different. I always made inclusion as normal as possible. After having my own child with special needs it became much more personal.

I am passionate about Families for Inclusion because I want to advocate for parents who would have had a special needs child. I want to create a world that would have given all the angels that are no longer with us the ability to live, play, and thrive. It is so important for our SWLA community to become a place where inclusion becomes a way of life. I want to help create a world where inclusivity is so normalized that our future won’t know what life was like before it.

Hello I am Deveni Doga Polito. My husband is Joseph Polito Jr. We are the proud parents of Gia and Stella Polito. Gia was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele. She uses a wheelchair for long distance and a walker once she is in a secured location.

We love being advocates for Gia (even though she does most of the talking now days) and spreading awareness. We are so happy to be apart of Families for Inclusion to help spread awareness to everyone in SWLA. Our goal is to make SWLA a better inclusive place for all to grow and play together!

Hello! My name is Hannah Andrews. I am a graduate of Barbe High School married to my high school sweetheart, Mitch Andrews. We have two little girls, Amelia and Alena. When my friend Julia first told me about this beautiful organization, I knew that it was going to become such a special piece for the future of our SWLA community. As someone who has worked for a non-profit organization, my heart has been significantly touched by children and adults with disabilities. I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization because I know that it will make such a huge impact and its mission is so important for our generation and generations to come. I look forward to being treasurer and helping this area become more inclusive for families in need!

My name is Renee' LeJeune. My husband Blaine M. LeJeune and I have been married for 24 years and are the proud parents of Chase LeJeune. Blaine and I are both originally from Eunice and have made our home here, in Lake Charles, for the past 24 years.

Our son was born prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1 lb. 12 oz. and was 14 inches long. He spent 4 months in the NICU and beat the odds. He had multiple eye surgeries and battled a dangerous infection. When Chase was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Because of his CP, Chase uses a wheelchair for mobility.

I am passionate about advocating for Chase and others in our community, who like him, have special needs that limit their daily activities. Inclusion isn't just about being able to access ramps and buildings with automatic doors. Those are accessibility features. Inclusion means being able to enjoy the same experiences as ones non-disabled peers. Just because someone can access something, doesn't mean it is inclusive.

Our community is making strides in becoming more accessible; but there is still much to do. Being informed, advocating, and actively pursuing community improvement opportunities are the keys to making inclusion a part of Chase's daily life and for so many others. I am proud to work alongside Families For Inclusion as we make strides to creating an inclusive community!

Hello, I'm Hailey Barrow, a proud resident of Westlake, Louisiana. As a mother of three children, one of whom has special needs, I am deeply passionate about creating a more inclusive community in SWLA. It is my sincere desire to see a future where individuals like my son can thrive and feel accepted. That is why I wholeheartedly support Families for Inclusion as an organization dedicated to achieving this goal. Through their tireless efforts, I believe we can make SWLA a place where everyone feels valued and included.

Hi, I'm Heidi Minervini, a lifelong resident of Westlake, Louisiana. Growing up here has instilled in me a deep connection to the community, and my family and I have always been actively involved in supporting the SWLA community. When I first learned about Families for Inclusion, their mission touched my heart, and I knew I had to be a part of it. As someone with a nephew who has disabilities, I am passionate about making SWLA a more accessible and inclusive place for him and others like him. That is why supporting and being involved with Families for Inclusion is incredibly important to me. I am thrilled to be a member of this incredible organization and am eager to see the positive impact we can make together.

I am a Lake Charles native, a family man, a Lamar alumnus, and I was born with Spina Bifida (myelomeningocele). I am married to Bekah Coleman with whom I am a proud, privileged parent of David, Haley, and Jordan. I have always tried my best to advocate for the special needs community by educating others and sharing my experiences. While awareness has increased in the last three decades, there is still much work to be done in educating the community while advocating for families with special needs. Despite the experiences I have gone through living with a disability, I was unaware of how many needs are still going unaddressed and the impact it has on so many families in our area. Getting involved with Families for Inclusion has taught me so much more about the unique hurdles of a diverse group of children and families. I am very excited to be serving on the board and be a part of something bigger than us that creates an environment where accessibility and inclusiveness are the primary objectives. With your help, together we can advocate for and create a completely inclusive environment so that no child is made to feel that enjoying the city with ease on any given day or feeling the joys experienced by their peers are unattainable for them. If you see Bekah and I around town wave us down to stop and say hi, please tell us your story, ask us questions, and without a doubt if you want to be an advocate ask us how to get involved.

Hi, My name is Amelia Hebert. I graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in Marketing. My husband, son, yorkie and I reside in Jeff Davis Parish. Jake and I have a two-year-old son named Beau. I currently work for the Lake Charles Regional Airport as the manager of Marketing and Business Development. Every day is different at work, and seeing the variety of aircraft take off and land at LCH never gets old. In my free time, I love to read,spend time outside with my family, and love a good lunch outing with friends.

My name is Kaitlyn LaBove and I was born and raised in SWLA. I truly love the community here. I am a single mother to a beautiful 5-year-old name Maddilyn Grace, she is my saving grace. It’s very important to me to give back to our community and to teach Maddi the power of giving. That is done by volunteering my time to organizations that make a difference. I am a member of Fusion Five, Junior League of Lake Charles, Arts & Humanities Council, South Lake Charles Kiwanis Club, and most recently Families for Inclusion. My passion for Families for Inclusion comes from the love that I have for my 2 ½ year old niece, who was born with Arthrogryposis. The condition affects the movement of joints. She was learning how to use her wheelchair at 2 years old, when she tragically passed away at 2 1/2. I want to advocate for children and adults like her, so that everyone can feel included. I look forward to helping SWLA become more accessible for everyone.

Hello everyone! I’m Joshua Macer, and I’m honored to serve on the board of Families for Inclusion. I live in Iowa, Louisiana, with my fantastic wife, Melissa, and our nonpareil daughter, Evangeline. Together, we have built a life centered around community involvement and support. Melissa, a dedicated college professor, is nearing the completion of her doctorate in Business Administration, and we homeschool our daughter, Evangeline. Our family's deep roots and engagement in the community drive my passion for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

I am a four-tour combat-disabled Army Infantry veteran. My experiences in both peacetime and battle have shaped my leadership approach—one that values action over words. I live by the motto “Facta Non-Verba,” which means “deeds, not words.” This principle guides my work as a grant writer and non-profit business consultant.

My academic journey reflects my dedication to community service. I hold a BS in English and Journalism, an MFA in Creative Writing, and am currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration. This advanced study enhances my understanding of public administration and equips me with skills in strategic planning, advanced management techniques, and results-based leadership.

Joining the board of Families for Inclusion aligns perfectly with my commitment to fostering an inclusive community. I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and included, regardless of their abilities. With the proper support and opportunities, individuals with special needs can fully participate in and enrich every aspect of our community life.

I look forward to collaborating with all of you to make SWLA a place where inclusivity is a fundamental part of our communal fabric. Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our shared community.

My name is Amy Andrews. I have been married to my husband, David, for 30 years. I graduated from McNeese State University. We have 3 beautiful adopted children and our first grandson. One of our children, now 18, has multiple disabilities. I love the mission of Families for Inclusion and all they are doing for our community and people with disabilities. My passion is to see our community become more inclusive for adults with disabilities both in leisure activities and in the workplace.

My name is Kailey Newcity. I am 32 & I have a rare neuromuscular disease called Friedreichs Ataxia. I have lived in Lake Charles for ten years with my boyfriend & our two dogs. I look forward to growing with FFI in any way possible this year!

Hi! My name is Abrianna Gobert. My husband is Anthony Gobert & we have been married for 8 years & are both from Sulphur, LA & moved to Westlake shortly after getting married. We also have been lucky enough to have 6 beautiful & perfect girls together, Amelia, Blaiklyn, Charleigh, Dawsyn, Elliotte, & Frankie. We feel extremely honored to have been lucky enough to have each one of our girls.

Our 4th daughter, Dawsyn, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, SLC35A2-CDG, that less than 100 people world wide have been diagnosed with. Dawsyn was born in May 2020, the beginning of the pandemic, resulting in all of her testing & appointments being delayed & rescheduled regularly. By these being delayed, it also resulted in us fighting for over a year for a diagnosis that still did not & does not have much research. While the year long wait was painful, many other families have to wait much longer & some people even go completely undiagnosed due to people & families not having access or knowledge of the resources they need.

I worked in healthcare as a medical assistant for nearly 4 years & I also got to witness both personally & first hand the effects of inaccessibility. I have witnessed healthy individuals become disabled in a matter of weeks, months, or years. I have also listened to many stories of fear due to lack of resources or understanding.

I hope to contribute to helping make SWLA accessible in ways that go beyond people’s personal experiences with disabilities. My goal is to help raise awareness which hopefully in turn ignites compassion for a minority that statistically everyone is most likely to become a part of one day.

Hi there! My name is Becky Soileau. I am a wife to a wonderful husband named Shane, I have a bonus daughter who is nine, and Shane and I have a two-year-old son! I am an Occupational Therapist and I own my clinic which is called Full of Grace Therapy! I am currently pursuing my Post Professional Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy at Baylor University. I have had the opportunity this year to become an Adjunct Professor at Baylor University in their entry-level Doctorate Program for Occupational Therapy and it has been the best time and such a blessing! All the Glory goes to the Lord for always guiding my steps, giving me everything I need, and the people I need supporting me along the way to continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations! I am so thankful to serve alongside everyone on the board and I am looking forward to this year!

Hi, I am Barbi Marshall. My husband is Joe Marshall. We have been married for 18 years and currently live in Moss Bluff with our two boys Wyatt who is 15 & Ryder who is 12 and he was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele hydrocephalus. He does independently walk with help with his AFO’s on both legs and has a wheelchair for long distances.As he does have other medical dx due to the Spina bifida, Spina bifida doesn’t stop him nor define him! I am also a business owner of a medical credentialing and billing company. I am excited to be a part of families for inclusion and be a voice and advocate for kids and young and older adults.

Hello! I’m Ona-Lee (Hardy) Davis but known as Ona by most. I’m from the area (Iowa HS and MSU Alumni) and can’t see myself anywhere else. I spend my weekdays working in the Corporate Field and my evenings/weekends with my family, husband Brannon and toddler Lee-Ona. One of my many passions is cooking and I’ve been know to make a few spectacular desserts!

Being apart of the community and volunteering is something I’ve always been passionate about. I’m looking forward to the many ways that FFI can bring even more good to our area.

Meet Paige Fontenot, a dynamic realtor whose journey weaves through a diverse array of experiences. A proud graduate of LSU and NSU, Paige holds double bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and sociology. Her eclectic work history includes roles as a radio DJ, dance teacher, Mary Kay sales director, and even the driver of a free BMW. From managing bookings and sales at the Rapides Parish Coliseum to serving as a social worker, Paige's varied expertise reflects her versatile skill set.

As a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Ashton and Hadley, and a grandmother to the spectacular Ivy, Paige's family is at the heart of her life. Her love for travel, passion for football, appreciation for the outdoors, and a palate for good food underscore her vibrant personality. Yet, it's her dedication to volunteering and supporting causes close to her heart that truly sets her apart.

A cancer survivor in remission since 2019, Paige faced separation and divorce in 2022, and miraculously survived a major car wreck in 2023. Despite life's challenges, Paige brings an unwavering commitment to her role as a realtor. Her goal is to make the home-buying process enjoyable and stress-free, ensuring clients find their dream home with ease. Paige Fontenot: where resilience meets real estate, embodying the mantra, "Live Your Life, I Got This!"

I was born and raised in Denham Springs, LA. I moved to Lake Charles to attend McNeese State University where I achieved a B.A. in Mass Communications. I have grown to call Lake Charles my home and love doing life here with my fiancé! I now work for the City of Lake Charles as the Director of Cultural Affairs and am deeply motivated to foster the community and culture of Lake Charles.

I am so moved by Families for Inclusion's mission because I have a brother with special needs. Life with him has been challenging but the biggest blessing! My family and I are passionate about advocating for him and ensuring he lives the best life possible. I am so excited to expand this passion into the Lake Charles community and advance inclusivity for everyone!