Together, these milestones represent over 100 years of combined service to Virginia Commonwealth University, reinforcing the Partnership’s mission through expert leadership and compassionate support.

Commemorating 10 Years of Excellence

The following team members are celebrating a decade of service; each having left an indelible mark on their respective programs and the families they serve:

• LaNeka Brown: A cornerstone of the Administrative Services and Events Team for The Partnership for People with Disabilities, LaNeka balances her role as Administrative Coordinator with her work as a Project Coordinator for vital initiatives including Project PEACE and the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is currently further expanding her expertise by pursuing a Master of Public Administration, set for completion in May 2026.
• Leslie Murphy Brown: A Program Specialist for T/TAC in secondary curriculum and instruction, Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge to the team with endorsements ranging from Algebra and Gifted Education to Administration and Supervision.
• Dr. Kris Herakovich-Curtis: With a career spanning three decades in Virginia public schools and an additional 10 years at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Kris brings extensive expertise to her diverse leadership roles. She currently serves as a VTSS State Coach and Co-Director of Project CONNECTS, where her recent efforts have been instrumental in securing vital funding for Professional Preparedness and Development.
• Wendi Jenkins: A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and State Systems Coach with VTSS, Wendi has spent the last decade supporting school divisions in Southwestern Virginia, drawing on her deep background in residential and in-home services.
• Howard Ormond: Bringing 33 years of experience as a middle school principal to his 10-year tenure as a State System Coach for VTSS, Howard continues to inspire divisions across Virginia to create positive learning climates for students and staff alike.
• Lisa Richard: A pillar of the Center for Family Involvement, Lisa is celebrated for her "fierce advocacy" and her ability to help rural Virginia families navigate complex systems. Her sharp humor and collaborative spirit make her a beloved teammate and a reliable guide for families in need.
• Rebecca Stickler: Known for her meticulous attention to detail and judgmental-free listening, Rebecca has been a steady source of kindness as a Regional Network Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Network for ten years. Her colleagues rely on her insightful questions and her willingness to step up whenever a teammate is in a crunch.
• Dr. Roberta Thayer-Smith: Celebrating 10 years at VCU within a legendary 50-year career in education, Roberta serves as a State Systems Coach for VTSS, helping school divisions design and enhance multi-tiered systems of support.

Celebrating 5 Years of Impact

We also recognize two key leaders who have reached their five-year milestone, contributing specialized expertise to our educational missions:

• Jennifer Askue-Collins: A National Board-Certified Teacher and Program Specialist in elementary curriculum & instruction, Jennifer’s dedication to teaching excellence has been a vital asset to T/TAC over the past five years.
• Dr. Jodie Soracco: As the Director of the VTSS Research and Implementation Center and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Soracco oversees large-scale MTSS implementation across the Commonwealth. Her 20 years of experience in the field continue to drive systemic change in Virginia’s schools and communities.

A Tradition of Service

These honorees will be officially recognized during VCU’s annual service recognition celebration. Their work goes beyond administrative tasks and coaching sessions; it builds the trust, infrastructure, and support systems that allow Virginians with disabilities to thrive.

Congratulations to all our milestones achievers—thank you for your brilliance, your flexibility, and your heart!