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!

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.

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.