IDA EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that reaches around the world to people touched by chronic illness, pain, injury and disabilities. Founder and President, Wayne Connell, is joined by several business and medical professionals on the Executive and Advisory Boards of IDA, disease support organizations and volunteers who desire to spread IDA's message of hope and understanding.

Founder and President: Wayne Connell

Wayne has an extensive background in retail sales, management and telecom engineering. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. Wayne also has further training in many areas of business and speaking. Wayne has been married to Sherri since 1994. They do not have any children, because of Sherri's illness, but they do have an adorable Shih-Tzu named, Snickers and 3 entertaining goats. People are surprised when they find out Wayne asked Sherri to marry him, despite her disabilities. Wayne just knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sherri, even if it meant dealing with pain and suffering. However, Wayne had no idea that his decision would lead to having a heart for all who live with chronic illness and pain. Wayne's desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. Wayne has seen so many friends and families torn apart by chronic conditions. This is why he founded this organization, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate. His desire is to reach out to this community through speaking engagements, booklets and articles to help bridge the gap of understanding and support. He has already heard countless stories of how IDA has helped loved ones reunite their disengaged relationships and he yearns to continue on this journey with The Invisible Disabilities Advocate.

Vice President:

Carole Mitchell

Carole is retired from a career of fashion modeling and marketing, radio advertising and commercial  and residential property   management. Her most recent accomplishment was founding an organization for Singles 50+ in the Metro Denver area, that grew very quickly to over 500 members. Carole's pride and joy of her life are her children and grandchildren. Carole knows first hand about Invisible Disabilities, because both she and her daughter struggle with debilitating illness. 

Ali graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked at The Children's Hospital and has continued her career in Pediatric nursing in a variety of clinical areas. Currently works as a nurse at The Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO. She has volunteered in the Winter Park National Center for the Disabled Ski Program, volunteered for safety and  immunization fairs, taught many classes for the community and hospital personnel, and especially enjoys being an advocate for children and parents of children with disabilities. Ali is very excited to serve as a first time board member and have an impact on people's lives dealing with chronic pain and illness.

Kris Harty is an inspirational keynote speaker and author who shares her life story to encourage and educate. Her ability to persevere through challenges and overcome obstacles with grace, style, resilience, and unexpected humor lend impact to her life-changing message: Stick to it no matter what! Kris is Strong Spirit Unlimited, the company and the attitude. Kris is the Founder & President of Strong Spirit Unlimited.

Rick Watson, a founding partner of REMINTIS HEALTH GROUP. is focused both professionally and personally on improving the quality of life and mental acuity of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, stroke and brain injury. His work creating therapies to improve mental health care for Alzheimer’s patients led to his recognition as a Champion in Health Care in 2007. Rick was drawn to his current work by his mother’s Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diagnosis in early 2002. In addition to his support of IDA, he also serves on the Professional Training and Public Awareness committee of SilverPrint Colorado, a non-profit, government and private-business collaboration making real the recommendations from the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. Originally from the Midwest, Rick moved to Colorado in 1994. He currently lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife Jennifer.