IDA EXECUTIVE BOARD

Come meet our IDA Family! 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 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 three very loving and entertaining pets. 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.

Doug has a very diverse and out-going family. Doug and  Stephanie have 4 children including Josh (24), Bri (15), Luc (12), and Kate (2). With degrees in Leadership from a ministry background, he has traveled internationally presenting over 4000 times to audiences averaging 1500 people. A builder and creator, Doug has authored five books, launched conferences and speaking companies, and is building a consulting/development business while selling safety services to the oil and gas industry. His late wife and daughter died in 1991 from HIV infection complications and his younger brother died of Leukemia months later. Doug's current family now lives with Diabetes 1 and Celiac Sprue disease. Doug said, "I want to use my strengths and influence to speak for those who cannot be heard and help those who need a strong shoulder or hand."

Steve and his wife Cheryl have two daughters and a son who enjoy the mountains of Colorado and volunteer activities.  Steve has a diverse background in both financial accounting and pastoral ministry, most recently as a District Controller within a Fortune 200 company.  He has served churches in Colorado, South Dakota and Illinois and ultimately retrained to become an accountant working in the construction, graphic arts and printing, public accounting, and waste and recycling industries.  He has a BA in youth education from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Divinity in education from Denver Seminary and an advanced accounting certificate from the College of DuPage. Steve has sought to be involved with an organization that values the whole person:  physical, volitional, emotional, psychological, and spiritual and reaching out to a broad spectrum of people.  He doesn’t have to look very hard to find those who struggle with invisible disabilities and at the same time not seeing much attention given to this issue.  Steve is thrilled to be a part of an organization that is impacting others in meaningful ways.

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 said, "I am 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.

Originally from the Midwest, Rick moved to Colorado in 1994. He currently lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife Jennifer. Rick is 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.