Meet the Better Together Team

We couldn’t do this important work without the support of our Staff, Board, and Volunteers.
You can get to know many of their faces and backgrounds below.

Our Staff

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Jamie Bell

Executive Director

Jamie is a nonprofit professional with more than 20 years of experience in organizational development, fund development, and community engagement. She studied Nonprofit Business Management at Hostos Community College and completed additional training in fundraising and philanthropy through Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. As an AmeriCorps alum, she has dedicated her career to strengthening nonprofit organizations and advancing inclusive, community-centered initiatives. Jamie is passionate about advocating for underrepresented and marginalized populations and fostering equitable access to opportunities and resources. Her work is grounded in collaborative leadership, strategic development, and a commitment to creating meaningful community impact. In addition to her professional work, she is a certified 500-hour yoga teacher and a dedicated parent. 

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Jen Anderson

Activity Director

Jen Anderson is a Northern Michigan professional with over a decade of experience in education, non-profit administration, and volunteer management. She specializes in creating organized systems and inclusive programs that help every participant feel a true sense of belonging and connection. With a strong background in coordinating large teams and family events, Jen is passionate about building safe, fun, and engaging environments for everyone involved. She enjoys using her creative, relational, and administrative skills to support missions that enrich the lives of those in her community!

Better Together Board of Directors

  • A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair smiling outdoors, wearing a dark blue shirt with white polka dots and blue jeans, standing in front of a wooded background.

    Kate Mead

    BOARD CHAIR + RISK MANAGEMENT

    Kate is eager to lend her experience and energy to building out resources in Northern Michigan to serve very special adults with special needs. She has recently retired after a 25+ year career in the Risk Management industry where she spent most of her career as an Environmental Risk Consultant with a number of global firms. She and her husband Rob are foster parents to many incredible and resilient young adults.

  • A smiling man with white hair in a navy blue suit and light blue shirt standing outdoors in front of a blurred forest background.

    Chuck Meek

    BOARD TREASURER + BUSINESS

    Chuck is the Executive Director of a 501(c)3 that supports and funds environmental innovation R&D, as well as Managing Director of an impact investment platform that integrates Philanthropic, Private Capital, Academic, and Industrial stakeholders. Chuck has also led Chicago-area commissions on long term affordable housing policy and volunteered with friends and neighbors to provide short term shelter needs. 

  • A woman with short gray hair smiling outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a black top, earrings, and a necklace.

    Lynda Frusti

    CO-FOUNDER and BOARD SECRETARY

    As a retired educator and lifelong learner, Lynda is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Through advocacy, education, and providing access to the same opportunities available in our community, she strives to make a positive impact.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a blue jacket and earrings, smiling with her arms crossed outdoors in front of a blurred wooded background.

    Sandra Albrecht

    CO-FOUNDER and EDUCATION

    Sandy’s passion has been to create a place where families living with disabilities can experience a life filled with purpose, meaningful connections, and unconditional acceptance—a place of belonging that reflects the love and support of a community that embraces their unique gifts and talents, offering them the opportunity to live life abundantly.

  • A middle-aged woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a blue floral blouse, standing outdoors in a wooded area with green trees in the background.

    Traci George

    CO-FOUNDER and RISK MANAGEMENT

    After 28 years in the legal field, she transitioned to a career in the insurance industry in 2014. She is excited to be a part of Better Together of Northern Michigan and feels blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive and loving community. Traci enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishes moments with family and friends.

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a plaid blazer and a rust-colored top, standing outdoors in front of trees and fallen leaves, smiling.

    Maria Kinney

    MARKETING

    Maria helps brands discover and share their story in order to engage audiences in a human way. She’s interested in creating functional, beautiful work that helps serve a purpose, not just make a profit. Maria has developed a well-rounded 15-year career spanning all facets of marketing and supports our efforts through date-driven creative: logo and identity, web design, video, social media, and copywriting.

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling outdoors in front of trees, wearing a plaid turtleneck sweater and blue jeans.

    Mary Macey

    HUMAN RESOURCES

    Mary Macey is a Traverse City-based leader with decades of experience building global systems, leading teams and culture integration efforts for multiple large-scale acquisitions to embed shared values and define what great leadership looks like organization-wide. A former board chair with Impact100 Traverse City and board member with Adult Wellbeing Services in Detroit, Mary brings deep community roots and a lifelong commitment to inclusion to the Better Together board.

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    Robert Mead

    BUSINESS

    Growing up with his older brother, Scott, who has special needs, taught Rob how to turn life’s challenges into strengths. Their bond sparked Rob's passion for helping others, and he's spent plenty of time and energy supporting non-profits that improve life for those with special needs. He has spent most of his professional life starting and managing businesses in retail branding and project management.

  • A woman with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail stands outdoors in front of a blurred background of trees and foliage, wearing a light gray turtleneck sweater and smiling at the camera.

    Patty Seymour

    ADMINISTRATION

    As the mother of an adult son with Down syndrome who is an active member of the Leelanau County community, she is continually inspired to help create a world where individuals of all abilities have access to meaningful opportunities, connection, and a true sense of belonging. Patty is dedicated to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Patty has a background in administration and project management

Lead Volunteers

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Kat Brown

Art Coordinator
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Jennifer Gallagher

Becky Lent

Administrative Director
Marketing Director

Activity Volunteers

Donna Walker, Barb George, and Sadie Albrecht are longstanding volunteers and familiar faces around the activity club.

Sadie serves as our official greeter and resident comfort specialist. Whether welcoming members at the door or making rounds for extra pets and encouragement, she brings warmth, calm, and plenty of tail wags to everyone she meets. Sadie takes her role seriously, especially when treats or belly rubs are involved.

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A smiling older woman wearing sunglasses, a white baseball cap, a white shirt, and a red jacket tied around her waist, sitting outdoors in a grassy area with trees in the background.
An elderly woman with gray hair, wearing a blue plaid shirt over a white top, stands outdoors in a wooded area with green trees and leaves in the background. She has her hands clasped in front of her.