ABLE Allies
Wendi King
Founder & Board Chair
Wendi King is the founder of ABLE Allies and a retired special educator with 35 years of experience supporting
students and adults with disabilities. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities inspired the development of ABLE Allies. In addition to her leadership with ABLE Allies, Wendi is
the owner of Lolli's Loaded Sweets & Treats, LLC and King's Cerebral Consulting Services, LLC. She brings
decades of experience in education, leadership, community service, and advocacy to the organization and
remains committed to helping adults with disabilities achieve beyond life's expectations.
Erin Pete
Co-Founder & Board Member
Erin Pete is a co-founder of ABLE Allies and a graduate of Michigan State University. She currently works with Dean Transportation, where she transports students with disabilities and helps train drivers to safely and effectively support the students they serve. Erin's hands-on experience working with individuals with disabilities brings a valuable perspective to the ABLE Allies Board. Her commitment to safety, inclusion, and helping others provide thoughtful, respectful support
reflects the heart of the ABLE Allies mission.
Board Member & Employment Facilitator
Eric King is a former educator and longtime supporter of employment and community-based learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As the husband of Wendi King and owner of the Eric King Agency representing MEEMIC, he found a way to combine their passion to support the community by providing workplace training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities since 2019. Eric is also the owner of Poppa's Cookbook, LLC, where ABLE Allies members have gained paid employment, job training, and valuable food-service and catering experience since 2024. He continues to champion meaningful employment, inclusion, and opportunities that allow adults with disabilities to be recognized for what they can do.
Eric King
Nancy Voss
Board Member & Program Team Trainer
Nancy Voss is a retired paraprofessional educator who
dedicated more than 30 years to supporting students with disabilities through Ingham Intermediate School District. She worked alongside Wendi King and was part of the classroom team during the early development of ABLE Allies, when Wendi and her students helped shape the ideas and vision that would become the organization. Today, Nancy serves as a Program Team Trainer, providing hands-on support at meetings, activities, and
community events. Her experience, patience, and understanding make her an invaluable part of the ABLE Allies team.
Naomi Riley
Board Member & Parent Advocate
Naomi Riley serves on the ABLE Allies Board and brings the important perspective of a parent whose son is an
active member of the organization. She is passionate about ensuring that adults with disabilities are recognized
for their strengths, abilities, and potential. As an active member of the community, Naomi works
tirelessly to increase awareness of ABLE Allies, build community support, and help others understand the
organization's mission and impact. Her voice helps ensure that the experiences and needs of members and
their families remain at the heart of the organization's work.
Board Member & Education Advisor
George Waters Jr. is a retired educator and former administrator who served as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet with Wayne County Regional
Educational Service Agency (Wayne RESA). With decades of experience in education and special education, George brings extensive leadership
experience, institutional knowledge, and perspective to the ABLE Allies Board. A longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities, George helps the organization consider what has worked in the past, learn from what has not, and build thoughtfully
for the future. His wisdom and experience add an important generational perspective to the Board.
George Waters Jr.
Reese Robinson
Board Member & Social Media Director
Reese Robinson serves on the ABLE Allies Board and as the organization's Social Media Director. A graduate of
the University of Michigan-Flint and current graduate student at Cornell University, Reese brings creativity,
communication skills, and a strong understanding of digital engagement.
She coordinates and schedules social media content, participates in Board meetings virtually, and manages
ABLE Allies' social media remotely. When home in the Lansing area, Reese also supports member outings and
assists with training activities connected to the ABLE Allies work program.
Karissa Willard
Board Member & Program Development
Advisor
Karissa Willard is a special education teacher who brings both historical knowledge and a current educational
perspective to the ABLE Allies Board. She began her career as a paraprofessional working alongside Wendi King at Ingham Intermediate School District and was part
of the classroom team when the ideas that would eventually become ABLE Allies first began taking shape.
Today, Karissa assists with program and content development, contributes fresh ideas, and helps keep the
organization connected to current educational practices and emerging approaches for supporting individuals with disabilities.
ABLE Allies Board of Directors
ABLE Allies is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who believe that adults with disabilities deserve opportunities to grow, contribute, build independence, and be fully included in their communities.