Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Board Member
Dr. Kate Simpson
Dr. Kate Simpson has been an educator, feminist, and activist for close to forty years, teaching at elementary, middle, high school, and college and championing equality and academic and economic opportunity for females and males of all ages.
Kate joined the I’m Just Me Movement Board at the early stage as Secretary because she was (and continues to be) inspired by Tina and Rodney Culbreaths’ passion for the mission and vision of the Movement and to encourage the organization to extend into schools and communities. It has been a dream come true to see Tina and Rodney welcomed into the Warren County School System and receiving well-earned grant funding to mentor at-risk youth.
With more outreach to come, the I’m Just Me Movement is making headway to strengthen youth, families, and communities through mentorship, education and training, positive development, and community partnerships. Kate joins in the vision to see thriving communities of people living life forward who are hopeful about their futures through overcoming adversity, advocating for themselves, and making empowering, healthy life choices.
Board Member
Mr. Chrishan Francis
Mr. Chrishan Francis currently works for the Federal Government as a Cybersecurity and IT Project Manager. He has lived in Stephens City for the last 25 years. Mr. Francis graduated from Sherando High School and attended Lord Fairfax Community College.
He then transferred to Shepherd University and finished his MS in Information Systems and George Mason University. Mr. Francis is also a member of the NAACP.
He lives with his wife and two sons. He believes in mentorship as an important way to keep young people motivated. He is not mentoring currently, but he dedicates himself to helping with the financials and Board development.
Board Member
Elizabeth M. Williams
Elizabeth grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with her mother and brother. She and her
brother were raised by a single parent, but her family survived with the assistance of community social services agencies and the help of family and friends.
Elizabeth graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism. She moved to Illinois after graduating from college and lived in metro Chicago for over 35 years. She pursued a career in the healthcare industry where she worked 20 years with the Caremark/CVS Health Corporation serving in the capacity as the Brand Compliance Senior Project Coordinator.
In 2020, Elizabeth and her husband relocated to Northern Virginia. After Elizabeth retired in 2022, she decided to finish writing her book. She became a published author in 2023 with the release of her first book, I'm Glad it Was Me.” A story which recounts her personal journey of caring for her dying mother.
Elizabeth became interested in the I’m Just Me Movement after hearing an inspiring testimony from Tina Culbreath. She credits Tina with an encouraging attitude, a spirit of giving and a strong desire to help youth and families, which reminded Elizabeth of the people and social services agencies that helped her, her brother and her mom get through some tough times.
Elizabeth wants to continue that legacy through mentorship, by helping others achieve their goals, by believing in their dreams and by providing a positive impact on the lives that she touches. Elizabeth enjoys going to church on Sundays, aqua exercise classes, reading books with uplifting messages and listening to contemporary jazz and classical music.
Board Member
Denise Strollings
Denise Stollings brings over 20 years of experience in administrative, leadership and legal roles, with a proven track record serving non-profits and the people among us they serve. Her local experience includes a stint within the Trust Department at Bank of Clarke, and Campaign Manager for Mady for Virginia, now known as The Mady
Movement because of its success in bringing voice to the under-represented in our local House of Delegates District. Prior to arrival in Winchester, Denise practiced law in Ohio with a focus on public service to youth, including work as a juvenile public defender and coordinator of a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program- expanding it from two volunteers to 12 in just six months and leading to its merger into the local CASA affiliate, a nationally accredited program of Court Appointed Special Advocates for
children suffering trauma in their home. She was active on many non-profit boards, including four terms as President of The Center for Child and Family Advocacy, a grassroots organization founded in 1984 committed to empowering and strengthening families in crisis to help them achieve self-determination, based on a vision to serve the community by focusing on the well-being of individuals including those affected by trauma through the collaboration of passionate, empathetic, and ethical staff.
Board Member
Madelyn Rodriguez
Mrs. Madelyn Rodriguez, who goes by Mady, was born and raised in Pennsylvania until she came to our local area, Winchester, Virginia in 6th grade. Except for a few years in Puerto Rico, she has been in Winchester since and currently resides here with her husband and two daughters.
Mady started volunteering with adults learning English (ESL) and later was employed by them. She also assisted with migrant Head-Start, where she became involved with Northwestern Community Service’s Parent-Infant Education as a Targeted Case Manager for infants and families. She is still employed by that program, but it is now called Infant and Toddler Connection and runs through Grafton. Along the way, she earned a Masters Degree in Human Services from Walden University. She has been an educator through Frederick County Public Schools Adult Education Program, currently run through Lord Fairfax Community College. Currently, she coordinates the ESL Adult-Ed Program and is an adjunct ESL Professor, teaching online classes. Sixteen years ago, Mady was hired through Winchester Medical Center/Valley Health to interpret for patients. Two years ago, she transitioned to a medical social worker and continues in that role today.
Mady’s passion is working with families and youth, particularly the mental health pieces that allow individuals and groups to function successfully, which brings her to the I’m Just Me Movement Board. As a Social Worker and her role in early intervention, Mady is familiar with all of the barriers that families have to cope with as they face life stressors. She has seen first-hand the way that youth and family engagement paves the way forward for teens and their families. Mady is passionate about education and community and continues to serve as President of Winchester Education Foundation, Vice-president of ALVA—Arte Libre of Virginia, and on the Family Day Committee.
Board Member
SheRae Hunter
Sherae moved to Winchester at the end of 2012 and started my business, SL Hunter Photography the following year. I have said over and over again that if tomorrow I had to give up photography, I would be ok because the individuals that I have gotten to meet and the relationships and friendships that I have been able to build are so incredibly valuable to me.
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I have a wonderful husband who supports my business, my energy, my BIG dreams, and my flare for spontaneity. I have 4 beautiful children, Zechariah (9) Mikah (5) Zoe (3) and Xara (11 months), a Ragdoll Cat and a Goldendoodle Puppy.
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I am involved in my local church (Love Church) serving the community through Sunday services and outreach. I love people and I love learning. I am currently reading These Truths by Jill Lepore. My idea of a cozy afternoon is a slice of pizza, a cold drink, and a good book.
Board Member
Chlo’e I. Edwards (she/her), Policy Director
Chlo’e is the Policy Director at New Virginia Majority (NVM), where she is responsible for the execution of strategies designed to advance the organization’s public policy goals, with a significant focus on civil rights, economic justice, health equity, housing and tenant protections, environmental justice, criminal legal reform, and immigrants’ rights, all through a racial equity lens.
In her work, Chlo’e uniquely centers opportunities for transformation through practices centered in truth telling, reconciliation, healing, and repair. In addition to NVM, Chlo’e serves as a social entrepreneur and CEO of Transformative Changes. Previously, she also served as the president of Black Lives Matter 804 and a policy analyst at Voices for Virginia’s Children. In 2020, she founded Virginia’s first-ever Racial Truth & Reconciliation Week, which was recognized by Governor Ralph Northam, and in 2021, she helped lead efforts to recognize racism as a public health crisis, making the state the first state in the south.
In 2021, she was recognized by The Valentine as a Richmond History Maker for championing social justice, received the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children Media Award, and was honored by the YWCA Outstanding Women Leadership Award for Human Relations and Faith in Action. In 2020, she was named on Style Weekly’s top 40 Under 40 and RVA Mic Share's top 34 Black women trailblazers.
Chlo'e holds a Master of Public Policy in Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts from Hollins University. She also served as a Community Partner in Residence at the University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Community Engagement Program in 2021, the Virginia Progressive Leadership Project in 2021, and the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Emerging Leaders program in 2019.
In her spare time, Chlo’e is a handler to a therapy dog, Leo, and enjoys dog training. She also serves as the Academy Instructor for Words, Beats, and Life to inspire artists turned social entrepreneurs. Chlo’e continues to inspire changemakers to pursue transformation of self through yoga, mindfulness, and healing-centered practices. To connect with Chlo’e, please email cedwards@newvirginiamajority.org.
Board Member
Vicki Quarles
Vicki Quarles is a semi-retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Grief Counselor who moved to Winchester in March 2024 from Colorado. She is currently a psychotherapist in private practice, but her background is quite varied. She grew up in in the Kansas City area, but her roots are in VA with ancestors arriving here in the 1600’s.
Vicki identifies as an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). The scientific term is Sensory-Processing Sensitivity. This is one of her specialties. 20-30% of the population has this normal trait, but often do not know it. Vicki is passionate about educating others who may also have this trait.
Vicki is a vegan and animal lover. She is also an environmentalist and finds solace by being in nature. In her off time, you will find her at the Unitarian Universalist church, volunteering at Belle Grove Plantation, going on archaeology expeditions, visiting various historical sites, researching her
genealogy or just reading a good book curled up in a chair. Vicki also loves music and is a beginning bluegrass guitar player. After experiencing a difficult childhood, Vicki knows what it feels like to not feel valued, seen, and heard. She wants to help change this message for other people. Her roots are blue-collar, but she has learned the importance of education. She was the first person in her family to go to college. After hearing Tina speak at an event, Vicki was moved and decided to become involved with the I’m Just Me Movement to share her knowledge, wisdom, and compassion and to learn from other’s experiences.
Board Member
Susan Watkins
Susan Watkins is originally from Elmira, NY, and graduated from Bryant and Stratton in Buffalo, NY. She attended Old Dominion in Norfolk; Northern Virginia Community College, Sterling, VA, and Randolph Community College, Asheboro, NC
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Susan’s work has been in accounting and management. Her last position as an auditor
was with Citi Group, 7 years.
Susan’s last full-time job was with H & R Block in Chantilly, VA where she was a Tax Professional and a year-round employee.
Susan has 35+ years of accounting experience. She moved to Winchester in 2013 from Herndon, VA. She is passionate about Democratic Politics and has assisted with multiple campaigns as their Treasurer and has worked as a poll worker for elections.
Susan is an equine enthusiast and sun worshipper! She believes people should have all the tools and skills necessary to succeed in this life. She is a true believer in the work that I’m Just Me Movement is sharing with this community.
Honorable Board Member
Mr. Larry Yates
Mr. Larry Yates, now retired, was primarily a professional organizer and nonprofit administrator during his 40-year career. He was the first Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Coalition, serving from 1981 to 1983. He went on to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
He also served as the Grassroots Organizing Mentor at the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Executive Director of Richmond United Neighborhoods, and Shenandoah Valley Organizer for the Virginia Organizing Project. His final employment was as States Field Organizer for Witness to Innocence.
He is about to publish Not Just Monuments: The War For Whiteness In Virginia 1680-2020. Larry has lived in Winchester since 2009 and in Virginia since 1964. He received his B.A. from Eastern Mennonite University in 2004.