Meet our Newest Council Members!
Three new citizen members were recently appointed by Governor Bill Lee to serve on our Council. We look forward to seeing all they will contribute over their terms. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have!
Donna Nasso | West TN
Donna Nasso was appointed to represent the Memphis Delta Development District on the Council. She lives in Germantown with her husband, Jim, and their three sons: Zane and twins John and Jack. Jack is Deaf and has autism and VATER syndrome.
Donna serves as the Director of Special Needs at Hope Presbyterian Church and teaches psychology online at Southwest Tennessee Community College. She became involved in disability advocacy when Jack was born, long before she knew there was a term for what she was doing.
After participating in Partners in Policymaking®, Donna was drawn to the Council’s work as a platform for creating positive change. Her main interest in disability issues is future planning for individuals with disabilities, recognizing the importance of preparation beyond parents’ lifetimes.
Donna also contributes her expertise to the Blue Care Advisory Board and the Blue Care Behavioral Health Board. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba instruction, travel, reading, gardening, and shopping. Donna looks forward to learning from the Council and sharing valuable information with families in West Tennessee.
Swathi Dasari | Middle TN
Swathi Dasari was appointed to represent the Mid-Cumberland Development District on the Council. She lives in Brentwood with her husband, Satish, and their two children: Manasvi, 13, and Abhi, 10. Abhi has autism, ADHD, and PANDAS.
Swathi became involved in disability advocacy when Abhi was diagnosed. She sought out resources and support that eventually led her to help other families navigating similar journeys. Her experience as a stay-at-home mom to a child with disabilities has given her valuable insights into the daily challenges and triumphs families face.
Swathi is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking® and several other advocacy programs. She was drawn to the Council’s work as a platform for creating broader systemic change. Her main interest is in improving access to inclusive education and support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Swathi brings to the Council her gift for connecting deeply with others and communicating complex ideas clearly and compassionately. She looks forward to contributing to policies that will improve the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities. In her free time, Swathi enjoys volunteering and exploring new resources for disability support.
Katie Moore | Southwest TN
Katie Moore was appointed to represent the Southwest Development District on the Council. She lives in Henderson with her parents and emotional support cat, Twix.
Katie became involved in the disability community through her own experiences with learning disabilities. She participated in Partners in Policymaking® in 2022-2023. This experience led her to seek a position on the Council when a spot opened for Southwest Tennessee.
Katie is currently seeking employment and is involved in various disability-related organizations. She serves on the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Community Advisory Council, among others. She also participates in a special needs dance class and a focus group on employment for people with learning disabilities.
In her free time, Katie enjoys swimming, yoga, and hosting a Bible study on Discord. She also maintains an Instagram journey focused on self-advocacy. Katie looks forward to encouraging more people to speak up and be involved in advocacy, drawing from her experiences in Partners in Policymaking.
Katie’s main interests in disability issues include improving air travel experiences for wheelchair users, increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and advocating for better understanding of invisible illnesses and disabilities in healthcare settings.