Meet Our Newest Council Members
Kelsie Layman
Southwest Tennessee (Jackson)
Kelsie wants to help other people with disabilities have better conversations and connections. As a self-advocate with Down syndrome, Layman graduated from Union University’s EDGE program, which helps students with intellectual disabilities pursue higher education. She volunteers at an assisted living facility and participates with the Down Syndrome Association of West Tennessee. Her main interest is increasing social opportunities for people with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, cooking, and planning events.
“I hope to learn about other people with disabilities so I can better have conversations with them and possibly help them."
Keona Gwinn
Mid-Cumberland (Nashville)
Keona is part of the next generation of disability advocates. Born with spina bifida, she developed her voice as a young teen at Kamp Krazy Legs. Now a graduate student at Meharry Medical College studying public health, Keona focuses on how health systems can better serve people with disabilities. She serves on Nashville’s transportation advisory committee and other advocacy groups.
Growing up, Keona rarely saw people who looked like her or shared similar experiences, which drives her passion for representation.
“I’m passionate about breaking down systemic barriers that limit opportunities."
Carrie Hardin
Upper Cumberland (Cookeville)
Carrie wants to bring big dreams as well as practical solutions to the Council. She and her husband Jason have three teenage children, including their daughter Elena, who is autistic and has an intellectual disability. Hardin serves on the board of The Exceptional Bean, a local coffee shop that employs people with disabilities. She’s especially interested in expanding housing options for adults with disabilities.
“I love big ideas and dreams, especially about
a future where our disability community has
access to what they need to be successful
and fulfilled."
Ricky Skillington
South Central (Lawrenceburg)
Ricky comes to the Council with decades of community leadership experience. He and his wife Kay have been married 42 years and have two adult children, including daughter Ginger, who has cerebral palsy. Skillington graduated from the Council’s Partners in Policymaking® program in 2010 and has been active in Special Olympics and other disability programs.
After 37 years with UT Extension, he now serves as a Lawrence County commissioner. His main interests are helping young adults transition from school to work and supporting aging parents who worry about their children’s future care.
“I’m interested in helping those who transition from school into the ‘real world’ and helping senior citizens prepare for the future of their children with special needs."
Jennifer Rose
At-Large (Knoxville)
As the mother of 8-year-old William, who has autism and epilepsy, Jennifer knows firsthand the challenges families face. Rose founded LIFT East Tennessee, a disability nonprofit, and owns William’s Voice, an autism service provider. Her advocacy journey began early when her mother suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. “I learned how to support her while navigating the complexities of the system,” Jennifer says. Jennifer is passionate about early intervention and creating meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to live independent lives.