Meet our 2019 ABLE NRC Ambassadors

Meet our 2019 ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) Ambassadors.

Our Ambassadors represent a diverse selection of ABLE programs, types of disabilities, geographic locations, ages, gender, race and ethnicity, along with a wide range of ABLE goals.

The role of our ABLE NRC Ambassadors is to act as national spokespersons, providing a human face to ABLE. During 2019, our Ambassadors shared their knowledge and success using their ABLE accounts with millions of other ABLE-eligible individuals. Our Ambassadors used their own lived experiences and personal stories to motivate others to take advantage of the transformative benefits of being an ABLE account owner.

Davinna Christian head shot
Davinna Christian
Parent of son who has quadriplegia and Sickle-Cell disease

Detroit, MI
ABLE Program: Michigan

Advocate for children and adults with sickle-cell disease. Son receives Social Security Disability Benefits. ABLE funds are being saved for a communications device, durable medical equipment and an accessible vehicle.

Denise Gehringer head shot
Denise Gehringer
Parent of an ABLE account owner

Papillion, NE
ABLE Program: Nebraska

Since the pivotal moment when her fourth son entered the world with Down syndrome, Denise’s life's trajectory became dedicated to seeking opportunities for him and others facing similar challenges, empowering them to live life to the fullest. She worked on ENABLE program development and her son was the first ENABLE account owner in Nebraska. To date, Jacob has used his ABLE funds to purchase a modified bike, travel expenses, and for housing expenses he had when he moved into his own apartment in December 2023.

Amy Tessler head shot
Amy Tessler
Parent of son with autism

Oakland, CA
ABLE Program: California

Amy is mom to Scott, 29, who is a CalABLE account owner on the Autistic Spectrum. Scott lives with a roommate in a two-bedroom apartment at Sunflower Hill, a residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Scott primarily uses his ABLE account funds to pay for meals at restaurants and social activities. It allows him to be financially responsible for his day-to-day needs.