Meet The Board

Born and nurtured in the heart of Chesapeake, VA, my upbringing was steeped in love from my two devoted parents and three older sisters. My educational journey took off with a graduation from Oscar Smith High School in 2005. Beginning my studies in Business Administration at Tidewater Community College, I then dedicated 7 years to a career at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, I continued my academic pursuit at Saint Leo University, finishing in a Bachelor's degree. The chapters of my life took a significant turn when I met her husband, Thomas Owen Sr., while working at the DMV. After marriage in 2018, I embraced a new chapter in Richmond, Virginia. In 2019, fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, I left the corporate world to help my husband launch a Real Estate Investment Company. I later became a proud mother of an autistic son, Thomas Owen Jr. TJ diagnosis at the age of 2 shifted my path of entrepreneurship. Branching off from the real estate investment world I became a full-time mom. Inspired by my own journey, it led me to establish a non-profit organization called Mothers And Autism Meetup, Inc., in 2023. MAAM is a testament to my commitment to supporting mothers facing similar challenges. In the short time since founding Mothers And Autism Meetup, Inc., the ripple of positive change within families with children on the spectrum has been immeasurable. Being an integral part of this organization and witnessing its transformative effects on the community has been the most rewarding experience of my journey.

Peter Carrington is a New Jersey Native who currently resides in Hanover County. In addition to serving on the Board of Mothers and Autism Meetup, Peter is an Information & Resource Specialist at The Arc of Virginia. He is passionate about empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families. Peter provides comprehensive information and resources on various topics related to ID/DD, including advocacy, education, employment, and community living. People with developmental disabilities deserve the same opportunities to thrive as anyone else.

Born in Halifax, NC, and raised in Emporia, VA, I am proud to serve on the board of Mothers and Autism Meetup. I bring a blend of personal experience and professional resilience to this role. A 2004 top graduate of Greensville County High School, my academic journey began at Howard University, where I pursued Pharmacy from 2004 to 2007. Simultaneously, I embarked on a career in banking, starting as a teller manager. In 2008, the birth of my daughter marked a turning point. I chose to focus on my career in banking, shifting my educational pursuit to Accounting. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from American InterContinental University in 2015. My professional path then led me to Accounts Receivable in a textile manufacturing company, around the time I began dating my now-husband, Mustafa McNair. My interest in real estate soon flourished, inspiring me to leave my accounting career and launch my own real estate investing company. After losing my father in 2017, I assumed the role of full-time caregiver for my mother who became disabled and non-ambulatory. My personal life took a joyful turn in 2020, marrying Mustafa and welcoming our first child together. My youngest daughter’s autism diagnosis at 14 months opened a new chapter in my life, driving my passion for autism awareness and support for other mothers facing similar challenges. At Mothers and Autism Meetup, I leverage my diverse experiences to support and empower mothers navigating autism. My journey through academia, banking, entrepreneurship, and caregiving, coupled with my deep commitment to my family, fuels my dedication to this cause. It’s more than a support group; it’s a community of hope, understanding, and advocacy, reflecting the strength and resilience we all share.

Michelle Dumas is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. I was born second eldest of four girls. I have a loving husband of 10 years, Carl Dumas, Jr. I come from a very close-knitted family where the atmosphere was always loving and supportive. Growing up in the Hampton Roads area, I attended Lake Taylor High School. After high school, I was awarded a competitive scholarship to Virginia Union University where I graduated with honors with a degree in Accounting. After returning home, I worked at American Funds Service Group where I became interested in Financial Planning. As a result, I attended Regent University School of Business where I earned a MBA with a concentration in Financial Planning. Realizing my passion to help educate people in the area of Money Management, I took my education a step further in 1994 where I received a Professional Financial Planner certification from Old Dominion University. I continued to follow my vision and dream to become an entrepreneur. Currently, as an Insurance and Financial Services Professional, of my own State Farm Agency, my mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected and realize their financial dreams. I pledged to my clients to take care of them as though they were my family. My strength lies in my ability to listen to the needs of the client and present viable options to safeguard their financial future. To ensure that I have a well balance life, I have been an active member of Gethsemane Community Church for 19 years where I serve as a member of the Stewardship/Finance Ministry, the New Members Coordinator and other special projects. Over the last 20 year, I have volunteered with Special Olympics, Adopt a School Program, a sponsor and participant with the March of Dimes, a sponsor of St. Jude’s, and the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters. When I was thinking I was doing noble community work, those kids who had various life-altering circumstances taught me how to be fearless, how not to complain, and realize the value of life.

Dr. Joppy has served as a public school teacher, staff development specialist, assistant principal, principal, director of professional and organizational development, and school division superintendent. She also serves as an adjunct professor for The George Washington University. Having done extensive work and research in the fields of communications, leadership, and principal socialization, Dalphine holds a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from The George Washington University. She obtained her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University. Dalphine is also an avid promoter of life and civic development. She is deeply committed to serving in her church and community. She is a proud member of the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Toastmasters International. Dalphine's favorite things include reading, writing poems and stories for children, singing, watching "whodunit" mysteries, hosting "game night" for family and friends, and spending time with her husband and three adult sons.

Benitee Towler Moore is a native of Tidewater Virginia, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight and Catherine Towler. Growing up with family core values of faith, higher education, and the need to use one’s talents and resources to have influence. Her brother Dwight Towler reminds her that it is her name on the mailbox; simply meaning own it. She graduated from the esteemed I.C. Norcom High School with honors in 1987 and continued her studies as a pre-nursing major at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1991 she received her bachelor’s in science in nursing and a master’s in science in nursing in May 2021. Benitee Towler Moore received her badge as a Doctoral Candidate in Nursing Practice in September 2023. With her DNP, Benitee intends on using evidence-based practices and strategy tools to strengthen teams and improve and sustain patient outcomes. Benitee’s resume shows firsthand experiences in the Veteran’s Hospital System, Regional Level I Trauma Centers, outpatient clinics, for profit hospitals and now correctional nursing. She has experience as a leader in every area of the hospital from emergency services, air ambulance, pediatrics, ambulatory surgery centers, surgical services, burn/trauma, labor and delivery, behavioral health, perioperative areas, including sterile processing and endoscopy. When asked, “What are some of your greatest achievements?” She responded, “My top (2) achievements were using my creativity to develop the idea of using state trauma funding for community education with a Trauma float in Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade. Next, assuming a leadership role with a local university, with a then 44% pass rate. Within (2) years showed a 66% performance improvement within the nursing program using revised processes to meet all learners, including structured learning. This produced a NCLEX pass rate of 92% in 2020 and 100% in 2021. These new nurses were on the frontlines during covid. Benitee Towler Moore is a mentor, coach, who serves in community organizations such as Chesterfields’ Liberal Women League, American Nursing Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and VCU’s AAAC Mentoring Circle, and NAACP. Benitee is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. serving all mankind since 1989.