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About Us
In 2019 Just ASK held the first ever "Aphasia Conference" in RI, and it is now an annual event held in June (Aphasia Awareness Month). This year's conference focused on health and wellness and was held in a Zoom format (check out the videos here)
Just ASK has presented at hospitals throughout RI to help educate and spread awareness about aphasia.
Just ASK also has started the Aphasia Social Network (ASN) group. This inclusive group meets on a weekly basis, Monday evenings, at 6pm EST. where we have game night, painting, conversation as well as guest speakers from the aphasia community around the world.
In 2021 ASN also started to include a monthly support group for "care partners" held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm.
Our Team
Denise
Lowell
President
Denise -
Stroke survivor and "Aphasia Thriver"- 2015 Before her stroke earned her MA in Mental Health Counseling and became a clinician in Providence RI. Today she runs the day to day operations of Just A.S.K. Helping to end the isolation and raise awareness about stroke and aphasia.
Elaine
McDonald
Board Member
Elaine- is an LICSW
in Providence RI
Ken
Lowell
Vice President
Ken - Has established himself as an educator starting in 2006 at Universal Technical Institute where he served as an Instructor and a Technical Team Leader, In 2023 He has continued his Teaching career as a High School teacher in Providence Public Schools, Today Ken continues to support Just A.S.K. as VP and Fundraising chair.
Pamela
DeMellim
Secretary
Prior to her retirement in 2020, Pam was Exec. VP, Director of HR at a small financial services firm in Providence, RI. In this role Pam oversaw all areas of Human Resources. As a member of the Leadership Team at BSMG, she was a strategic decision maker helping to move the company toward success.
In addition, Pam works with college students at the University of Rhode Island, College of Business, instructing an online course, BUS390, is a member of SHRM, is the Secretary on the RISHRM Board and volunteers with the Literacy Volunteers of Kent County.
Deanna
Kelly
Treasurer
Deanna-is the owner of Kelly Financial Services, LLC. She is a graduate from the University of Rhode Island and resides in Cranston with her son. She is passionate about helping people and helping small businesses. She loves to travel, try new restaurants and loves watching her son play football.
Kait
Moses
Board Member
Kait-is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in working with families living with aphasia. She provides intensive speech therapy through the Moses Center, PLLC and enjoys supporting organizations that are putting the thoughts & actions of people with aphasia front and center. Kait runs the online Aphasia Social Network groups for Just ASK.
Shannon
Hammond
Volunteer
Shannon has two grown children and lives in Cranston, RI. She is currently working with the Renewal by Andersen in Smithfield. In her spare time she likes to entertain, read and spend time with her family.
Robert
Ferrell
Volunteer
Married living in Pawtucket. A inventory control manager for a large metals company in Attleboro Ma. Loves dogs, baseball, football and hockey. Enjoys reading,hiking,watching Jeopardy. Spends nights relaxing with his lovely wife Jennifer and his dog Tucker.
Amanda
D'Alessio
Volunteer
Amanda D’Alessio,
Job Placement Specialist/Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II with the Massachusetts Rehab Commission (MRC). Amanda started at MRC in March of 2015 after receiving her MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from Salve Regina in Newport, Rhode Island. Amanda worked for Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island. She Served as a Youth Services Coordinator and ran various programs in addition to providing case management services to adults with disabilities. Amanda also has her BS in Physical Education and Health from Plymouth State University, graduating in 2003. Amanda has dedicated herself to assisting those in the community, friends and family in obtaining competitive employment as well as mentoring disconnected youth, helping to find their pathway to success. Amanda loves to travel, spend time with her family, friends and fur- brother, Forrest.
Rebecca Nordeste
Volunteer
My name is Becca Nordeste. I had a stroke in May 2019, and I was 26 years old at the time. Now, I’m left with aphasia. I’m still learning everyday and I’m still improving though. In 2023, my husband and I welcomed our first son into our lives. We are very blessed and grateful to be able to live every moment to the fullest, thank you Jesus!
Cathy
Card
Volunteer
a volunteer for Just ASK her and her spouse Barry are instrumental in our fundraising endeavors.
Prior to Cathy having a stroke she worked as a Customer Consultant for close to 35 years with MetLife in Warwick , RI
Cathy's generous heart has been constant throughout the years. She has also served the American Legion Auxiliary as the Senior Vice President of RI for close to 15 years.
Without the Cathy on our team we may not be as successful at fundraising.