We’re taking some time today to celebrate some of the unsung heroes of our organization - our Board of Directors! A.B.L.E.’s board members come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds, and share their expertise to help us thrive. Board members work collaboratively to shape policies and strategy, grow our network, and ensure we are living up to our mission. The Board is responsible for managing the organization’s finances and setting long term priorities, in addition to advising or staff. Board members are stewards of the organization, promoters of the work, and champions of the cause. Our board is curious, passionate, and forward-thinking. Get to know these important volunteers.
Meet our Board of Directors!
Mary Kate Ashe
“I joined the Board in 2022. Three words to describe me are caring, passionate, and silly.”
“I joined the board because I strongly agree with ABLE’s beliefs and felt drawn to join this community. As an educator, an accessible theatre creator and a disabled person, board service is an exciting and fulfilling way to express my passion for this work. My favorite thing about A.B.L.E. is the respect everyone has for each other.”
Rosie Bross
“I first joined A.B.L.E. as a volunteer facilitator in Fall 2018, and joined the board in 2022. Three words to describe me are warm, loyal, and hard-working.”
“I joined the board because I believe art-making helps people discover themselves and brings us closer together at the same time. I believe art-making, devising, theater, and play are for everyone! My favorite thing about ABLE is the devised productions, because they are so uniquely and clearly A.B.L.E.!”
Jennifer Browning - Secretary
“I joined the board in 2022. Three words to describe me are energetic, positive, and a planner.”
“I joined the board because I believe art-making helps people discover themselves and brings us closer together at the same time! My favorite thing about A.B.L.E. is the unbridled optimism and creative approach for enabling breakthrough opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Greg Desmond
“I joined the board in summer 2018. Three words to describe me are caring, passionate, and loyal. My favorite ABLE show is Romeo & Juliet Remix.
“I joined the board in order to get more involved with ABLE after getting to know Katie and Lawrence and seeing a performance in 2017. I had an older brother with Down syndrome that I never knew. But he deeply impacted our family. At the time, there were no opportunities for kids like him, so I was inspired by ABLE's mission and wanted to be a part of making it better and accessible to more families. My favorite thing about ABLE is seeing and hearing the excitement of both the actors and their families in the lobby after the show. Knowing how much it means to our actors makes for a heartwarming and beautiful experience.”
Joe Marren - Treasurer
“I joined the board in January 2021. Three words to describe me are conscientious, genuine, and humorous. My favorite ABLE show is ABLE Anthology.“
“Two of my siblings have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and early in the pandemic I was able to see them perform in ABLE's production of Comedy of Errors. I was blown away by the way ABLE brought people together and continued to create a community for the actors, despite such difficult circumstances. I joined the board because I wanted to lend my talents to help ABLE continue to grow and excel, and to stay connected to a community that I love and care about, even when that can't be in person. My favorite thing about ABLE is the the welcoming, accepting, warm, and fun environment the actors, teaching artists, and facilitators create together.”
Dennis Rossow - President
“I joined the board in January 2020. Three words to describe me are friendly, loyal, and helpful. My favorite ABLE show is Romeo & Juliet Remix.”
“I joined the board because I was very attracted to the mission of ABLE, and as a theatre major, it seemed like real synergy. During my time on the board so far, I have gained even greater respect for the creativity and genius of the group given the response to the pandemic. My favorite thing about ABLE is the joy when actors are on screen or stage together. My second favorite thing is the amazing volunteers who give so much to the actors.”
Marcela Sarmiento - Vice President
“I joined the board in January 2020. Three words to describe me are creative, dedicated, and trustworthy. My favorite ABLE show is Romeo & Juliet Remix.”
“Down syndrome and theater are both deeply personal to me. My brother is a 27 year old man with Down syndrome who enjoys singing, dancing, and acting silly as much as I do. And theater and expression on the stage have deeply shaped who I am, from musical theater performances in high school to performing as part of an Indian Dance team. I joined the board in order to provide my professional and personal experience to an effort that blended these two important elements in my life. My favorite thing about ABLE is the creativity, passion, and resilience of the actors, teaching artists, and volunteers. Everyone brings their most authentic selves to create a space where safe expression is celebrated.”
Kendra Van Kempen
“I have been a part of A.B.L.E. since 2012, and am a founding board member. Three words to describe me are dedicated, creative, and kind. My favorite ABLE shows are The Tempest, Twelfth Night, and The Curse of the Tempest Jewel. “
“Growing up, being involved with theater--acting, directing, telling stories--helped me figure out who I am and gave me tools to navigate the world. I joined the board to be able to help others discover similar things about themselves, and it's an honor to do so. My favorite thing about ABLE is the people!”
