Our Staff

WENDELL HUTCHINSON - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

See biography below under Co-Founders.

ANGELA ROGERS - MANAGING DIRECTOR, ADVOCACY SERVICES

Introductory

Angela Rogers, BA, RBT, is an Advocate, Chairman, and Philanthropist. She is well-known for her endless efforts towards advocacy, autism, behavior analysis and development, disability rights, and special needs.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Omaha, NE, Ms. Rogers later moved along the gulf coast in the southeast. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she attained her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and is now nearing her graduate school completion with a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis through Mississippi State University. She also holds credentials as a Registered Behavioral Technician and Certified Behavioral Advocacy Specialist.

Specialized Career

Angela’s activity in healthcare developed nearly 20 years of relative experience, combined with a current career pursuit as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). She possesses a proven track record of success in conducting comprehensive behavioral evaluations, developing customized treatment plans, and providing professional activities with optimal outcomes to those in need.

Ms. Rogers has performed duties as a Mental Health Investigator, Board Member for Together Enhancing Autism Awareness (TEAAM), Board Member for Disability Connection, Fundraiser at LEAPS Sensory Gym and TEAAM programs, and currently serving as the Chairman for the National Institute of Health Professionals.

Additionally, Angela has taught Parenting Autism at community education facilities, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) training, Parent and Institutional Special Education Training, CPI Restraint, Person First Disability through RAC, and Exceptional Family Members Program (EFMP) and ADA Rights at US Air Force and Navy bases.

Philanthropy

Angela’s philanthropy includes autism awareness and acceptance, along with speaking for those that are unable to speak for themselves - an advocate voice for the voiceless.

Board of Directors

Rebecca Floyd, J.D. - President

Rebecca (Becky) Floyd grew up in Sardis, Mississippi; and, after losing her sight at a very young age, she attended Mississippi School for the Blind for twelve years. She then attended The University of Mississippi, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology and then her Juris Doctorate. She later earned post-graduate hours from both Mississippi State University and University of Southern Mississippi Rehabilitation Counseling and Education of Individuals with Visual Impairment.

Becky founded Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center in Madison, Mississippi in 2009 and currently serves as Executive Director there. This was the culmination of a lifelong passion of working with animals as well as serving individuals with disabilities.

Prior to that Becky served as Executive Director of Mississippi Protection and Advocacy (currently Disability Rights Mississippi) where she developed the corporate charter; wrote the bylaws for the organization; developed the personnel manual; developed the policy and procedure manual; designed and oversaw the fiscal management operation; developed and implemented budgets for seven formula grant programs; developed and continued to update all forms used in fiscal management, personnel, and casework; interviewed, hired, trained, and terminated staff; oversaw the day-to-day operations of the organization; served as the attorney for many administrative hearings; determined legal issues and assisted with the development of cases for litigation; consulted with staff concerning services to clients; set objectives and priorities for all seven grant programs; wrote annual reports for grant programs; did public relations, public education, sensitivity training, in-service training, and served as a speaker at conferences; designed and organized annual conferences; served as the spokesperson for the media.

Becky also has past experience working at Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, the Department of Mental Health and Royal Maid. She is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association and a past member of the Mississippi Developmental Disabilities Council (1982 – 2009), Mississippi Conference of Libraries and Information Services Advisory Committee, White House Conference of Libraries and Information Services (Appointed by Senator John Stennis, 1988), National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems Board of Directors (1989 - 1990, 1999 – 2005), American Association of Workers for the Blind, Mississippi Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, and Alumni of Pilot Dog Owners.

When not working or spending time with her husband who also has a visual impairment, Becky enjoys reading, swimming, horseback riding, raising show dogs, and rescuing abused and neglected Doberman Pinschers.

J. Christopher Couch, J.D. - VICE PRESIDENT

J. Christopher Couch is the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of the AVERA Companies, a partnership-driven commercial real estate development, construction, and investment firm based in Houston, Texas. Chris joined Avera in early 2016 to help the organization meet and manage the challenges of sustainable growth. Prior to his time with Avera, Chris was a Principal Executive Advisor with CEB (now Gartner) and spent 8 years advising legal, compliance, risk, and audit executives at large and mid-sized companies on the most significant organizational and management problems facing their organizations. The first 13 years of Chris’ career were spent in private and in-house legal practice advising clients on solutions to their business and legal challenges.

During his professional career, Chris has been drawn to support local organizations that impact children and students. He has been a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1998 and volunteers on the Livestock and Scholarship Committees. HLSR has provided more than $450 million in scholarships to the students of Texas since its inception in 1932 with millions more granted each year. Chris is also an active supporter of the L3 Foundation, Compassion International, the LIVESTRONG Foundation, and the National MS Society. These interests and experiences led him to take a deep personal interest in AASD’s mission and opportunity.

Chris is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated from Jackson Preparatory School and Rhodes College before earning his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is married with two school-age children and spends much of his time coaching and running between practices and games.

Glenn Hutchinson, Ph.D. - secretary

Glenn Hutchinson is a clinical psychologist who lives in Atlanta, GA. He has provided evaluation and treatment consultation services to the juvenile courts since 1995. He has also served on a statewide committee charged with determining policies for youths who are involved with the legal system. In addition, Glenn has maintained a private practice for more than twenty years.

From 2001 to 2006, Glenn took a hiatus from his work in Atlanta. During that time, he was Vice President of Scientific Development for WeAttract, Inc., where he led development of personality tests that were taken by more than ten million users on Match.com and Yahoo! He also co-authored a white paper on false promises made by many online dating services, and he served as an ad hoc consultant to CNBC for reports on the dating industry.

Steve Edwards - Treasurer

Steve is a retired executive. He served in numerous managerial and leadership roles during his career. While at Jitney Jungle Stores of America, Steve held the positions of Coordinator of Consumer and Public Affairs, Director of Training and Public Affairs, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Director of Training and Telecommunications, and Vice President - Training and Development. Also he served as Director of Human Resources at Valuepage, Inc.

Steve is a Dean’s List graduate from Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Science. Additionally, he attended Louisiana State University in Graduate Studies.

In addition to his career successes, Steve has given back to the community in numerous ways. As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, Steve has served as Elder, choir member, and Coordinator of the Internationals Class. Also, Steve is the Secretary/Treasurer and past President of the Fondren Civitan Club. Additionally, Steve is the Board President and a volunteer of Mission First, Inc. Further, Steve achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and is a past Scoutmaster with Boy Scouts of America, Troop 18.

Co-Founders

Wendell Hutchinson, Executive Director

Wendell obtained his Bachelor of Public Administration degree from the University of Mississippi and his J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law. He has been a member of the Mississippi Bar for over 25 years. Wendell has worked as an attorney for the State of Mississippi, in the nonprofit sector, and in private practice.

Specialized Career

Further, Wendell has over 15 years of experience in the field of special education law. While specializing in this field, he has advocated for and represented children with disabilities to ensure they receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Wendell co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of Advocates Assisting Students with Disabilities (AASD). AASD is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing advocacy services on behalf of students with disabilities from lower economic households. Additionally, Wendell is the founder of Special Education Advocacy Services (SEAS). He recognized there are inadequate services available in Mississippi for parents who have children with disabilities. Wendell created AASD and SEAS for this purpose.

Sue Cannimore

Sue obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University and her Masters in Special Education from Jackson State University. She has over 32 years of experience, in the nonprofit sector, advocating on behalf of students with disabilities in the public school system. As Senior Advocate for a nonprofit organization in Jackson, MS, Sue provided oversight and guidance to a staff of Education Advocates. While serving in this capacity, Sue’s responsibilities included case management and advocating for children at IEP meetings.Additionally, Sue developed training materials and provided training for parents of students with disabilities as well as professionals around the State of Mississippi on disability-related issues.