Elyria Developmental center Board Members
Farai Mvere/ President
Farai Mvere brings a wealth of experience from several industries and diverse experiences. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for more than 15 years with experiences that include head of the Power Department at a CATV Network manufacturing company and Head of the Power Quality department. He has completed a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Industrial System Engineering at Ohio University. He is now working on completing his DBA in Business Administration. Farai has contributed to the community by being a tutor at Lorain County Community College helping students in Mathematics. He has also served and still serves on a church board of a thriving community church. Farai is a strong advocate and supporter for organizations, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Carla Handely, Secretary
Carla Handley brings to Elyria Developmental Center her many years of experience working as an Administrative Assistant for a large company in the automotive industry in Elyria Ohio, where she takes care of the multiple needs in a thriving and busy office. Carla has found herself giving back to the community in many ways such as being on the Elyria Developmental Center board as the secretary. Carla provides valuable business knowledge and organizational skills. God has given her a gift to love others. Carla grew up next door to a child with Down syndrome where they had a special connection for over 15 years. This has impressed on her to be a strong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Carla is a wonderful wife, mother of three adult children and two grandchildren. She looks forward to serving and being a part of the Elyria Developmental Center for many years to come.
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Valerie Warfield, Board Member
Valerie Warfield retired (in 2014) as an Executive Director from a Community Center in Lorain County, and several years ago as an assistant at a telephone in the Commercial Department and as an Engineer Tech at Fisher Body/ General Motors Division. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Ashford University, an Engineering (Mechanical) Degree at Lorain County Community College and other certifications such as Infant & toddler Guidelines, Social Science and Human Services in Education Profession. She has volunteered in numerous civic organizations, including Lorain County Urban League and the Elyria Elementary School system; she was nominee for volunteer of the year for both organizations. As an Executive Director at the community center Valerie worked with children with developmental delays and has been a big supporter since then. Valerie has dedicated services and time to the Elyria Developmental Center as a board member. Valerie is a retired Pastor who enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog (Ami).
Valerie Warfield, Board Member
Valerie Warfield retired (in 2014) as an Executive Director from a Community Center in Lorain County, and several years ago as an assistant at a telephone in the Commercial Department and as an Engineer Tech at Fisher Body/ General Motors Division. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Ashford University, an Engineering (Mechanical) Degree at Lorain County Community College and other certifications such as Infant & toddler Guidelines, Social Science and Human Services in Education Profession. She has volunteered in numerous civic organizations, including Lorain County Urban League and the Elyria Elementary School system; she was nominee for volunteer of the year for both organizations. As an Executive Director at the community center Valerie worked with children with developmental delays and has been a big supporter since then. Valerie has dedicated services and time to the Elyria Developmental Center as a board member. Valerie is a retired Pastor who enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog (Ami).
William Torres, Board Member
William Torres is a lifelong Lorain County Ohio resident, with a passion for helping others. Married with five children, one of which suffered a traumatic brain injury early in life, William knows firsthand the obstacles and difficulties faced by families raising children with special needs. William has worked as an Industrial Electrician at NASA Glenn Research Center for the past decade and has years of experience in building construction, operations and maintenance. William will be dedicated in making sure the Elyria Developmental Center provides all it can to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Beth Williams, Treasure
Beth Williams is a mother, sister, daughter, and grand-mother who work as an Accounting manager at a manufacturing company in Elyria, OH. As a daughter, who took care of my 94 year old mother in her home. Beth place high importance on faith in God, my family and my belief that this adventure is worth it. Beth is an advocate and supporter of organizations, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She believes in the mission of Elyria Developmental Center and she want to ensure its succeed so that many children and families will be helped because of it.
Beth Williams, Treasure
Beth Williams is a mother, sister, daughter, and grand-mother who work as an Accounting manager at a manufacturing company in Elyria, OH. As a daughter, who took care of my 94 year old mother in her home. Beth place high importance on faith in God, my family and my belief that this adventure is worth it. Beth is an advocate and supporter of organizations, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She believes in the mission of Elyria Developmental Center and she want to ensure its succeed so that many children and families will be helped because of it.
Executive Staff
LaSonia Mvere, Executive Director/ Founder
LaSonia has worked over 23 years with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. She has planned, managed, coordinated, and implemented several programs for individuals with special needs. She has a degree in Business Leadership (BA) at Ashford University and her certification in Autism Education. Being the visionary, LaSonia is fully dedicated to Elyria Developmental Center and is committed to ensuring that all programs and activities are successful.