Dear Community Members,
ABLE NH would like to publicly thank Kelly Nye-Lengerman, PhD for serving as one of our trusted advisors while in her position as Executive Director of the UNH Institute on Disability (IOD). We are saddened by her departure from the role, but deeply grateful for her contributions to our community.
Kelly has been an invaluable resource to ABLE NH, assisting us at numerous events and providing guidance on how to run them effectively. Through challenging times, Kelly offered us wisdom on how to move forward and grow. Her advice and passion on inclusivity in New Hampshire has been beyond influential for many of us here at ABLE. Kelly has always made herself available to support our organization, whether working with individual board members, staff or the disability community.
Alex Beauchner, ABLE NH Board Vice President shares:
“When I first met Kelly at an annual meeting, she was happy that we lived near each other. She has always been available to check in with me about personal things and professional issues. She has made me a better board member and is proud of me. When I first won the Annie Forts Award in 2023, she was the one that presented it to me and gave a nice speech about me”.
Katie Phillps, ABLE Board member recalls:
“When I was a Co-MC with her at the recognition night at UNH for the IOD, it was a very good event. She treated me like a peer, and like an equal and we did it together. This past year, Kelly was there when I won the Annie Forts annual leadership award. She told me congratulations and that it was very well deserved”.
Lisa Steadman, ABLE Board President commented:
“I am continually in awe of the support ABLE receives from its three advisors. Kelly has been incredibly busy in her role, but always made time for my questions. I counted on her for candid feedback, help figuring out how to say hard things nicely, the occasional reality check, and a steady flow of encouragement to ‘Pause Lisa, and take a minute to reflect on what has been accomplished’. She always knew what I needed to hear.”
While we are sad that she is leaving her role as Director, we want to express our sincerest gratitude for her guidance and advocacy. We thank her for what she does in this world as a strong leader. We hope that she will be able to continue to bring awareness and support to the disability community.
Sincerely,
ABLE NH Board and Staff