Lead Advocate Certification: Module 3

Whitney Doyle is the Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at the Amputee Coalition. Whitney has extensive advocacy and grassroots leadership experience and previously served as the Executive Director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc. Her drive for transparency and equality led to expanded outreach of assistive technology services in every county in Florida. Whitney began her career with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics from St. Petersburg College and became a certified prosthetist in 2015. Seeking a transition away from patient care, Whitney began working on projects that aligned with her passion for equitable access. 

Her disability advocacy work started in 2008, when she joined the Florida Youth Council and became a volunteer at the Florida Youth Leadership Forum. Being inspired by others who have disabilities has led her to become an active member of the Florida Independent Living Council’s board of directors and the National Council on Independent Living’s finance committee. Whitney has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the University of Central Florida and became a certified nonprofit professional in 2023. 

Olivia Keller recently joined the Government Relations team at the Amputee Coalition as the Public Policy Manager. Prior to joining the Amputee Coalition, Olivia was the Senior Public Policy Analyst at Disability Rights Florida where she worked with the rest of the Public Policy team to track and analyze the impact of relevant state and federal legislation on people with disabilities and helped set Disability Rights Florida’s legislative priorities. Being born with a physical disability herself, she previously assisted others with disabilities acquire independent living skills as the Peer Mentor at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living. Olivia also served on the Citizens with Disabilities advisory board for the City of Sarasota, FL and was a candidate for the Florida Senate in 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Memphis where she graduated cum laude and is currently working towards her Master’s in Disability Studies through the City University of New York. 

Ryan Geddie is a congenital amputee and Senior Grassroots Advocacy Specialist at the Amputee Coalition. He received a B.A. in Government from The University of Texas at Austin in the spring of 2022.

Ashlie White joined the organization in September 2022. She brings a wealth of expertise to a dynamic team determined to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential. She is responsible for leading the National Limb Loss Resource Center, government relations, community engagement, and peer support initiatives. She has a proven record of developing, implementing, and managing dynamic programs. She came to the Amputee Coalition after a successful tenure as director of health policy and strategic alliances at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.  

Ashlie provides strategic vision, energy, leadership, and accountability for all program strategies, plans, goals, and outcomes, with a focus on continual improvement and development to meet the needs of the limb loss and limb difference community. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, a graduate certificate in technology and communication, a Master of Arts in digital communication, and a graduate certificate in public health leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Shree H Thaker, Amputee Coalition Director of Communications and Partnerships, just celebrated her 1st anniversary at the Coalition and previously overlapped with the Coalition in different capacities since 2015 for advocacy efforts, event partnerships, and frequently attended National Conference! Her career has ranged from being a technician at a prosthetic & orthotic clinic to managing social media, running volunteer programs, and directing operations and sales for several non-profit organizations and startup companies in the O&P profession. She loves the outdoors and anywhere sunny!

JaNae Fowler serves as the Healthcare Partners and Underserved Communities Manager at the Amputee Coalition since January 2023. Her primary focus is on cultivating interest and fostering relationships to develop new partnerships, while also nurturing existing ones. With a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University, JaNae brings over 20 years of professional experience in administration, with a significant portion dedicated to nonprofit work within human services, education, and public health sectors. Passionate about serving others, JaNae thrives on establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, ultimately building a solid foundation for collaboration and community engagement. 

Mary Pierson is a versatile digital marketing and business consulting expert with over 10 years of SEO experience and nearly 30 years of leading service-driven projects. With skills in keyword research, content development, SEO strategy, and project management, she’s also a seasoned social media consultant who helps businesses harness the power of digital platforms. Mary’s technical and strategic approach makes her a go-to leader for implementing automation, website redesigns, AI integrations, digital strategy, and custom email solutions.

Her dedication to crafting solutions tailored to each client's needs is a testament to her passion for driving positive results. Off the clock, Mary is a devoted dog lover and supportive mother, applying the same care and commitment to all aspects of her life.