Board of Directors

Clay Aiken, Chairman, is co-founder of the National Inclusion Project and a graduate of UNC-Charlotte where he earned his Bachelors degree in special education. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, a multi-platinum recording artist and an American Music Award and Billboard Music Award winner. Clay’s passion for music started at a young age and followed him throughout his adolescence. He performed in numerous musicals and was a member of his school choir. When Clay entered college, music took a backseat while he pursued a degree in special education. While earning his degree, he worked with individuals with autism, among them Michael Bubel, son of Diane Bubel. As Diane and Clay’s friendship grew, it became apparent they both shared the same vision – a world where children of all abilities were offered the experiences of full inclusion. Their goal became to create the National Inclusion Project and make this shared vision a reality.

Diane Bubel, President, is co-founder of the National Inclusion Project and mother of Michael (Mike) Bubel. She actively works to spread the message of inclusion through conventions, television appearances and radio interviews. Though dedicated to the Foundation, Diane manages to also focus on the most important priority in her life, her family. Her son Mike was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She has developed a unique and viable methodology that has helped Mike succeed with the challenges he’s faced. Diane focused not on Mike’s limitations but on possibilities. She learned how to restructure the activities of daily living using routine, patient repetition, and images to allow Mike to feel a sense of control and to become more and more independent. Diane treats Mike as any other child and encourages his growth as an individual. She is an enduring, loving mother and role model. Inclusion is not only a message she carries. It is a message she practices.

Dr. Priscilla Brame is one of many specialists who work with the National Inclusion Project. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in special education with an emphasis in the areas of learning disabilities and emotional disorders. Priscilla earned her masters degree in special education and emotional disorders and later earned a Doctorate in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Ohio State University. Priscilla was first introduced to the National Inclusion Project when she taught the teacher education program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She currently is an Assistant Professor of Education in the School of Education at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Faye Parker, Secretary, has vast experience as an active volunteer who has worked with numerous goodwill organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Food Bank of Eastern and Central NC, Women’s Missionary Union, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Relay for Life and CROP Walk for World Hunger. Throughout her son Clay’s younger years, Faye volunteered frequently for his elementary and high school events. She served as a role model for her children teaching them the volunteer spirit and the importance of contributing to the community. When not spending her time volunteering, Faye is busy running her own business, Parker Exclusives, which she founded in 1991.

Frances Wilson has been the Chatham County Tax Collector since being promoted in 1989. Frances is Past President of the North Carolina Tax Collectors Association, serves on the Taxation and Finance Steering Committee for the NC County Commissioner’s Association and was named 2005 North Carolina Tax Collector of the Year. Prior to her employment with the Tax Administration, Frances was administrative assistant to the Executive Director of the Chatham County Housing Authority. There she served as the agency’s financial director, a position that allowed her to work with underprivileged families in need of housing assistance. The Raleigh News & Observer honored her as “Tarheel of the Week” in May 2005. Frances has served as a board member of the Chatham County United Way, a volunteer for Relay for Life and officer of the Pittsboro Jaycees.

Staff

Jerry Aiken, Executive Director, serves the National Inclusion Project with 30 years of corporate experience in the telecommunications industry where he held numerous senior level positions in manufacturing, marketing, customer service, and general management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering with graduate work in management and marketing. Jerry has volunteered and supported many charitable causes throughout his career including Junior Achievement, United Way, Lymphoma Society, Samaritan’s Purse, and additional mission work assisting hurricane victims. He served on the Board of Directors for the Durham, NC Chamber of Commerce and was Vice-Chair for international development. He was appointed Executive Director for the National Inclusion Project in 2007.

Kristy Barnes, Director Marketing and Operations, directs the administration and business management functions, programs, communications, and fundraising for the National Inclusion Project.  She joined the National Inclusion Project as Chief Operating Officer in May 2005, after serving as the Project's Program Director. Before coming to the National Inclusion Project, she worked with YMCAs across North Carolina to build youth and family programs and facilities. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology.

Aron Hall, Director Services, coordinates the “Let’s ALL Play” inclusive recreational initiative, its grant program, and all volunteer fundraising efforts including Wrapping for Inclusion.  In addition, he is responsible for website development as well as support for the National Inclusion Project’s major fundraising projects.  A graduate of N.C. State University, Aron has had multiple experiences in education and recreational programs.

Debbie Cain, Treasurer, is a teacher at the Magellan Charter School in Raleigh, North Carolina, which provides a fully inclusive learning environment. She serves as chairperson of the mathematics department and works closely with the Special Programs team. Debbie has over 30 years of teaching experience, having previously taught at Leesville Road High School and Enloe High School. At both schools, she was named Teacher of the Year. She received the NCSU Sigma Xi Outstanding High School Mathematics Teacher Award. She has been a member of NCAE, WACT, NCTM and NCCTM. At the same time, she is very active in her church community having served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder and receiving treasurer.