Alyssa V Phillips Foundation
Alyssa is passionate about giving back to her community and enjoys volunteering when time allows. Alyssa has taken on her challenges with a positive attitude and pushed herself to climb every mountain she has faced with a smile. Alyssa is the driving force behind Alyssa V Phillips Foundation. Alyssa believes that in order to reach maximum independence an individual must first be accepted and included in society and part of creating an environment of inclusiveness (especially in the preteen and teenage years) is dispelling any myths or concerns through education. Alyssa provides direction on day-to-day matters of the foundation.
Board of Directors
Michelle serves as the Chief Executive of the Alyssa V Phillips Foundation, overseeing all operations including grant management, fundraising, new programs, social media, and the website. Michelle is the parent of an 18-year-old daughter diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is passionate about raising awareness for individuals with cerebral palsy in the community. Michelle and her daughter, Alyssa, have been featured in Tarrant County Star, Society Magazine, Simply Westlake as well as other publications raising awareness for individuals with cerebral palsy.
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Paul helps direct the strategy and financial operations of the Alyssa V Phillips Foundation and leads the organization in the areas of financial management, grant management, fundraising, and corporate sponsorship. Paul is a parent of a 17-year-old daughter diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Alyssa. Paul and Alyssa have attended conferences raising awareness about individuals with cerebral palsy and the Alyssa V. Phillips Foundation.
Anna Marie is the parent of a 17-year-old daughter diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her passion for educating and raising awareness for other families started back in 2002 after the shock of Morgan's initial diagnosis, Anna Marie began a frustrating search for information, treatment outcomes, research and resources. She soon realized the amount of misinformation and the significant research and treatment gaps that existed for kids with CP. Taking matters into her own hands she launched a non-profit and worked with different medical professionals across the world to start educating families by holding conferences across the United States. Lastly, Anna Marie worked with the Senate in 2011 to raise awareness and started National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day which is March 25th. Anna Marie and her daughter, Morgan, have been featured in Points North Atlanta Magazine as well as other publications and newspapers in Alabama and Tennessee raising awareness for individuals with cerebral palsy. Her daughter, Morgan has been featured in a NIKE commercial for the new FlyEase shoes.
Sam Myers
Trustee
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Samatha “Sam” Myers is a “household name” in DFW Real Estate. For over 10 years, along with Ebby Halliday Realtors, she has assisted Texans and Transplants to find their way home. Having taught Special Education she has seen firsthand the importance of patience, persistence, resilience, and collaboration as it applies to living the ultimate life. Sam is a passionate advocate for independence, safety, and accessibility for individuals with cerebral palsy and special needs both out in the community and at home. As a longtime family friend of the Phillips’ and proudly one of Alyssa’s biggest fans, it is an honor to be able to call Alyssa my Friend. Watching her grow and affect change in our World so that people see what it truly means to be ‘present’ and be the best they can be has been a privilege and part of my life I have always treasured. #ActuallyICan #AVPFoundation
Rachel Gearhart
Trustee
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