Brenda Lamkin serves as the Executive Director of West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI), where she brings a wealth of lived and learned experience, coupled with heartfelt dedication to empowering families of children and youth with disabilities.

Brenda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and the Arts, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She is also a registered General Civil and Special Education Mediator, credentialed by the Georgia
Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution.

Her most treasured role is being the mother of her son, Kevin, a young adult with autism and multiple disabilities, whose journey profoundly shapes and inspires her professional work and advocacy efforts.

Brenda is proud to serve as the aPRY Ambassador for West Virginia through the Division of Early Childhood (DEC). She earned the Infant Family Specialist, IMH-E® Endorsed Reflective Supervisor designation through WV Teams, demonstrating her commitment to supporting young children and their families.

She is an active contributor to numerous state and national initiatives, including:
• WV Governor’s Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council (WV GEIICC)
• WV Early Childhood SSIP Team
• WVDE-OSEP Guideposts to Graduation State Team
• West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council
• WV Assistive Technology System (WVATS)
Additionally, she participates in various other national, state, and local councils, playing a pivotal role in supporting all families and individuals with disabilities.

Outside her professional commitments, Brenda finds joy and balance as a Certified Aromatherapist and Reiki Master Practitioner, integrating holistic wellness into her life and community work.

Dianne is excited to provide support and information to parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities in the non-profit sector. She has an extensive background in Human Resources and Office Management. Dianne is the mother of three sons, one daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a special nephew, Casper. She has been a collaborative parent partner in the public and private education system with her children and provides parent perspectives to other parents, caregivers, and students with disabilities. She feels strongly that when the family is supported early in their child’s disability journey, better outcomes are achieved, and parents and caregivers become better advocates for their child. Both parents and professionals can do much for the child when working together. Dianne will be trained by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) this spring to increase her knowledge of special education and disability Dianne resides in Lewis County with her husband, Jimmy Aman.

Parent Engagement Specialist, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling, along with a specialization in LD, MI, BD, and Autism. She is also a PRIDE trainer. Cara worked in the public school system for nearly 13 years. Her personal role as an advocate for herself and her youngest son took her in another direction. Cara is married with three sons and one grandchild.

Parent Engagement Specialist and a Concord University graduate with degrees in Education and Theater. She is completing a master’s Program in Family Life Education at Omega Graduate School in Tennessee. Tammy is married and has six children and grandchildren. Tammy is an advocate for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in research and development, as she was diagnosed with MS in 1996. She also is an advocate for the Parkinson’s Disease Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. She loves to read and spend time with her family and dogs.

Data and Outreach Specialist. With over a decade of successful experience in Data Technologies and former management experience, Valerie specializes in data and media technologies. She regularly attends online training sessions that showcase new tech trends, such as self-service and analytics tools. A firm believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace, Valerie regularly develops her working knowledge to assist employees with strategy techniques. Her former experience in training data-based solutions paved the way for her continued interest in Database Management. Valerie also considers herself an accomplished graphic design hobbyist.  She attended WVU as a business student.

Liz joins WV Parent Training and Information as our newsletter and Eblast editor. Her career is teaching third-grade students in Lewis Country Schools, and she has taught for more than 20+ years. Liz holds an education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She loves teaching, working with students, and supporting parents and has also been a tutor. Liz values relationships, believes ALL children can succeed, and believes parents and families are the best resources for each other. She is the parent of three wonderful daughters and two great sons-in-law and believes family is the cornerstone of society. Liz travels with her family and friends, enjoying music and the arts in her leisure time.

Marlena comes to us from Randolph County, where she raised her family and has been active with Randolph County School sports boosters and many community activities with her children. She is the Post-School Planning and IEP Specialist. Marlena said working with families is rewarding and has always hoped to do so at some point in her future. She has a background in accounting and bookkeeping. Marlena believes parents are the best advocates for their children and provide them with the information and training to support their developing leadership skills. She enjoys Guiding the Journey, The  Training Program for Parents, and helping parents understand their changing role as their youth emerge from high school.