paula crozier Executive Director

910.685.1550 | paula@accessilm.org

With a rich background in nonprofit management and successful careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, business management and nonprofit development, Paula brings a wealth of expertise to ACCESS. Utilizing her strong advocacy skills which rally support and resources for those in need, she builds strong community relationships that foster outreach and involvement.  

As a proud wife and mother of three daughters, one of whom has Down syndrome, Paula understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for accessibility and inclusion. She confidently ensures that those who cannot advocate for themselves, are heard and respected. Paula's leadership is characterized by her commitment to fostering strong community connections. She believes in the power of collaboration and works tirelessly to bring together stakeholders, partners, and community members to reach the visions of the mission she leads. 

Mark mcgrew
Director of development

910.620.2780 | mark@accessilm.org

With experience in both the development and non-profit sectors, Mark joins the ACCESS team poised to make a meaningful impact. He has contributed to capital campaigns and strategic planning efforts supporting fundraising and donor cultivation for prominent academic institutions, national and international charities, civic and human service organizations, hospitals, and cultural organizations. Additionally, Mark has worked in the non-profit sector at Beyond BASIC Life Skills in the Charleston, SC, region, where he served as an independent living skills instructor for adults with intellectual disabilities.

In 2024, Mark relocated to the Wilmington area, but he was already familiar with ACCESS long before his move. As a dedicated volunteer, Mark previously served on the Board of Trustees and coached the Braves for the Miracle League of Wilmington.

TAYLOR SHULER, LRT, CTRS, CPRP ACCESS FIT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

910.398.2211 | taylor@accessilm.org

Taylor Shuler holds a masters at Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy and a bachelors at University of North Carolina Wilmington in Recreational Therapy. Taylor got his start volunteering with ACCESS of Wilmington during Miracle League’s inaugural season in 2013. When G.A.M.E.S., which is now ACCESS Fit, began in February of 2015, Taylor added the program to his volunteering and upon his return to Wilmington started volunteering with ACCESS Fit again. He is honored to lead a program that emphasizes building community by eliminating barriers to health and wellness. 

Casie O’Rourke-Shepard, LRT, CTRS
Miracle LEague, ACCESS Play & adventures PROGRAM DIRECTOR

910.530.5883 | casie@accessilm.org

Casie is a UNCW Recreation Therapy Alumni, Licensed Recreation Therapist and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She brings over 10 years of professional experience assisting special populations improve their quality of life utilizing recreation and leisure outlets to promote healing. She is passionate about the influence sports and recreation can have on a person and is excited to have the opportunity to serve participants in our programs.

Alaina Scifo
Project Soar PROGRAM DIRECTOR

910.508.6788 | alaina@accessilm.org

Alaina Scifo holds a master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Merrimack College and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bryant University. Alaina grew up overseas in military-connected communities in Puerto Rico, Iceland, and England. Former captain of her collegiate swim team, Alaina enjoys swimming, competes in triathlons, teaches spin cycle classes and is passionate about creating exciting opportunities to help our Veterans and broader ACCESS community enjoy an active lifestyle. She’s had the opportunity to coach a disability swim squad, co-founded the best buddies program at Bryant University and has volunteered for the Special Olympics Rhode Island, Best Buddies Rhode Island and Life Rolls On.

Gabriel Cabrera Recreational Therapy Intern

Hello, my name is Gabriel Cabrera. I am a summer RT Intern at ACCESS of Wilmington. I graduated from ECU with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy and a certification from the Miller’s School of Entrepreneurship. I am truly excited about the opportunity to work with the amazing staff at ACCESS and to further my educational development in the field of Recreational Therapy.

Mariah Griffin Public health Intern

Mariah is a recent Public Health graduate from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and I have a strong passion for community health and advocacy. I love volunteering and community engagement that focuses on underserved populations. I'm really drawn to ACCESS because of their mission to create real change in the community by addressing barriers to healthy equity which aligns perfectly with my passion.

Lindsey Knight Public Health Intern

Lindsey is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Public Health and a minor in Biology. She is currently completing a 10-week internship at ACCESS of Wilmington, where she is gaining valuable experience in eliminating barriers within the community. Although she has previously volunteered with other local nonprofits, this is her first time working with ACCESS. Lindsey is excited to taking the next step in helping to create a more inclusive and supportive community for children, adults and veterans with disabilities.

Rachel Price Exercise Science Intern

Rachel is originally from Delaware, but currently attending University of North Carolina Wilmington to receive her Bachelor's with a major in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She is planning on going into pediatric occupational therapy and looking for real-world experience so ACCESS seemed like the perfect fit! It also aligned with her passion for helping others, exercise, and community involvement. When not at ACCESS you can catch her at the beach, at the gym, or hanging out with my friends!

Ian Myles Exercise Science Intern

Ian is a summer exercise science intern at ACCESS of Wilmington. He is currently a Junior at UNCW double majoring in exercise science and public health. His passion lies in creating equitable and accessible opportunities for others. He is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor looking for ways to make his current practices more accessible. Ian is looking forward to connecting with the community and bringing his learning and experiences with him wherever he may go.

Barb BIehner
Board Chair

Barb’s career has already spanned over 40 years as a healthcare leader for various healthcare systems including: Chesapeake General Hospital, Sentara Health, Bon Secours Health System, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of The Kings Daughters, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Child Health Corporation of America and Accredo Health. Her roles progressed from Assistant Administrator to Senior Vice President to Chief Executive Officer. Prior to her move to ILM she was a senior vice president with a for-profit specialty pharmaceutical distribution company which was successfully sold to Medco. After moving here, she was an independent consultant and facilitator to many organizations as well as the first administrator for the Animal Emergency and Trauma Hospital - while also dipping her toes into academia. Barb became an Executive in Residence at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business starting in 2006 and held various positions including Director of External Programs as well as part time faculty since then, teaching Healthcare Ethics and Healthcare Operations/Supply Chain Management. She is now a full time Assistant Clinical Faculty member in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, Master in Health Administration. She has served and continues to serve on several boards locally and regionally including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Coastal Region, Pender Memorial, NHRMC Home Care, Plantation Village, Cape Fear Clinic, Cape Fear Community College’s Veterinary Technician Advisory Board and Intalere’s Eastern Alliance. She has been a member and Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives for over 40 years and mentors students as well as early careerists on advancement in the college and their careers.

Her favorite things to do are ….enjoy wine and rescue dogs.

Adam nicholas
vice chair

Adam is a father to five children, two of whom participate in Access programming. He and his wife Kate have been licensed foster/adoptive parents with New Hanover County since 2015 and have a passion for helping children find love, acceptance, and success in life. Adam is a commercial real estate broker with a background in development projects. He brings to the board a unique view into the lives of individuals with disabilities as well as a strong desire to serve his community.

Rick campagna
Treasurer

Rick is the CEO and Co-Founder of Carolina Storage Centers here in Wilmington, NC. He has a Business degree from Penn State university. He is a Licensed General Contractor both here in North Carolina as well as South Carolina. In addition, Rick has had a decade of working in the Renewable Energy “Solar” field here in North Carolina where he was a lobbyist for the industry.  Rick is a representative of the Campagna Companies here in Wilmington, NC, specifically, Camp Construction, Inc., who generously built ACCESS of Wilmington’s accessible baseball facility (Miracle League of Wilmington) out at Olsen Park. Rick and his father, Rocky Campagna have been involved in numerous community projects through their tenor here in New Hanover County. Having both of the Campagna’s community driven personalities is something for which ACCESS is incredibly thankful.

L.S. “Bo” Dean, Jr.
Member & Member Emeritus

Bo serves New Hanover County in the Human Resources department. Bo, also a Board Member Emeritus of ACCESS, brings a great deal of fundraising and board development experience to ACCESS. On Saturdays you can find Bo announcing at the Miracle Field as the voice of the Miracle League of Wilmington!

Bo has received many community accolades including Cape Fear Association of Fundraising Professional's Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 2010 and Encore Magazine's Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and 2018.

Kai Caraganis
Member

Kai Caraganis is a 40-year resident of North Carolina, having grown up in Chatham County and making his way to UNCW for his undergraduate studies. Professionally, Kai embarked on his career with Fidelity Investments, gaining valuable experience in the finance sector. He later transitioned to investment banking, specializing in the middle market, which further honed his expertise in finance. For the past decade, Kai has been deeply involved in the venture capital space, focusing on bringing nascent technologies to market. This role highlights his keen eye for innovation and his commitment to advancing emerging technologies.

Kai's commitment to community service is evident from his early and significant volunteer contributions with nonprofits in the Triangle. involvement with Communities in Schools, where he contributed as a dedicated volunteer. His passion for community engagement led him to a significant board role at the Durham-based organization, Partners for Youth. As a board member, Kai played a pivotal role in financial oversight, serving as the treasurer. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in the successful merger with Durham Children's Initiative, a major step in enhancing the organization's impact on the community.

On a personal note, Kai is happily married to his wife, Courtney, for ten years. They are proud parents to their daughter, Margot, and share their home with two energetic malamutes. Kai's personal life reflects his dedication to family and his love for a vibrant home life.

Tom Burrell
Member

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

My professional career was comprised of two parts. I first served in the United States Army from 1966 until I retired in 1992. I then began a career as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and served in that capacity from 1992 until I fully retired in 2015. I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry after graduating from the United States Military Academy. During my career I served in several positions leading soldiers and serving as a staff officer at various levels. I ended my military career in the Pentagon as a Program Analyst on both the Army and Joint Staffs. After retiring from the Army, I was a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. I led a team of experts in continuity of operations and critical infrastructure. My last engagement was as the senior program and policy analyst for the Director, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Program (IPAWS) in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

COMMUNITY SERVICE

I served as a member of my homeowner association’s Board of Trustees for 13 years. I developed and instituted the first long range strategic plan for the association. While serving as Treasurer for the association, I synchronized our budget with requirements and instituted the system and policy for ensuring the association’s reserves were adequately funded and appropriately used. From 1998 until 2021, I served as Chairman of a community civic association’s planning committee. I planned and executed monthly meetings, and served as the organization’s primary liaison with County staff, the development community, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Supervisors. I served two terms on the City of Fairfax Planning Commission. During my tenure we developed and adopted an award-winning Comprehensive Plan 2035 and a separate Implementation Plan to focus on and track. In 2018, I was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Commonwealth’s Common Interest Community Board (CICB).

Jane lang
Member

Angila Berni
Member

Angila Berni is a retired Chief Petty Officer from the United States Coast Guard with a distinguished career in leadership and service. While on active duty, she pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Mount Olive. She later earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from A.T. Still University, further deepening her expertise in health and human performance. Passionate about wellness and community impact, Angila owned and operated an award-winning health and wellness facility for over a decade, helping individuals achieve their fitness and rehabilitation goals.

Currently, Angila is a full-time lecturer in the Exercise Science program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she applies her extensive experience to educate and mentor future health and fitness professionals. Her diverse background in military service, business, and exercise science allows her to bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to both the classroom and community initiatives. Dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility in wellness, she is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Access of Wilmington, furthering its mission to provide adaptive recreation and fitness opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

Laura Kay berry
member Emeritus

Laura Kay has been a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities for over two decades, bringing both professional expertise and personal passion to her work. As the parent of an ACCESS participant, she has a deep understanding of the benefits that adaptive sports and inclusive recreation provide for individuals and their families.

Before dedicating her efforts to the nonprofit sector, Laura Kay practiced law, specializing in commercial litigation, antitrust, franchise, and state administrative law and served as a clerk to two judges at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

At ACCESS of Wilmington, she has enjoyed serving in multiple leadership capacities, including Secretary, Vice-Chair, Board Chair, and Interim Executive Director. Laura Kay is focused on helping ACCESS achieve the vision of building a fully accessible recreational center to further serve our ACCESS community and all residents of New Hanover.

DAVID MORRISON, MPA
member Emeritus

David serves as a business and strategic communications consultant at DF Morrison Consulting. He was a visionary as part of the founding ACCESS Board and dedicated many years as Vice Chair of the Board. David graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Professional Writing with a from UNCW and, most recently, with his Master of Public Administration.

David loves to bring his knowledge of baseball and smiles to the countless individuals that now have the opportunity to “Play Ball” in our community. You can find him each week at the Miracle Field hitting home runs serving as Head Coach for the Cubs!

David was also a founding Chair for the Cape Fear Disability Commission (CFDC). 

TAMMY PRUDEN
member Emeritus

Tammy has served New Hanover County as a Special Education Teacher for 20 years. She brings a heart for disability awareness, inclusion, and programming experience to ACCESS. When she is not teaching, coaching the Hoggard Swim and Dive team, or serving at Winter Park Baptist Church, you can find Tammy behind home plate at all the Miracle League baseball games!

Tammy was awarded the UNCW Community Partner Award for Excellence in University Engagement in 2016.

Michael Franklin, mba
member Emeritus

Michael is Controller at IKA Works, a proud support of ACCESS of Wilmington. Michael was a key member of the Wilmington Believes in Miracles campaign to build the Miracle Field and Playground, and served as Treasurer for ACCESS for over 10 years!

Chad Porter
member Emeritus

When he is not pitching for the Miracle League of Wilmington, you can find Chad traveling the United States as a Motivational Speaker and Leadership Trainer. Chad brings years of community building and programming experience to ACCESS. He also serves as the M.C. for the Annual Miracle Makers Luncheon and I Am Beautiful Fashion Show. 

Chad was honored as the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's Alumni of the Year in 2017.

Amy Queen
member Emeritus

Amy works for Syneos Health in Wilmington, NC. She is a founding member of the ACCESS Board, bringing business and community relations experience to ACCESS team. When Amy is not singing in the choir at First Baptist Church or leading the Azalea Festival Princess Pageant, you can find her cheering on the Hoggard Men’s Basketball Team with her family.