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A-NOD Board Members
James Thacker:
Creative Promotional Assistant
Hello, my name is James Thacker. I am fourteen years old and serve as the Cooking, Coding, Crochet, and Gardening Assistant for A-NOD. This role allows me to create sensory promotional ideas for the organization. I am also the twin brother of Larry Jr. and a sibling to both Michael and Robert. Currently, I am in the 7th grade and am considering a leadership role at school to help new students who are coming in. Additionally, I play the violin. In my free time, I enjoy bowling, playing on my PS4, and engaging in other computer games.
Hello my name is Anna Conradt.
Anna Conradt
Conference ConsultantBoard Director
Robert Thacker:
Media Specialist
Hello, my name is Robert Thacker. I am twenty years old and currently serve as the Media Specialist for A-NOD. In this role, I create Facebook media interviews and manage social media postings for A-NOD.
I am also a DJ for Central Campus, where I live stream on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM, and I produce podcasts as well. Additionally, I am a student in the Four Plus Program, focusing on developing my adult transitional skills to prepare for a career in vocational trades or a broadcasting program at Grandview College.
Outside of school, I have acted in two plays at the Des Moines Playhouse: I played Daddy Warbucks in "Annie Jr." and Jack Black-DJ in "High School Musical." I also performed in "Rumors" as Officer Putney at East High School. Alongside acting, I have contributed by soundboarding at both venues, ushering, and serving as an MC.
Marcella Betts:
Advocate
I remarried in 1995 to Donald Betts. I retired from Qwest in 2004 and became a grandmother in 2005, 2007, and 2011.
In 2011 I became a Respite worker for Childserve which entails providing activities for my grandsons blessed with special health concerns, providing their breaks for their parents during the day as well as enjoying and having the time talking to my grankids on the way to school and back.
Robyn MacMillan:
Promotional Specialist and Polk County Election Specialist: Click on my image to learn more about Polk County Elections, registrations and Absentee Ballets, etc
**Professional Roles**
Hi there! I’m Robyn MacMillan, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself. As the Promotional Specialist for A-NOD, I get to help make our events shine by ordering fun products and promotional items for our vendor tables. I also work as a Polk County Election Official, and every year, I host a special voter registration event where we help folks get registered and request absentee ballots. It’s such a rewarding experience to be part of the community!
**Personal Life**
On the home front, I'm a very happy wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother! Growing up with a brother who has special needs has shaped my perspective and helped me understand the importance of support and care. My spouse and I are each other's biggest fans and caregivers, which makes our bond even stronger.
**Retirement and Other Interests**
When I'm not working with A-NOD, you can usually find me spending quality time with my family and friends or enjoying the company of my pets. I love to read and fish, and I’m passionate about giving back. One of my dreams is to create special service bandanas for those who use service animals.
Tamara Robinson
Most of my life I have spent helping others. As a young adult I worked in a nursing home. Later I worked in customer service as a cashier and security officer. I am now taking care of my parents who reside in my home. I believe my purpose in life is to help others. I love the outdoors and all types of animals. Thank you for your time and have a blessed day.
Tamara (Tammy) Robinson
Tamara Monroe
I live in Southern California, where I met and married my husband, Bill, in 1986. We have raised and home educated our 5 children. For 29 years I have helped my husband with the office side of running our own small business. I have also done Event Planning for Craft Fairs, Used Curriculum Fairs, Fundraisers, and Ladies Teas. I am comfortable speaking in public and enjoy meeting people. Our church offers an additional separate service specifically accommodating families with Special Needs (ie, Autism/Asperger's Syndrome) children/adults allowing them to attend church together. For the last year I have had the privilege of helping to facilitate this service by attending and helping with the worship time. This has increased my awareness of the special needs and difficulties that families with such special health challenged individuals must deal with on a daily basis.
Lawrence Evan Thacker Sr:
Board
Manager of A-NOD For Situational Awareness LLC.
A-NOD helps bring awareness advocacy and action to those needing assistance in mindfully making situational choices that could change their experiences
Des Moines Iowa EMT/FIRE Medic/ Ambulance Correction Experience.
My professional goal is to bring the product and program of A-NOD to families seeking to strengthen their voice of awareness advocacy and action within their experiences of loved ones blessed with special health concerns especially in the presence of Public Officers and Officials. Recognizing a gap in the system and learning how to create a voice for it to create change regarding it.
My hobbies are fishing hunting and outdoor activities.
My divers skills advocate resourcing and networking for families
Grace Hansen:
Home Product Designer
Hi, my name is Grace Hansen. I am 32 years old. I have been married to my husband for 13 years, and together we have 6 kids (5 out of the 6 are special needs). I am a stay-at-home mom. I can sew anything; I also do embroidery, and I can put any image on anything. I am a loving, friendly, smart, and easy person to get along with. I am a family-oriented person. I enjoy helping people and being with family. I got my associate's degree in business administration. I like to keep busy and always be on the go.
Michael Thacker:
Graphic Designer
Michael is 18 years old and a freshman at Simpson College, where he is studying Theater Arts. He is also a member of the Kappa Theta PSI fraternity. Michael has acted in productions such as "Little Shop of Horrors" and has participated in the Simpson Choir and Chamber Singers. He graduated from Dowling High School, where he was involved in Color Guard, music, theater, and the Dimensions Singing group. Michael hopes to expand his knowledge of the theater industry and help others understand it better.
Laura Marlowe:
Board
I am the mother of nine children and at this time, the grandmother of two very special little boys. I have been an Elementary School Teacher and have worked on pursuing my Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology. I am a Certified 200 RYT Yoga Instructor and I will complete my course work in July for my 500 RYT.
Marilee Meuzelaar
I live in the beautiful Midway, Utah mountains with my husband Pete and our six amazing children, some of who may not look like it, but they are very special needs. For over four years we have utilized this program for our household. We have the safety sticker on our front door, the back of our vehicle windows, high school locker, etc. The safety sticker opens doors to questions and more education to ensure that things run well for everyone involved. I am thankful for peace of mind the A-NOD program and the sticker symbolizes alerting awareness to any authorities, or family navigators (ex: police, medical specialist, school leaders and teachers, state social workers, therapists, etc.) that need to help a child, an adult, or senior who have a special need, to be alerted and open to a conversation on how to approach the situation most safely and efficiently. In the short and long run, the A-NOD symbol alone will open doors, strengthen relationships, and ultimately save lives.
Janice Biddle:
Children's Author of Books, AA Sponsor and
Board Director
Please go to our A-NOD Website Videos to view my online "Be Kind Children's Book". If interested in purchasing my book or others, Email me at: JaniceBiddleX80@gmail.com
I am experienced in working with families and children who deal with alcoholism and Alzheimer’s patients. Volunteering for 34 years. I have also chaired AA Meetings and served as an AA Advocate for those who are walking their Serenity Journey. I have compassion and understanding for the people who suffer from this.
And my best friend, ever since I’ve known her, before she had children, has three special needs children. And they are like my children. I love them, and I have spent a lot of time with them since they were born. My heart goes out to those who deal with special health needs, and I feel drawn to help these children. I have created two children's books, Jesus Loves Animals in 2022 and Be Kind in 2023, that reflect my concern for them.
I am also willing to do whatever it takes to bring awareness to them and help.
My words that empower me are Strength, Hope, and Courage. and my relationship with God.
David Ortega:
Consultant
I am honored to support a team and organization that will promote situational awareness and work to assist individuals and families with behavioral health concerns. As a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, I served as the Life Director promoting the dignity and respect of life for all, including persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. I am married with 8 children. My wife Nancy and I regularly go on a "date night" enjoying a meal out and sometimes a movie together. We can be seen leading songs at church and involved with prayer groups and parish committees. I currently serve as the Parish Evangelist for St. Joseph Catholic Church and school on a mission to make intentional disciples that will transform the world.
Lisa Quick:
Admin Assist
Hello. I am Lisa Quick. I am the A-NOD Situational LLC's Administrative Assistant. My role is to help A-NOD find the voice of Awareness, Advocacy, and Aid for those who are seeking empowerment in these area especially when dealing with situational anxiety disabilities and sensory health concerns, and especially while in the presence of our First Responders.
I started doing service work when I got sober. First, I was led to taking mtgs to the hospitals or other facilities. I give rides, deliver food to shut ins, and know that service is what life is about.
Being on disability means I have even more time to give.
My work revolves around The White House.
David MacMillan:
Veteran's Advocate
If you would like more Veterans' of Iowa Resources please click on my picture and it will take you to the Iowa Veterans link
Veteran’s Advocate
Career and Service
The Veteran’s Advocate served nearly three years in the Navy during the Vietnam Era, working as a boiler technician. Following military service, this individual worked for a combined 30 years in the Department of Corrections in Illinois and South Carolina. These experiences led to the development of severe PTSD, along with depression and anxiety, resulting in retirement on disability in 2010 and full retirement in 2024.
Personal Interests
When not assisting their spouse, the Veteran’s Advocate enjoys spending time with family and caring for pets. Gardening and fishing are favorite pastimes when possible.
Larry Thacker Jr:
Marketing
Hello, how are you? I am Larry Thacker Jr I am the Marketer for
A-NOD For Situational Awareness LLC, and son of Diane and Larry Thacker Sr., I am 14 years old. I have 3 brothers, one younger and the same age as me, but one minute younger, one who is in college and 18, one who is 20 and is the oldest of the sons, and one cat, found on Hubbell near East 29th. I am a 7th grader I am currently on the City of Des Moines Youth Advisory Board for the City Council from October 20, 2025, to Present, and I have been playing the snare drum since 2024-Present, and currently attending and playing at Goodrell Middle School.
Interests: I like playing games on my computer and PlayStation, I like drawing and coloring, I like playing with my cat, I like technology, and I like taking pictures, mostly of the sunrise and my cat. And I have loving parents and siblings.
If you'd like to become a member, please...
If you'd like to join our board, please...
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