2026 Board of Directors
Nick Skenteris – Board Chair
Audra Vellucci – Vice Chair
Riku Oinonen – Treasurer
Lori Bostic
Matthew Collins
Lisa Finch
Lauren Hunt
Erica James
Andy Lecture
Dana Gantt Moore
Elizabeth Piper
Joel Scheving
Lee Sowell
Marion Elliott- Board Member Emeritus
The Honorable Nick Theodore – President Emeritus (Not Pictured)
Lara Ceisel
Barbara Stone Foundation Executive Director
Lara is the Executive Director of the Barbara Stone Foundation which operates several programs and initiatives, including Greenville CAN and the UP Employment Initiative. Providing opportunities and support for the disability community has been Lara Ceisel’s work and passion for more than two decades. “The journey continues to be life-changing. In college, things took an extraordinary turn when a Chicago suburbs elementary school principal suggested that I apply for a teacher’s aide position in a Special Education classroom.”
While pursuing her degree in Special Education from Arizona State University, Lara worked as a ABA therapist for children with Autism, and participated in a graduate level Anthropology program. She moved to the Upstate in 2008 to work for YMCA Camp Greenville as a Program Coordinator and Outdoor Educator. In 2010 she began to work for Greenville County Rec as Area Director of Special Olympics Greenville, administrator for Camp Spearhead and supervisor to Spearhead’s Camper / Worker Program, where she lived and worked for 10 and a half years. Throughout her career, Lara has gained multi-faceted experience focused on the disability community, including accessibility, case management, education, employment, service provision, and recreation – and continues to collaborate with the many advocates, service providers, families, caregivers, and business professionals working in support of individuals with disabilities. Today, one of the things that motivates her is the importance of more options and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities.
Lara is also a 300-level certified yoga instructor. During her time off, she teaches yoga and loves adventuring, whether hiking, going to concerts, or traveling to San Diego, CA to spend time with family, especially her niece and nephew.
Kris Mostoller
Barbara Stone Foundation UP Employment Initiative Job Liaison
Kris serves as BSF’s Job Liaison for the Upward Professionals (UP) Employment Initiative. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Clemson University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate. With 30 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher in the Greenville County School District, Kris brings deep expertise and dedication to her role. She also volunteers as a bowling coach with the Greenville Area Special Olympics Program. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking in the mountains, and kayaking the rivers of Western North Carolina.
Tori Weatherford
Barbara Stone Foundation UP Employment Initiative Program Assistant
Tori serves as the Program Assistant for BSF’s Upward Professionals (UP) Employment Initiative. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with an emphasis in Nonprofit Administration from California State University Monterey Bay. During her studies, she interned with Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, where she provided respite care and supported families navigating childhood cancer.
Tori went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and gained experience in dialysis, memory care, and hospice. In these roles, she worked closely with individuals and families through complex life transitions, helping them identify priorities, access resources, and navigate healthcare systems. She applies these experinces and perspectives to her role with the UP Employment Initiative, supporting individuals as they explore meaningful employment opportunities, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.
Outside of work, Tori enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Robin Blackwood
Barbara Stone Foundation PR/Marketing Coordinator
Robin is BSF’s PR/Marketing Coordinator and has over 28 years of experience in Public Relations and Marketing. She has a BA from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. Robin serves as a champion for the disability community and is a former Commissioner for SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. She is also a past board member of Disability Rights of SC and Prisma Upstate’s Community Advisory Council. She enjoys the beaches of SC, spending time with friends and family, and helping others understand the challenges of those living with an intellectual disability.
Laura-Leigh Gillen
Barbara Stone Foundation Executive Operations Assistant
Laura-Leigh is an Executive Operations Assistant for the Barbara Stone Foundation and supports the organization’s daily and long-term operations to ensure efficiency and growth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting from Western Governors University and is currently pursuing her MBA. Most recently, she held positions in bookkeeping and accounting and was a statewide case management administrative coordinator for Bright Start. Outside of work, Laura-Leigh is a proud mom to two teenagers and has a personal passion and a professional pursuit for photography, allowing her to capture beauty and connection in everyday moments. She also loves gardening, baking and cooking, specifically preserving food for her friends and family, from the garden.