2026 Board of Directors
Nick Skenteris – Board Chair
Lee Sowell – Vice Chair
Lori Bostic – Secretary
Matthew Collins
Lisa Finch
Lauren Hunt
Erica James
Andy Lecture
Dana Gantt Moore
Elizabeth Piper
Audra Vellucci
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.
Jennifer Sperry
Barbara Stone Foundation Greenville CAN Program Manager
Jennifer serves as the Greenville CAN Program Manager and brings 24 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Winthrop University and is deeply committed to creating inclusive opportunities that help people lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
Before joining the Barbara Stone Foundation, Jennifer worked with Thrive Upstate, the Center for Developmental Services, and the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Most recently, she served as the Older Blind Counselor for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Known for her compassion and leadership, Jennifer works closely with participants, families, and community partners to build programs that make a real difference, grounded in a belief that everyone deserves respect, support, and the chance to thrive.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, and traveling.
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.
Jessie Garris
Barbara Stone Foundation Executive Operations Assistant
Jessie is the Executive Operations Assistant for the Barbara Stone Foundation, where she helps keep the organization’s day-to-day operations organized and running smoothly. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in Therapeutic Recreation, with a career dedicated to working alongside and advocating for people with disabilities. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and has worked in both clinical and community-based programs across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Most recently, she served as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with Greenville County Rec and Camp Spearhead, where she focused on operations, fundraising, and building relationships with families and community partners.
Outside of work, you can find Jessie spending time with her husband, twin daughters, and their Boston Terrier, Frank. She enjoys gardening, being creative, and loves walking on the beach, where she can collect seashells with her girls and take life a little slower.