Who We Are

Abide Village is a nonprofit organization committed to providing sustainable, affordable housing solutions for individuals with disabilities and those with limited income. Our innovative Cottage Home community model fosters independence, inclusion, and long-term stability. We aim to bridge the gap between housing and holistic support by creating safe, accessible spaces where residents can thrive. Through collaboration, advocacy, and community partnership, Abide Village works to advance equitable housing opportunities and empower lives.

Abide Village Board of Directors

Erika Rogers

Founder & President

Erika is the visionary behind Abide Village, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable housing community for low-income individuals and people with disabilities.

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Erika Rogers

Founder & President

Erika Rogers is the visionary behind Abide Village, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable housing community for low-income individuals and people with disabilities.

A lifelong advocate and devoted mother of ten—four of whom have Down syndrome, and eight who have had IEPs—Erika brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Her journey navigating support systems has shaped her unwavering passion for accessibility, equity, and community. Through both lived experience and professional dedication, Erika leads Abide Village with compassion, purpose, and a powerful vision for change.

Erika currently serves on the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and is a Family and Genetic Navigator for the Center for Family Involvement at VCU. She’s also served as a State and Regional Council Member for the Individual and Family Support Community Coordination Program (IFSP) and a Parent Mentor for the Virginia Down Syndrome Association, where she’s supported many families on their own journeys.

Abide Village is the culmination of Erika’s dedication to building a world where everyone belongs. Abide Village will offer not just housing, but a place to truly call home.

Erika’s mission is simple yet profound: to create a safe, inclusive community where individuals of all abilities can live, work, and thrive—with dignity, purpose, and connection at the core.

Email:info@abidevillage.com

Bonnie Morales

Board Secretary

My name is Bonnie and I have been involved in the special needs community since 1983 when I became a tutor in elementary school for a student who was blind.

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Bonnie Morales

Board Secretary

My name is Bonnie and I have been involved in the special needs community since 1983 when I became a tutor in elementary school for a student who was blind.

I am married with 6 children, 4 biological and 2 adopted; 3 of our children have significant multiple disabilities that cover a wide spectrum of different issues with 2 on Medicaid Waivers and one waiting. I am currently heavily involved in the Deaf/HH community with my youngest daughter at VSDB and as a Family Navigator with VCU's Center for Family Involvement project as well as supporting and advocating with our local and state ARC programs.

I have a passion for gardening and animals of all types, but birds are my specialty... my family calls my critters "the menagerie". I also enjoy different arts and crafts.

My purpose at Abide Village is to help build the vision of a community that embraces all aspects of disabilities and creates a place where there are no boundaries. I want to make a lasting impact on this world knowing that my children have someplace they can go to live, work, gather with friends and relax that is safe and supports their independence with a diverse range of people and abilities.

Rob Nalle

Treasurer

Rob Nalle brings a diverse combination of practical, professional, and personal experience to the Abide Village Board. A curriculum author, former builder, and aspiring farmer, Rob has spent years supporting his

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Rob Nalle

Treasurer

wife, Julia, in her advocacy and work within the disability community since their family's first adoption. Rob has also worked on adaptive equipment for individuals with disabilities, giving him firsthand insight into some of the everyday barriers people can face and the importance of thoughtful, accessible design.

He looks forward to using that experience as Abide Village moves through the planning and development process.

As Board Treasurer, Rob also helps provide financial oversight and stewardship as the organization grows.

Rob is especially excited about the opportunity to combine his interests in building, farming, and community to help create a place where individuals with disabilities and those with limited incomes can experience greater independence, purpose, connection, and belonging.

Julia Nalle

Board Member

Julia Nalle is a history teacher, a curriculum author, a former nurse, and a mother of five. Three of the five are adopted from special-needs institutions in Ukraine, where Julia experienced the plight of people with

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Julia Nalle

Board Member

disabilities in ways she can never forget.

Julia Nalle is a history teacher, a curriculum author, a former nurse, and a mother of five. Three of the five are adopted from special-needs institutions in Ukraine, where Julia experienced the plight of people with disabilities in ways she can never forget.

Since her first adoption in 2010, she has spent endless hours raising money for adoption and special needs care. She sees Abide Village as a place of acceptance, affirmation and hope for people who struggle to find all three.

Angela West

Board Member

Angela West

Board Member

Angela has been serving in the disability field for over 20 years. Her passion stems from her journey as an advocate with Cerebral Palsy. She has a background in ministry for youth with disabilities. Currently, she works with the Partnership for People with Disabilities as the Disability Engagement Specialist, supporting people with IDD as they participate in various research and leadership opportunities. Angela also serves as the Founder and President of Roll Called Ministries, a women’s ministry. Angela serves as a board member of Abide Village to continue supporting different housing options for people with disabilities. She believes that choice is important for every person, and she is committed to helping create communities where individuals with disabilities can thrive and have meaningful opportunities to live out their purpose.

Andy Rose

Board Member

Andy Rose

Board Member

Andy is the Minister of two Churches within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. Along with his wife Twila and son Galen, he is a proud lifelong resident of Holly Grove with roots in the area going back hundreds of years, and is passionate about community and service to others, especially those on the margins.

He draws much of his passion from the life of his beloved nephew Monty who was born with a rare Mitochondrial disease (Mito) to which he succumbed in 2019 after seventeen years of blessing all those who knew him.

Along with being a Minister, Andy is an employee of Dominion Energy’s North Anna Power Station where he is a Safety, Human, and Organizational Performance Specialist and also brings decades of experience in construction and agriculture.

Madison Smith

Board Member

Madison grew up as the oldest of nine children at home, an experience that played a significant role in shaping who she is today. With several younger siblings who have Down syndrome and other disabilities, she.

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Madison Smith

Board Member

grew up not only as a sister, but also helping care for and support them in everyday life. Those experiences gave her a personal understanding of the joys, challenges, and importance of having a strong community and support system.

Professionally, Madison works as a phlebotomist and is also the owner and photographer behind Madi Janae Photography. She is married to her middle school sweetheart and has a deep appreciation for family and community.

Madison’s connection to the mission of Abide Village is deeply personal. She has seen firsthand the importance of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to grow in confidence, independence and build meaningful relationships as part of a community where they are known and valued.

As a member of the Abide Village Board, Madison is excited to help build the kind of community she hopes will one day be available to her own siblings—a place where individuals with disabilities and those with limited incomes can build fulfilling lives with greater independence, meaningful connection, and the support they need to thrive.

Denise Feagan

Board Member

Denise Feagans is a former teacher, photographer, and mother of five who has developed a deep passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her daughter, Maggie, was adopted from

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Denise Feagan

Board Member

China as a young child and has autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through raising Maggie and navigating education, employment, community services, and planning for her future, Denise has experienced firsthand both the joys and challenges families face as their children with disabilities enter adulthood.

Denise believes strongly that every individual deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful life with friendship, purpose, dignity, and a sense of belonging. She was drawn to Abide Village because of its vision for creating the kind of inclusive and supportive community that is greatly needed for adults with disabilities and their families. She is excited for the opportunity to support that vision and help Abide Village become a lasting resource for families in the community.

Jimmy Comer

Board Member

Jimmy Comer

Board Member

Jimmy Comer is a Richmond native who has lived in Hanover County for more than 30 years and currently resides in Montpelier with his wife Amy, to whom he has been married for 31 years. They have two daughters, Meaghan and Eryn. Their family has a personal connection to the special needs community through Eryn, who lives with POTS and Dysautonomia, which has given Jimmy a deep appreciation for organizations that support individuals and families with unique challenges.

Jimmy has worked in public service and business throughout his career, including five years with the Hanover County Treasurer’s Office and more than 15 years in the insurance industry, where he also owned and operated an independent agency.

He has been actively involved in the community through service on multiple nonprofit boards, including Medical Home Plus, Henrico Education Foundation, Better2gether, and Hanover Community Support Services. He is also the founder of Christmas Under the Clocktower, a community event that brings people together to support local causes and strengthen community connections.

Jimmy is passionate about strengthening organizations that provide meaningful opportunities, independence, and support for individuals with disabilities and their families, and he is honored to serve Abide Village and its mission.

Lisa Tucker

Board Member

Lisa Tucker is a wife and mother. She has been an advocate for all of her children, especially her daughter, who is autistic, throughout her life. Through that journey, Lisa developed a passion for sharing her experiences with other

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Lisa Tucker

Board Member

families raising children with disabilities as they navigate daily life and the services and supports available to them.

Lisa has worked in ministry for more than twenty years as a Finance Administrator. Over the past twenty-five years, she has also volunteered with community action groups, social services, and ecumenical ministries, helping meet the needs of individuals and families while encouraging agencies to collaborate, serve more effectively, and remain transparent. She was also one of the founders of a local food pantry that has successfully served the community for nineteen years. In addition, Lisa has participated in twelve mission trips serving communities throughout Appalachia and areas affected by natural disasters.

Lisa feels called to be a voice and advocate for individuals and families in need, supporting and equipping them to reach their full potential. She brings to the Abide Village Board decades of experience in service, advocacy, ministry, financial administration, and community collaboration, along with the personal perspective of a parent who understands the importance of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, connected lives.

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Who We Are

Abide Village Board of Directors

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