Vanessa Rhodes

Vanessa is a mother of an adult SS Warrior, advocator, and an educator.  She is a self proclaimed lover of the educational process as evidenced by the variety of positions she has held over the past 36 years.  She has served as a teacher, curriculum writer, principal, Educational Administrator, mentor of new teachers, PTA President and Junior Varsity & Varsity Cheer Coach in both public and private schools and universities.  In addition she homeschooled her children when they were young. Vanessa is the Educational Special Projects Manager for Sickle Cell Community Consortium, a type of UN of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) globally.  In addition she consults schools and homeschooling families about curriculum development. Vanessa currently resides in Arkansas with her husband and two sons.  She can be contacted by email:  vrhodes@sicklecellconsortium.org .

Jasmin Baker

The greatest impact that my sickle cell disease has had on my life is helping me find my passion. My motivation for pursuing my degree and career in education stems from my personal experiences with education, former teachers, current mentors, and my experience with having a chronic illness. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an educator. I have been working diligently toward this dream, turned goal, for over six years. Through support from caring mentors, academic coursework, and extensive volunteer experiences, I am well on my way to achieving my goal.

I have spent a significant part of my life in the hospital due to my sickle cell disease. Being constantly hospitalized, sometimes for an extended time, has always made my school journey challenging. However, my experience has taught me so much about perseverance and determination; shaping me into a hard worker who never quits. My experiences have also  significantly shifted my perception of education. Dealing with frequent academic interruptions, my disability has allowed me to experience the importance of laying a solid academic foundation early in life.

My goal as a prospective elementary school teacher is to teach children that no matter what obstacles they may face, they can overcome any adversity with hard work and determination. My chronic illness is a great motivator for my pursuit in the education field. It is an obstacle I face and will continue to face. Nevertheless, I have learned that it doesn’t hinder my ability to reach my greatest potential; I just have to work twice as hard to do so. I have been able to push through, and not let my diagnosis define me or my success.

I am determined and resilient and know that I am capable of achieving any goal I put my mind to. As a future teacher, I hope to instill these traits in my students and those around me.  Despite my chronic illness, I have accomplished a lot as a college student thus far. I am a 4.0 student who is double majoring in Sociology and Elementary Education. Along with my academic success, I am heavily involved in my campus and community. I have a part-time, on-campus job, I am a research assistant for my former sociology professor, I tutor at a local elementary school, and I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

I have also won a few different awards such as the Excellence in Sociology Award, the Montgomery College Political Science Poster Award, the Woman of Distinction Award, the National Institutes of Health Service Award, and have received an Interculturalist Badge. There were many obstacles I have had to overcome to get to where I am today. In spite of my disability, I am determined and resilient and know that I am capable of achieving any goal I put my mind to.

Carley ¨Elle¨ Cole-Cavins

Sr Digital Marketing Manager

Cayenne Wellness Center & Children’s Foundation

Author, Sickle Cell & T1D Advocate, Podcast Producer

Owner of Cleverly Changing

Elle Cole empowers moms, homeschoolers, and advocates for children with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes. She is a mom of twin daughters, one of whom is living with Sickle Cell Disease and Type 1 Diabetes. She is the 2020 Advocating for Another WEGO Health winner. Elle has authored 5 books, but four of them are about sickle cell: A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids, ABCs of Sickle Cell, and The Ultimate Sickle Cell Activity Book, and Aprendiendo Sobre la Enfermedad de Células Falciformes. Feedspot named  the Cleverly Changing Podcast  #3 on the Top 20 Homeschooling Mom Podcasts list. She’s been featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, and many podcasts. Learn more about her and the work she does by visiting her parenting blog  https://CleverlyChanging.com .