Board of Directors
Sharon Kennedy, President
Sharon possesses a rich history of professional and community involvement. Sharon's educational journey began outside Boston and continued at the Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate New York before she made Roanoke her home in 1994. After pursuing a successful career as a graphic designer, she devoted herself to motherhood and four children. Her commitment to family extends to her advocacy for holistic health, having personally witnessed the positive effects of acupuncture on her children's well-being.
Sharon has managed numerous volunteer projects through local schools and lent her expertise as a board member of the Grandin Theatre. A seasoned co-owner of a recruiting business, Sharon possesses a keen understanding of business dynamics and entrepreneurship.
Her passion for holistic health solutions has led her to explore acupuncture as a means of promoting well-being. Her personal experiences, including the challenges posed by addiction in her immediate family during her childhood, have fueled her commitment to initiatives like the Wellness Wagon, which she views as not just important, but crucial for the community's overall health and prosperity.
With more than 25 years of dedicated service in the non-profit sector, Donna boasts a wealth of experience and expertise in community outreach and engagement. Currently holding a pivotal role at Goodwill, she orchestrates impactful initiatives that bring people together. Her passion for event planning shines through as she effortlessly navigates the complexities of organizing gatherings that leave lasting impressions.
Born and raised in Roanoke, Donna ventured to Washington, D.C., for a significant chapter of her life before returning to The Valley in 2012. With deep roots in Roanoke, where cherished memories and connections abound, she graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1976, solidifying her bond with the community.
Donna admits her unfamiliarity with acupuncture, but eagerly anticipates a journey of discovery in holistic health. Having grasped the mission and goals of the Wellness Wagon, she recognizes the profound impact its services can have, especially in underserved communities. Armed with her acquired skills and extensive community connections, she eagerly anticipates championing the cause and promoting the Wellness Wagon's invaluable offerings.
Donna Davis, Vice President
Kim White, Treasurer
Kim has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, serving as a bookkeeper, accountant, and tax preparer. With a strong passion for integrative health, Kim firmly believes in the power of holistic healing modalities, with acupuncture being one of her preferred approaches.
Originally hailing from New Jersey, Kim has spent the majority of her life in the Roanoke area, making her feel like a true native. Her commitment to the community extends beyond her professional life, as she wholeheartedly supports organizations dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
Kim's financial expertise combined with her unwavering belief in the importance of holistic health makes her a valuable asset to any nonprofit striving to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Alex Watkins, Secretary
Alex is an acupuncturist with seven years of experience, including a fulfilling role at Queenpin Family Wellness in Roanoke. She is deeply passionate about holistic healthcare and firmly believes that this transformative medicine should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Her personal journey took a profound turn when she experienced a significant transformation in her own health due to chronic issues. This life-changing experience motivated Alex to pursue a master's degree in East Asian Medicine, and she has since become a tireless advocate for holistic care.
Alex has a special affinity for community acupuncture and, after completing her education, she founded her own clinic in Chicago. However, in 2017, she found her true home in Roanoke. She fell in love with the region's diversity, the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge, and the easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, river exploration, and mountain adventures.
Tracy Lauder, Member
Hailing from the Alabama Gulf Coast, Tracy's journey in the field of media and communication has taken her on a multifaceted path of growth and exploration with community engagement at the core. For two decades, Tracy dedicated herself to Southwest Virginia's Emory & Henry College where she served as both a faculty member and an administrator. Other career roles have spanned across various sectors, including marketing and communication in tourism, business, government, higher education, and healthcare.
Tracy has always been an advocate for integrative health practices. She has personally experienced the transformative power of acupuncture in managing insomnia and anxiety, and she is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others. Her daughter, a licensed massage therapist, is currently on a path to becoming an acupuncturist, and Tracy learns valuable insights from her daughter's journey, reinforcing her commitment to holistic well-being.
In December 2022, Tracy and her husband made the exciting move to Roanoke, Virginia. An ardent hiker, she has only just begun to traverse the extensive network of trails that Roanoke has to offer, further deepening her connection to the region.