paula crozier Executive Director

910.685.1550 | paula@accessilm.org

With a rich background in nonprofit management and successful careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, business management and nonprofit development, Paula brings a wealth of expertise to ACCESS. Utilizing her strong advocacy skills which rally support and resources for those in need, she builds strong community relationships that foster outreach and involvement.  

As a proud wife and mother of three daughters, one of whom has Down syndrome, Paula understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for accessibility and inclusion. She confidently ensures that those who cannot advocate for themselves, are heard and respected. Paula's leadership is characterized by her commitment to fostering strong community connections. She believes in the power of collaboration and works tirelessly to bring together stakeholders, partners, and community members to reach the visions of the mission she leads. 

TAYLOR SHULER, LRT, CTRS ACCESS FIT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

910.398.2211 | taylor@accessilm.org

Taylor Shuler holds a masters at Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy and a bachelors at University of North Carolina Wilmington in Recreational Therapy. Taylor got his start volunteering with ACCESS of Wilmington during Miracle League’s inaugural season in 2013. When G.A.M.E.S., which is now ACCESS Fit, began in February of 2015, Taylor added the program to his volunteering and upon his return to Wilmington started volunteering with ACCESS Fit again. He is honored to take the position after Jennifer Bell departed late in 2023 and lead a program that emphasizes building community by eliminating barriers to health and wellness. 

Casie O’Rourke-Shepard, LRT, CTRS
Miracle LEague, ACCESS Play & adventures PROGRAM DIRECTOR

| casie@accessilm.org

Casie is a UNCW Recreation Therapy Alumni, Licensed Recreation Therapist and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She brings over 10 years of professional experience assisting special populations improve their quality of life utilizing recreation and leisure outlets to promote healing. She is passionate about the influence sports and recreation can have on a person and is excited to have the opportunity to serve participants in our programs.

Alaina Scifo
Project Soar PROGRAM DIRECTOR

910.508.6788 | alaina@accessilm.org

Alaina Scifo holds a master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Merrimack College and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bryant University. Alaina grew up overseas in military-connected communities in Puerto Rico, Iceland, and England. Former captain of her collegiate swim team, Alaina enjoys swimming, competes in triathlons, teaches spin cycle classes and is passionate about creating exciting opportunities to help our Veterans and broader ACCESS community enjoy an active lifestyle. She’s had the opportunity to coach a disability swim squad, co-founded the best buddies program at Bryant University and has volunteered for the Special Olympics Rhode Island, Best Buddies Rhode Island and Life Rolls On.

Barb BIehner
Board Chair

Barb’s career has already spanned over 40 years as a healthcare leader for various healthcare systems including: Chesapeake General Hospital, Sentara Health, Bon Secours Health System, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of The Kings Daughters, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Child Health Corporation of America and Accredo Health. Her roles progressed from Assistant Administrator to Senior Vice President to Chief Executive Officer. Prior to her move to ILM she was a senior vice president with a for-profit specialty pharmaceutical distribution company which was successfully sold to Medco. After moving here, she was an independent consultant and facilitator to many organizations as well as the first administrator for the Animal Emergency and Trauma Hospital - while also dipping her toes into academia. Barb became an Executive in Residence at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business starting in 2006 and held various positions including Director of External Programs as well as part time faculty since then, teaching Healthcare Ethics and Healthcare Operations/Supply Chain Management. She is now a full time Assistant Clinical Faculty member in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, Master in Health Administration. She has served and continues to serve on several boards locally and regionally including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Coastal Region, Pender Memorial, NHRMC Home Care, Plantation Village, Cape Fear Clinic, Cape Fear Community College’s Veterinary Technician Advisory Board and Intalere’s Eastern Alliance. She has been a member and Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives for over 40 years and mentors students as well as early careerists on advancement in the college and their careers.

Her favorite things to do are ….enjoy wine and rescue dogs.

Rick campagna
Treasurer

Rick is the CEO and Co-Founder of Carolina Storage Centers here in Wilmington, NC. He has a Business degree from Penn State university. He is a Licensed General Contractor both here in North Carolina as well as South Carolina. In addition, Rick has had a decade of working in the Renewable Energy “Solar” field here in North Carolina where he was a lobbyist for the industry.  Rick is a representative of the Campagna Companies here in Wilmington, NC, specifically, Camp Construction, Inc., who generously built ACCESS of Wilmington’s accessible baseball facility (Miracle League of Wilmington) out at Olsen Park. Rick and his father, Rocky Campagna have been involved in numerous community projects through their tenor here in New Hanover County. Having both of the Campagna’s community driven personalities is something for which ACCESS is incredibly thankful.

Laura Kay berry, JD
Board SECRETARY

Laura Kay is mom to Miracle League All Star and ACCESS Fit participant, Walker. She is a passionate community member and advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Laura Kay brings years of legal and fundraising experience to our team, and loves sharing the mission of ACCESS and our impact in our community and beyond! Laura Kay also chairs development for ACCESS.

Kai Caraganis
TREASURER

Kai Caraganis is a 40-year resident of North Carolina, having grown up in Chatham County and making his way to UNCW for his undergraduate studies. Professionally, Kai embarked on his career with Fidelity Investments, gaining valuable experience in the finance sector. He later transitioned to investment banking, specializing in the middle market, which further honed his expertise in finance. For the past decade, Kai has been deeply involved in the venture capital space, focusing on bringing nascent technologies to market. This role highlights his keen eye for innovation and his commitment to advancing emerging technologies.

Kai's commitment to community service is evident from his early and significant volunteer contributions with nonprofits in the Triangle. involvement with Communities in Schools, where he contributed as a dedicated volunteer. His passion for community engagement led him to a significant board role at the Durham-based organization, Partners for Youth. As a board member, Kai played a pivotal role in financial oversight, serving as the treasurer. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in the successful merger with Durham Children's Initiative, a major step in enhancing the organization's impact on the community.

On a personal note, Kai is happily married to his wife, Courtney, for ten years. They are proud parents to their daughter, Margot, and share their home with two energetic malamutes. Kai's personal life reflects his dedication to family and his love for a vibrant home life.

L.S. “Bo” Dean, Jr.
Member & Member Emeritus

Bo serves New Hanover County in the Human Resources department. Bo, also a Board Member Emeritus of ACCESS, brings a great deal of fundraising and board development experience to ACCESS. On Saturdays you can find Bo announcing at the Miracle Field as the voice of the Miracle League of Wilmington!

Bo has received many community accolades including Cape Fear Association of Fundraising Professional's Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 2010 and Encore Magazine's Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and 2018.

Philip Blethen
Member

Blethen is a Maine native and served in the Marine Corps from 1985 and retired in 2008. He served in the Aviation Ordnance field, and achieved the enlisted rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E7) then became a Warrant Officer and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. He became aware of ACCESS of Wilmington and Project Soar at an event sponsored by K-9's for Service. It took several years to get involved, now that he is he enjoys time participating in many of the events, most of all volunteering with the Miracle League.

Mark mcgrew
Member

Mark serves as Project Manager for the Winkler Group. Headquartered in Charleston, SC, the Winkler Group is a national consulting firm specializing in capital campaigns and strategic planning. Mark actively works to support fundraising and cultivation for leading academic institutions, national and international charities, civic and human service organizations, hospitals, as well as cultural organizations. Mark has also worked within the non-profit sector at Beyond BASIC Life Skills, located in the Charleston region, as an independent living skills instructor to adults with intellectual disabilities. In January of 2024, Mark moved to the Wilmington area but became aware of ACCESS long before moving. As a volunteer, Mark coaches the Braves for The Miracle League of Wilmington!

DAVID MORRISON, MPA
member Emeritus

David serves as a business and strategic communications consultant at DF Morrison Consulting. He was a visionary as part of the founding ACCESS Board and dedicated many years as Vice Chair of the Board. David graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Professional Writing with a from UNCW and, most recently, with his Master of Public Administration.

David loves to bring his knowledge of baseball and smiles to the countless individuals that now have the opportunity to “Play Ball” in our community. You can find him each week at the Miracle Field hitting home runs serving as Head Coach for the Cubs!

David was also a founding Chair for the Cape Fear Disability Commission (CFDC). 

TAMMY PRUDEN
member Emeritus

Tammy has served New Hanover County as a Special Education Teacher for 20 years. She brings a heart for disability awareness, inclusion, and programming experience to ACCESS. When she is not teaching, coaching the Hoggard Swim and Dive team, or serving at Winter Park Baptist Church, you can find Tammy behind home plate at all the Miracle League baseball games!

Tammy was awarded the UNCW Community Partner Award for Excellence in University Engagement in 2016.

Michael Franklin, mba
member Emeritus

Michael is Controller at IKA Works, a proud support of ACCESS of Wilmington. Michael was a key member of the Wilmington Believes in Miracles campaign to build the Miracle Field and Playground, and served as Treasurer for ACCESS for over 10 years!

Chad Porter
member Emeritus

When he is not pitching for the Miracle League of Wilmington, you can find Chad traveling the United States as a Motivational Speaker and Leadership Trainer. Chad brings years of community building and programming experience to ACCESS. He also serves as the M.C. for the Annual Miracle Makers Luncheon and I Am Beautiful Fashion Show. 

Chad was honored as the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's Alumni of the Year in 2017.

Amy Queen
member Emeritus

Amy works for Syneos Health in Wilmington, NC. She is a founding member of the ACCESS Board, bringing business and community relations experience to ACCESS team. When Amy is not singing in the choir at First Baptist Church or leading the Azalea Festival Princess Pageant, you can find her cheering on the Hoggard Men’s Basketball Team with her family.