BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026
Our Board of Directors represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need.
Dr. Thomas Young, President
Anna Kaczmarek, Vice President
Kristen Votta, Secretary
Mark Appleby, Treasurer (ex officio)
Kelly Day
Cayt Kirkman
Wade Monroe
Joe Patterson
Diane Doak (ex officio)
STAFF
MS. DIANE E. DOAK - Executive Director | ddoak@ncbegin.org
Diane has been with BEGINNINGS since August 1998. Prior to serving as executive director, she was the director of programs and a parent educator serving the western region of North Carolina for 15 years. She was a member of the board of directors for Disability Rights & Resources from 1998 to 2014, serving as president, vice president and chair of programs and advocacy. She has a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from West Virginia University, and is a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and a North Carolina Infant-Toddler Specialist. Prior to joining BEGINNINGS, she was a developmental disabilities senior counselor, providing early intervention services for families of children ages birth to 5 with developmental delays and diagnosed disabilities, including children with hearing loss. She has 10 additional years of combined experience as a recreational therapist and an early intervention teacher while employed in Texas. Diane and her husband, Doug, have 2 adult sons, one of whom is hard of hearing.
MS. MARY BETH SHOLAR – Program Administrator | mbsholar@ncbegin.org
Mary Beth joined BEGINNINGS in October 2019. She has several years of administrative work experience with the North Carolina Justice System, a private law firm, and other corporate businesses. She and her husband reside in Duplin County with their four children.
MS. DEBORAH STROUD – Business Manager | dstroud@ncbegin.org
Deborah joined BEGINNINGS in November 2012 after volunteering with the organization for several years. She lost her hearing as an adult and is a bilateral cochlear implant user and is very passionate about helping others with hearing loss. Deborah previously served on the NC Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is the State Treasurer for the North Carolina chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and is an active member in the Wake Chapter of HLAA. She brings many years of experience both in corporate and non-profit organizations. Deborah, who lives in Raleigh, has two grown daughters and five grandchildren.
