SupportAbility Board of Directors
“Reward Courage”
Julie Inman
Chairman of the Board
Julie epitomizes the standards for which Supportability, currently given over a million dollars, stands for. A woman of extraordinary courage, Julie suffered a stroke at the age of 15 which left her in a coma for five weeks and hospitalized for six months. She was literally incapable of doing anything; she did not even have a coughing reflex. Julie was not defeated, however. After endless hours and years of challenging physical therapy, she slowly, courageously worked to regain sight, speech, the ability to walk, read, and do things we normally take for granted. Julie went on to graduate with her class from Mater Dei in 1985 and USC with honors in 1989. She graduated with a B.A. in English. She went on to found SA after learning about non-profit organizations from her work with local organizations.
After beginning SA Julie received the Clara Barton Spectrum Award by the O.C. Red Cross, Outstanding Women in Orange County by the We Give Thanks Foundation, the B of A Neighborhood Hero Award and was honored by Mater Dei High School with the Ring of Honor Award.
SupportAbility will begin its 23rd year and has awarded over $1.2 Million!!!
Neena Smith
Boardmember
Neena earned her B.A. and Teaching Credential at UCLA. She later earned a Special Eucation Credential at UCI. She is married, has three grown children and five grandchildren. Neena has been a Special Ed teacher and Department Chair at University High School in Irvine. Presently she tutors once a week at that school, and serves as House Captain for Rebuilding Together O.C. She is also affiliated with the Bowers Museum. Neena is excited about expanding opportunities for people with disabilities because she has had relatives with MS and Cerebral Palsy and has felt that their opportunities were so very limited. She also wants to be able to provide hope and encouragement to Special Needs students, who need it so badly. Neena is very helpful preparing our Appeals Letter with Julie and Patti.
Patricia Inman
Boardmember
After graduating in 1962 from USC, with honors, with a B.S. in Education, Patti (mother of Julie Inman) has enjoyed keeping in touch with her Kappa Kappa Gamma sister‘s. She always kept her hand, head, and heart in some phase of education. She is a collector of all things vintage especially Valentines and has taken several trips with the Valentine’s Society. She is in two book clubs and was Vice President of the Irvine Tycoons, where she was a member for 15 years. She was a full-time classroom teacher, private tutor, and past employee of the Sylvan Learning Center for fifteen years. Currently she has her own tutoring business. She has loved the idea of rewarding courage by awarding scholarships to special young people who are so often overlooked, but who have overcome real difficulties in their lives . She is the recording secretary of SA and a great all-around aid to Julie helping with our Appeals Letter, reception and transportation.
Katharine Trotter
Boardmember
In 1959 Katharine earned her B.S. in Education at USC, and taught kindergarten before starting her family which now includes seven children and seventeen grandchildren and now 7 great grandchildren. Always active in community affairs, Kathy has been a member of the Assistance League of Santa Ana since 1969. She has served on various committees and currently works with the Katharine Irvine Auxiliary whose members work in the Dental Center and provide low cost dental care and education for the needy. Katharine is also a member of the Santa Ana Alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and St. Cecilia Church in Tustin. Having 2 brothers who had cancer, she has witnessed the difficulties one experiences with such a disability. Therefore she is very happy for the opportunity to help those who find themselves in difficult circumstances and is encouraged by what she has observed of Julie’s courage and indomitable spirit since her stroke. She feels privileged to know Julie who has met her challenges head on and has never asked, “Why me ?”
Katharine and her husband Jack have been long-time supporters and aids to SupportAbility as well as other charities.
Kelly Campbell
Boardmember
Kelly is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner. She and her husband Bill have lived in Irvine for over 30 years.
With a commitment to giving back to the community, Kelly has volunteered with local non-profits as well as the Irvine Schools. She was a founding member of the Irvine Public School Foundation’s Afterschool Classroom Enrichment Program and served on the Boards of both the Junior League of Orange County and the Irvine Chapter of National Charity League.
Kelly is inspired by SupportAbility’s mission to recognize and reward courageous students and feels privileged to serve on its Board of Directors. Currently she has started a financial committee for SupportAbility. Her work and dedication is so appreciated by all the Board.
Jean Baumann
Boardmember
Jean currently retired as co-owner of a company that is responsible for marketing computer keyboards to schools and districts. A mother of 5 children who all grew up with Julie. She has 14 grandchildren and now great grand children.. Jean has always been active in the Catholic Church and a model citizen for many. She keeps the SA Roster on her computer and maintains it.
Cy Baumann
Boardmember
An engineer from Boeing who is currently retired. He is active in other non-profits, such as Rebuilding Together. He served as the Southern California region President. This was a group that aids and assists the disabled create accessibility for themselves. Cy has finished every L.A. Marathon and is the husband of Jean. Now they enjoy spending time with their great grandchildren.
Cy is a very vital part of giving our Awards. He collects all of the data and plots the numbers on a computer spreadsheet.
Barry Noebel
Boardmember
Active family man and past dedicated supporter of SupportAbility. Sadly Barry’s wife Jane passed away soon after he joined the Board. In her memory he started the Jane Noebel Memorial Award given each year at Mater Dei High where his three children graduated. Barry is semi-retired.
Mary Hickey
Boardmember
Mother of adult three children and grandmother of three. Worked with her husband who has since passed away. She set up a scholarship at their college alma mater in his name. Involved in Catholic ministry. She does much help with our mailings, newsletter and preparing our Awards.
Lisa Dorsey Noebel
Boardmember
Lisa Noebel earned her BA in economics and psychology from Vanderbilt University and an MBA in Finance and Investments from George Washington University. She is currently retired after a 34-year career in commercial real estate finance. She has served on industry boards throughout her career and was a past member of the Junior League of Hartford. She has two children from her first marriage and three bonus children with her husband, Barry Noebel.
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