Arika Ferguson - Chairman 

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Arika has over 16 years of experience volunteering, advocating, and holds numerous executive board member positions with nonprofit organizations serving our military community. Arika is an expert community connector and advocate for our military families. As a Military spouse Arika understands the needs and struggles that affect military families on a daily basis. Arika plays a pivotal part in developing and executing programs to support our military families, she has supported our efforts at NEMF by securing funding to fund our programs and keep our services going. Arika recognizes how important it is for military families to be connected to resources not only within their military installation but also to their surrounding communities.

Danielle Seller - Vice Chairman

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As a Military spouse retired,  of 18 years, and a family member labeled as an exceptional family member, in addition to herself, Danielle brings experience and empathy to exceptional families. She is driven by the needs of exceptional families, service members, and retirees while serving and transitioning out of the military. Danielle has a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership and has spent many years volunteering and leading nonprofit organizations within the military community. Danielle loves working with diverse groups of people within the military community and strives to create new opportunities for our exceptional military families.

Kelsey Burton - Treasurer

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Kelsey graduated from Auburn University where she studied American Sign Language, early education, and deaf culture. Kelsey prides herself on giving back to her community through volunteerism and currently recently served a two year term as board president for another military serving organization. Of all the years spent volunteering, Kelsey’s favorite volunteer experience was being a volunteer at a children’s hospital, which came to be a huge part of her life and inspiration for the work she does today. Kelsey shares a connection and experience to the exceptional family member community as she has a daughter with Autism, a son who has multiple congenital heart defects, and herself with Diabetes, POTS, and a heart defect.

Alainna Bell - Secretary

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Alainna is a mother of two and has been married to an Active Duty Marine for 15 of his 19 years in the Marine Corps. She and her family currently live in Camp Lejeune. Alainna’s experience in administration and treasury go several years back where she served as treasurer for a military serving organization and an assistant coach for various youth sports teams. Alainna holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Tiffin University and serves as a book keeper and contracts processor with a local real estate company. With the experience she’s acquired from serving in the military community and towards her degree, Alainna brings with her skills in administration, accounting, budgeting, auditing, and taxes. Alainna looks forward to assisting the Network for Exceptional Military Families in all areas of development.

Brittany Hunsinger -Parliamentarian

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Brittany's connection to the military community is deeply personal. Growing up as an “Army brat”, she experienced firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that military families endure. This background instilled in her a profound sense of duty and  commitment to supporting those who
serve and their families. As the spouse of an Active Duty Marine turned Active Duty Navy
Nurse, Brittany understands the unique dynamics and needs of military families. She currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Institute for Public Strategies where she serves as a liaison with senior leadership and staff, assists with Board development, and is deeply committed to championing IPS’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. With a master’s degree in Public Health from National University and a bachelor’s in Cognitive Psychology from the
University of California, Irvine, Brittany brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical insights to her role.

Maria Paige - Executive Director

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Growing up the daughter of a U.S. Navy Corpsman and later spouse of a U.S. Marine, Maria has worked and volunteered within the military community for over 22 years. Being a Navy child, Marine spouse, and mother of two have been a driving force for Maria’s career in serving military families. Over the years, Maria has served as a leader for various military serving organizations leading efforts in fundraising, program development, volunteer management, and outreach for thousands of service members and families. While completing her Master of Public Administration degree, Maria discovered needs for support in the exceptional military family community, including her own, and founded Network for Exceptional Military Families.