Member Bios

Tom Allen
Tom is a native New Yorker.  In 1980, he received his Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina.  Since then, he has supported himself by the sale of his paintings, and by tutoring math and accounting.  Tom has recently exhibited and sold his work at the St. Louis Artists' Guild. 

He has been a member of the DisAbility Project for over five years.  His love of acting comes only second to his love for painting.  As a result of brain tumors, Tom has epilepsy and is blind in one eye.  He says it doesn't stop him from painting or living to his fullest.

Lorrie Bielicke
Lorrie worked in special education for 22 years.  For 15 of those years, she helped plan programs for kids with special needs.  Then, in November of 1997, she became professionally enriched when diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Her great uncle had MS too.  He was an inspiration and a great role model when Lorrie was diagnosed and she wishes that he was still here.  She has realized that he showed her everything she needed to know.  When her disability allows it, Lorrie volunteers helping children who struggle in school.

Alison Chancellor
Ali has been a cast member of the DisAbility Project for six years.  She has worked as a substitute teacher assistant for Special School District, but is currently looking for other full-time employment.  She will be moving out on her own for the first time in summer 2006.  Her disability is Cerebral Palsy.

Sammy
I am a six year old Labrador Retriever (yellow by trade) as Alison’s new partner in crime. I came to her in October 2003, and she keeps me on my paws! I’m not like any other yellow lab. I was raised by a family in Farmington, MO, then transferred to a women’s prison in Greenville IL for my formal training, before teaming up with Ali. I’m a dog with a “prison record!” Will that keep me from voting? Oh by the way, I’m a service dog. I get paid with doggie treats!

Linda Clark
Linda is a native of New York.  She holds a B. A. in English and an adjunct in Women’s Studies from Webster University.  For the past seven years, she has worked as a facilitator for autistic adults in a community-based program with Judevine Center for Autism.  Previously, she has worked as an Activity Coordinator for disabled elderly residents in long-term care facilities.  Linda enjoys all kinds of music, theatre, and the arts.  She is currently singing with CHARIS, the St. Louis Women’s Chorus, and serves on its Board of Directors.  Other interests include freelance writing, drawing, reading, political activism, and her two cats.  She feels privileged to be part of the DisAbility Project.

Dianne Falk was Dianne White until she was "forced to listen to" and then swept off her feet by Stuart Falk's very funny standup routine from the disability project called "Club Medicine". They got married and she got caught up in his love of the DP and joined the project. She is a graduate of Webster University with a BA in Media Communications with an emphasis in Video
and Film. She is on her second marriage Stuart is on
his third so Dianne is the lucky number 3. Both Stu and Dianne both have Multiple Sclerosis.

Stuart Falk
Stuart is a native New Yorker (New Yorka) who graduated Northeastern University Boston with a degree in Philosophy.  He came to St. Louis to study Chiropractic at Logan College.  His Multiple Sclerosis prevented his getting that degree.  After working for a disability organization and a disability rights action group, he joined the DisAbility Project in 1998.  Stuart loves audiences.  The project has been a family for him and he loves rehearsals as much loves performances.  Stuart can’t wait to see where the project will take all its members next.

Ana Jennings

Although not currently employed, Ana has worked full time in the field of rehabilitation and disability rights for more than 15 years.  She has a Master's degree in Education, with an emphasis in Vocational Rehabilitation.  Ana has been happily married for 11 years and lives with her husband in their own home in Kirkwood, MO.  She likes trying out different cultural cuisines and her pet peeve is rude people.  Ana has a spinal cord injury.

Bryan D. Jones

Bryan was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which is a genetic disorder of the connective tissues in the arms and legs. He can't support weight above 30lbs.  Bryan has been with the group since November 2003 and has enjoyed it ever since.

Andrew Lackey
Andrew is an original performing member of the DisAbility Project and has been involved since 1998.  He is a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, with a double major in Theatre and Political Science.  He is also a graduate of the National Theater Workshop of the Handicapped and the American Conservatory Theater Summer Training Congress in San Francisco.  Andrew was a regional finalist in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.  Currently, he is assistant directing “The History of Bowling” by Mike Ervin, which is being produced by HotCity Theatre in August, where he is also a Literary Associate.  Andrew’s play, “King of the Secret Thunderbox Society” has been commissioned by the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and has had staged readings at Hothouse Theatre Company in St. Louis and Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago.  He can most recently be seen performing thought-provoking theatre for the Anti-Defamation League’s World of Difference Institute.  Andrew has Cerebral Palsy.

Ronesha Phlederer
Ronesha is 22 years old and a recent graduate from the Career Training Program in the special School District.  She is currently employed by St. Louis Union Bank.  She lives in her own apartment with a supported living arrangement through the St. Louis ARC.

She is an avid sports enthusiast who plays basketball and softball. Her favorite food is pizza.  She loves music of all genres but especially appreciates rap and hip-hop. 

Ronesha loves comedy and making people laugh.  Her secret desire is to be a stand-up comic. 

She has been a member of DP for five (?) months.  When asked about her experience with the DP so far, she said, “It’s a lot of fun.  I hope I can be a part of it for many years to come.”

Kenneth Williams

“Reid” has been a cast member of the DisAbility Project since March 2005, and loves it.  He volunteers once a week at the St. Louis Society answering phones, but is currently looking for part-time work.  He shares a condo in Kirkwood with his roommate, Titus.  His disability is Spina Bifida.

Marci Zimmerman

Marci is 25 years old and has a service dog named Goldie (named after Goldie Hawn). Marci and Goldie have been together since October 1999.  If there is anyplace that Goldie cannot go, then Marci does not go either. Marci is attending Meramec Community College and getting her Associate’s Degree. Due to her Cerebral Palsy, Marci drives a specialized van with the help from United Access. She has been driving since the fall of 1998. She is moving into her own condo next summer with another DisAbility Project member. Marci is volunteering this summer with Life Skills and loving every minute.

Goldie
Goldie is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. We have been a team since 1999.  We never go anywhere without one another--we come as package deal.  Goldie and I are working on our last semester of college at Meramec and graduating in May with a Human Service degree. Goldie and I have been a part of the Disability Project since 2003.  She is always on stage with the group and she especially loves showing off for the performances we do for elementary schools.  She is a show-stopper.  Perhaps we should work on developing “The Goldie Show.”  We both hope that when audiences see us perform, they see how a Support Dog can change the life of a person with a disability.  I now have more independence and a real partner in life. We hope to see you at a performance.