WHO WE ARE
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ground Up Project was established through the dedication of our Founding Board, a group of parents who all have children on the autism spectrum. United by both personal experience and a shared vision, we are committed to building meaningful opportunities and inclusive spaces for adults with special needs. Our collective guidance and passion laid the foundation for The Resting Tree and our future residential community.
Lisa Pitell
Founding Member
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Y. Shorts Pitell is an attorney who lives and practices law in Niceville, Florida. Lisa and her husband are the parents of a child with autism who currently attends the Emerald Coast Autism Center.
Over the past 10 years, Lisa has focused all of her charitable inclinations toward nonprofit entities serving the autism community. As a result, she organized a group of ECAC parents into a think tank to address the need for housing scenarios for adults with autism in our community. She is a founding member of The Ground Up Project, Inc. and current Chief Executive Officer of the organization.
Brittany Lynch
Founding Member
Chief Operating Officer
Brittany Lynch is a proud mother of two and a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by her journey raising a son on the autism spectrum, Brittany is committed to building programs and resources that promote inclusion, independence, and lifelong support.
With a degree in Biology, Brittany brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge, operational expertise, and project management experience to her work. In addition to her role with The Ground Up Project, she serves as a Project Manager for a software development company.
Brandy Hambright
Founding Member
Chief Financial Officer / Corporate Secretary
Brandy is a founding board member, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of The Ground Up Project. She brings more than 20 years of experience with Channell Communications, where she has overseen financial operations, payroll, administrative functions, and day-to-day business management. Her extensive professional background provides valuable financial leadership and organizational insight.
As the proud mother of Robert, an adult on the autism spectrum, Brandy's passion for this mission is deeply personal. Through her family's journey, she has witnessed both the challenges and incredible strengths of individuals with autism, inspiring her commitment to building a future where every person has opportunities to thrive.
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Whitney Wyatt
Founding Member
Chief Marketing Officer
Whitney Wyatt is a founding board member of The Ground Up Project, a dedicated nurse, and an active community volunteer. As a proud mother to her son Spencer and stepdaughter Valentina, Whitney brings both compassion and personal experience to the organization’s mission.
Her commitment extends beyond the boardroom—Whitney plays a vital role in fundraising efforts and regularly lends her time to school PTO initiatives and local outreach. Her heart for service and belief in inclusive opportunities make her a driving force behind the work of The Ground Up Project.
Eric Hambright
Founding Member
Eric serves as a founding board member of The Ground Up Project. In addition to his role with the organization, he brings more than 20 years of leadership experience as President of Channel Communications, providing valuable expertise in business operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
As Robert’s father, Eric draws powerful motivation from his son’s journey on the autism spectrum. This personal connection drives his dedication to creating spaces that offer housing, job opportunities, social engagement, and ongoing support so autistic adults can live meaningful, independent lives.
Heather Danos
Founding Member
Heather Danos is a Louisiana native, LSUA graduate, and devoted mother of three. Her background in nonprofit work, combined with her experience co-owning a local small business with her husband, has given her a deep appreciation for community impact, collaboration, and purpose-driven growth.
In 2017, Heather’s family relocated to Niceville so their middle child could attend Emerald Coast Autism Center. That decision sparked a deeper connection to the special needs community, where she has remained actively involved.
Inspired by both her personal journey and professional experience, Heather is passionate about creating spaces where individuals of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive!
Kristin Gilmore
Kristin Gilmore is a Delaware native, residing in Niceville, Florida with her husband and their four children. She is a veteran of the Air Force Reserves, and retired in 2023. Her husband’s military career brought the family to Okaloosa County in 2017. The family’s oldest son is diagnosed with severe Autism; his needs serve as a reminder that disabilities do not end at 18 years old.
Kristin works as a public school administrator. She relies on her background in community health and educational leadership to advocate for individuals and their families who are impacted by developmental disabilities. She is honored to use her personal and professional experience to support the mission of the Ground Up Project.
Former / Founding Board Members
We honor and thank these individuals for their dedication and contributions to The Ground Up Project.
Brianna
O'Brien
Founding Member
Kendra
Brownlee
Founding Member
Heidi
Blalock
Founding Member
Advisory Board Members
Maria White * Laura Mullinax * Tonice Krueger * April Pretz
ECAC Liaison
Heidi Blalock