Board & Staff
Chief Executive Officer
Alana Bennett, MPH
Alana Bennett is the cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Grace2Gather, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public health, project management, research, and organizational leadership. She holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Christian Leadership, where she is developing advanced skills in ethical leadership, organizational development, and faith‑centered service. Alana also has extensive training in business management and administration, equipping her to guide Grace2Gather with both strategic insight and operational excellence.
Alana is a wife and mother of two boys who inspire her daily. In 2016, her youngest son was diagnosed with autism—a moment that reshaped her family’s journey and deepened her commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for all children. She and her husband worked tirelessly to ensure both of their sons received personalized care and meaningful opportunities to thrive. Through this experience, Alana witnessed firsthand the overwhelming gaps in caregiver support, community resources, and inclusive programming for families navigating disability.
Motivated by this need, Alana and her husband founded Grace2Gather to provide the kind of compassionate, accessible, and community‑rooted support they once struggled to find. Today, she leads the organization with a blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and unwavering dedication to empowering caregivers and strengthening families across Central North Carolina.
Board President
Racinda Hillian
Racinda Hillian is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as a Quality Review and Audit Lead at Cigna Healthcare. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and has a strong background in healthcare management and auditing. Racinda is an active member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Beyond her professional achievements, Racinda is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteer work with various organizations. She treasures spending quality time with her husband, Kelvin Hillian, and their two daughters, Sasha and Isabella, making family a cornerstone of her life.
Secretary
Rebeckah Goras
With five years of teaching experience, she has dedicated her career to helping students of all ages reach their full potential. Her journey in education began early, starting as a gymnastics coach at age fifteen, where she first discovered her passion for working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education.
Throughout her career, she has developed a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. She is known for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where every child is valued and empowered to succeed. Her dedication has been recognized through several honors, including being named Orange County School (OCS) Beginning Teacher of the Year for the county and being selected as one of the Top 25 educators in North Carolina through NCCAT.
She finds great joy in making a positive impact on the lives of her students and remains committed to lifelong learning and educational excellence. Outside the classroom, she enjoys working out and unwinding by binge‑watching her favorite movies and television shows.
Board Member
Shiquita Hyman, M.S., HSP-PA
Shiquita is a Licensed Psychological Associate in North Carolina with nearly 15 years of licensure and more than 18 years of experience serving individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in inpatient and home-based settings. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and her master’s degree from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. Known for her ethical practice, clinical leadership, and commitment to high-quality care, she focuses on achieving meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families she serves. Shiquita became a Licensed Psychological Associate in 2012, is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Behavior Analysis, and has served on the North Carolina Psychology Board since July 2025.
Board Member
Brian Snipes
He brings over 30 years of experience in special education, driven by a deep commitment to the success and well‑being of his students. He began his career as a hands‑on, one‑on‑one assistant before moving into a long‑term role as a classroom teacher assistant, where he has supported learners with dedication, patience, and skill.
A proud North Carolina native, he is also an avid fisherman who enjoys spending his free time out on the water. His passion for education, combined with his steady presence and genuine care for students, has made him a trusted and valued member of the school community.
Treasurer
Andre Thompson
Andre Thompson is a Digital Product Manager at American Express with more than 25 years of experience across technology, operations, leadership, and organizational development. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale initiatives to improve user experiences, streamline business processes, and drive organizational change. He also serves as Senior Technical Director and Youth Advisor at New Bethel Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina, where he combines his passion for technology, mentorship, and community service.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Andre is a devoted single father and dedicated family caregiver. He actively supports and cares for his elderly father, who lives with dementia, while also assisting his mother through the challenges of aging. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to service, compassion, and advocacy for families facing difficult circumstances. Andre is honored to serve on the board and looks forward to helping advance the organization’s mission and impact in the community.
Board Member
Mandy Tabor
Mandy is a lifelong resident of central North Carolina, having grown up in Hillsborough and now calling Mebane home. With deep roots in the community and firsthand experience as the region has grown and evolved, she brings valuable local insight to her work as a licensed real estate agent serving clients from Greensboro to Raleigh. After a successful accounting career, Mandy followed her passion for real estate and is dedicated to helping clients navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with honesty, care, and personalized service. She is also a devoted mother and caregiver to her young adult son with autism, a role that has strengthened her compassion, patience, and commitment to serving others.
Co-Founder
Steve Bennett
Steve has been helping people grow—whether behind a drum kit, through Christ‑centered coaching, or by solving complex problems in the tech world. With 17 years of experience in the information technology industry, he blends analytical thinking with pastoral care, giving him a unique ability to support individuals both practically and spiritually.
As a Christian counselor in training and Christian life coach, he is committed to helping people navigate life with clarity, purpose, and biblical wisdom. He is currently earning his Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a minor in Christian Counseling at Liberty University, expanding his understanding of how faith and emotional health intersect.
Married for 20 years and a father of two sons, including one with autism, he brings deep compassion and lived experience to his work with families and individuals. Whether teaching drums, coaching, or counseling, his mission is to guide others toward the fullness of who God created them to be.