Our Team
Stephanie Brewster
President, Executive Director, Founding Member
Stephanie Brewster has consistently demonstrated a dedication to supporting individuals with special needs. She holds a degree in Human Service Management from the University of Phoenix. Following the completion of her degree, she began her professional journey at the nonprofit organization, Darden Rehabilitation Center, located in North Alabama.
After the birth of her son, she observed that he was not achieving developmental milestones and promptly enrolled him in therapy sessions. The extensive range of therapies required necessitated her decision to take a permanent leave of absence from work. Currently, her son is 13 years old and making significant progress.
Leveraging her academic knowledge, professional experience, and personal insights, Stephanie has co-founded The Arc of Gulf Coast, where she serves as President. In her own words, she stated, “I am truly passionate about bringing vital services to the special needs community on the Gulf Coast. I feel honored to play a role in making a meaningful difference in their lives.”
Leah Altsman
Vice President, Technical Director, Founding Member
After graduating, with a degree in Management Information Systems, Leah met her now husband, Jimmy. Shortly after Leah and Jimmy got married, they adopted their now 13 year old son, Quin. Soon after the adoption, Leah and Jimmy found themselves in the overwhelming world of Special Needs and Special Education.
As her son has grown, Leah has become passionate about the special needs community for the older kids, young adults, and adults - Focusing her attention on transitional options including jobs and independent living. Leah is thrilled her nearly 20 years of experience in the technical industry can be combined with her passion for the special needs community.
Her family has recently turned their vacation home into their full time residence and can be found soaking up all the good times the Gulf Coast has to offer including boating, Mardi Gras, and local festivals. In her “spare time”, Leah loves to shop, craft, and spend time with her dogs.
Ashley Stewart
Secretary, Founding Member
Ashley is a mom to identical twin boys and a teenage daughter. Her twins, Ethan and Lucas, have level 3 autism and are nonverbal. In her spare time she likes doing yoga and crafting. She hopes to make a better future for her children and other families who are affected by special needs.
Cara Lewis
Director
Cara Rain Lewis My advocacy and voice emerged when my son was diagnosed with ATR-X Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder accompanied by a complex array of medical challenges. As a parent caregiver, I encountered numerous other families in my community who shared similar experiences, highlighting the substantial shortage of local resources available to us.
Over the past few years, I have experienced frequent hospital admissions, appointments, and numerous therapy sessions. Through these experiences, I have realized that advocating, networking, seeking and sharing resources and experiences can foster a stronger connection and support network within the local special needs community. Doing so has really become my passion.
In addition to my responsibilities with The Arc of Gulf Coast Alabama, I actively engage in connecting local families with available resources and participate in various community outreach projects. I enjoy working on big things that are coming soon for our area brought to you by The Arc of The Gulf Coast Alabama that will serve our special needs community as a whole.
Brooke Thomas
Advocacy Director
Brooke, originally from Texas, relocated to Baldwin County, Alabama with her family in 2017. As a devoted mother of three children with a rare genetic disease, she has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by families in similar situations.
With a background in non-profit management, Brooke is passionate about empowering self-advocates and works tirelessly to build inclusive communities, ensure healthcare equity, and support both patients and caregivers. She currently co-leads Alabama Rare, a grassroots coalition advocating for those affected by rare diseases. In addition, she serves as the Program Manager of Disability Ministry & Services at Catholic Social Services in Mobile and as the Program Coordinator for Partners in Policymaking Alabama. Brooke also volunteers as the Advocacy Director for the ARC of The Gulf Coast and with the National MPS Society.
Carolyn Greene
Director: Time with Friends/Art for All
Carolyn Greene is a professional artist, art teacher, advocate for people with disAbilities, and the mother of John who had a near drowning accident as a young child. She offers years of experience in navigating the life of a child and adult with disAbilities. She is passionate about involving people with disAbilities in their communities through the arts and activity. She is a founder of and the teaching artist for Art for All, an inclusive arts education program for adults with the goal of bringing people of all abilities together in locations throughout our area to express their creativity and develop skills through the arts with friends.
She has also created The Arc of Alabama Time with Friends, an inclusive community experience program for people to enjoy time together building friendships, enhancing life and building social and life skills through the arts, volunteering, community activities and recreation.