Jennifer Flad

Executive Director

Jennifer Flad was named Executive Director in September 2013. Under her guidance, Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast as made steady growth. Jennifer has been known in the Fairhope Community since 2007 being a prominent member of First Baptist Fairhope, Fairhope Soccer Academy, President of the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore and the Past-President of the Downtown Fairhope Association. Through her volunteer work with the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore she found her passion of working with the special needs community. She is using her Degree in Hospitality, earned at the East Stroudsburg University, along with her community connection to grow EFGC. 

Candice Dodson

Program Director

Candice was born and raised in Mobile, Al. Candice's passion for helping those in need, grew into a love for special needs, while volunteering at United Cerebral Palsy in high school. She completed her non-profit management certification from the University of South Alabama. Candice has 12 years of working with the special needs community through various avenues of volunteer and employment opportunities. Candice has been with Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast since October 2011 when EFGC opened and holds the position of Program Director.  Candice is married to Richard, has 2 children Hannah and Gavin, attends CityHope Church and when not at EFGC she loves to camp, fish, boat and of course watch Auburn Football. 

Annie Boros

Lead Program Assistant

Annie Boros was raised in Baldwin County, she and her husband Jim live in Silverhill, Al. Annie recently graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy. While in college Annie worked as a classroom aid and clinical aid at the American Autism and Rehab Center. During her free time she loves spending time with family, going camping and boating.  

Virginia Luck

Program Assistant

Virginia Luck is from Prattville, Alabama and just graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy. Virginia is a certified rec therapist and plans to expand her knowledge and career in Occupational Therapy School. While in college Virginia volunteered with many different organizations in Mobile, such as Camp S.M.I.L.E. Virginia enjoys to listen and create music in her free time while also painting and spending a lot of time outside. 

Hannah Hartigan

Program Assistant

Hannah Hartigan has lived in Daphne, Alabama for over 10 years. Hannah started volunteering with the foundation and realized her passion for working with special needs. She was later accepted on as a staff member and has been a valuable asset ever since. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends and making fun memories with our participants. 

Korie Christensen

Program Assistant

Korie and her husband moved to Fairhope from Central California in July of 2014. They have three adult children that have since relocated as well and are enjoying life on the Gulf Coast. One is a psychology graduate, one an engineer, and the youngest is a junior in Marine Biology at South Alabama. Prior to leaving California, Korie enjoyed a career in accounting but now enjoy's spending time with her friends at EFGC...aka my Happy Place. 

Shannon Lavinghouse

Art Director

Shannon Lavinghouse and her husband Jimmy moved to the Daphne area two years ago. She is passionate about helping others learn to create and be creative. She makes sure each participant knows that - "everyone is an artist"! Her love of art comes from growing up in a very artistic family. Shannon has a background in advertising and marketing. She has also been involved with several organizations whose goals were to advocate for abused and neglected children, as well as victims of domestic violence. Shannon's love of travel also keeps her busy as a part-time travel agent. During her down time, she loves re-purposing items and turning trash to treasure!

Lee Allen

Volunteer Coordinator

Lee is originally from the Mobile area and recently retired after forty years of serving as
a United Methodist minister in Alabama, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. He
and his wife Ginny live in the Steelwood Community north of Loxley. Lee has a
background in mental health and has always had a passion for meeting the needs of
special needs children and adults. He began volunteering at EFGC in January of 2019
and loved it so much he asked to be on staff. If you are interested in a great volunteer
opportunity please contact Lee by text, 225-772-6974.