Amanda Hand, Founder, Executive Director
Amanda Hand is a resident of College Station, Texas and a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1998. Amanda obtained a degree in Psychology from Texas A&M and then went on to Michigan State University to obtain a Master’s degree in Counseling. After many years as a case worker in the juvenile justice and child welfare sector and therapist specializing in trauma and mood disorders, she decided to turn her passion for nonprofit work into a degree and obtained a Masters of Nonprofit Management (MNM) degree as well.
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Amanda has led nonprofits that benefit critically ill children and deployed service members, as well as owning and operating her own counseling practice and working for Texas A&M University in several roles. She loves serving others and finding and filling needs. She has an extensive volunteer resume and currently serves as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and homebound by taking Communion to residents in two area assisted living facilities, where this idea was born.
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Amanda is a wife and mother, with a son at A&M Consolidated High School and another at Texas A&M as a third generation Aggie. She is a dedicated Christian and parishioner at St. Mary’s where her parents were married in 1970 and she attended as a student. She has deep love for this community and plans to serve it as long as she is able. Amanda considers herself a servant leader who believes that we serve God by serving others. She chose the nonprofit sector because it allows her to do this in a personal and professional capacity. She has experience in taking a nonprofit organization to the next level and is passionate about accountability, transparency, and integrity. You can always find her cheering on her Aggies in football, basketball, and especially baseball or lifting weights and listening to an audiobook.
Frank Shannon, Treasurer
Frank Shannon is a dedicated higher education philanthropy expert with a career spanning over 35 years. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he began as a development officer for academic units and grew to become the CEO of his alma mater’s 12th Man Foundation. Frank’s development accomplishments speak for themselves; As CEO of The Citadel Foundation at The Military College of South Carolina, he spearheaded a campaign that raised over $100 million and as the Executive Director of Development at St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, TX, he successfully completed two campaigns totaling almost $50 million. Frank believes that ‘people don’t give money to institutions, they give money to people’ and he strives to serve those people with excellence and integrity.
Frank resides in College Station, Texas with his wife of 46 years, Debbie and is the proud father of six children and nine grandchildren. He enjoys time with family and friends, being active at church, and a good round of golf.
Sissy Young, Director
A dedicated educator with a passion for community involvement, Sissy Young holds a degree in Education from Texas A&M University. With a strong foundation in public education, Sissy has a deep understanding of the importance of quality education for all students.
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Sissy's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. As a dedicated volunteer, Sissy has actively supported schools in Texas, Michigan, and Colorado. She has served on PTA boards and contributed to the success of several non-profit quilt guilds.
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Sissy has a firsthand understanding of the profound impact of social interaction, particularly for seniors. As a caregiver for parents residing in senior living communities for over a decade, she witnessed the vital role of personal connection and regular engagement in maintaining well-being.
Sissy is a parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Center in College Station and actively participates in community activities. She is a proud Aggie wife to John ‘66 and parent, with two children who graduated from Texas A&M University, and a grandson currently attending the university.
Teresa Vermaelen, Secretary
Teresa Vermaelen is a dedicated community advocate and experienced educator. A 1985 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Elementary Education, Teresa spent nine years shaping young minds in the classroom.
Her passion for serving others extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by her eight years of service on the Board of Directors for a Houston-area non-profit organization, including three years as Project Coordinator for a grant-funded program. Teresa's commitment to children's well-being is evident in her successful advocacy for a much-needed autism program within her son's school district. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Teresa has provided dedicated care for her elderly parents, including navigating the complexities of senior living communities. A self-described "professional volunteer," she actively contributes to her children's schools, her church, and the broader community.
Teresa is married to Doug Vermaelen ('83) and is the proud parent of two children: a daughter ('14) and a son, a 2019 graduate of the University of St. Thomas.