Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
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Francis of Assisi
Our Mission
To establish a dedicated campus to support individuals with special needs through
educational programming, respite care, therapies, day camps and adaptive sports.
Our Vision
To create an environment empowering individuals with special needs to explore the community alongside their peers.
Long-Term Goals
Impact Goals
By creating a unified, purpose-built campus, Ability 2 Believe will provide the structure, support, and community needed to help individuals with special needs build confidence, gain skills, and thrive in life and work.
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Our Vision for Growth
• Phase 1 (Current): Partner with local community centers to bring our programs to families right where they are.
• Phase 2: Grow through grants, donations, and fundraising so we can sustain our programs and work toward a permanent home.
• Phase 3: Open our own campus - a welcoming space with programs, a commercial kitchen for job
opportunities, and respite care for adults with special needs.
• Phase 4: Expand our impact by adding therapy services, including speech and occupational therapy.
• Phase 5: Launch a private school on campus designed specifically for students with special needs.
Board of Directors
Ashley Bettis - Founder, President
Ashley Bettis is the founder and President of Ability 2 Believe. Inspired by her journey as a mother to twin boys, Brayden, who has autism, and Brooks, who lives with ADHD and anxiety, Ashley brings both personal insight and deep compassion to her work.
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With a background in hospitality management and business administration, Ashley combines strategic leadership with heartfelt advocacy. Her goal is to build a supportive, inclusive community where families feel connected and individuals with special needs have access to the care and opportunities they deserve.
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Ashley’s vision includes developing a community-based campus where people can thrive, grow, and belong. She actively partners with organizations, stakeholders, and local leaders to create programs that empower individuals and promote acceptance. Under Ashley’s leadership, Ability 2 Believe has become a trusted resource and a beacon of hope for countless families. Her dedication, energy, and empathy continue to inspire others and drive meaningful change in the special needs community.​​​​
Jessica DeGrote - Vice President
Jessica DeGrote serves as Vice President of Ability 2 Believe, where she brings a strong background in education and a deep passion for supporting children with special needs. Her journey began with over a decade running an in-home daycare, which inspired her to pursue a degree in education.
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With more than seven years in the education field, and a focused commitment to special education over the last two, Jessica has developed a deep understanding of the daily challenges children with special needs face. She’s currently pursuing her master’s in special education, driven by her belief in lifelong learning and staying current with best practices.
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Outside of her work, Jessica serves on local boards including Hastings Football, Basketball, and Baseball, supporting youth development through sports. She values teamwork, leadership, and the positive impact of extracurricular activities.
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Jessica and her husband, Vinnie, are proud parents to four children - Grace, Izaak, Molly, and Annie. The DeGrote family enjoys cheering on their kids at hockey games and relaxing at their cabin in Wisconsin, cherishing their time together. With a passion for advocacy, education, and family, Jessica remains committed to empowering individuals and creating opportunities for all children to thrive.​
​​​​​Don Bettis - Board Member
Don Bettis is a passionate community advocate and board member of Ability 2 Believe, inspired by his daughter Ashley, the organization’s founder, and his grandson Brayden’s autism diagnosis. His advocacy began through firsthand experience, driving his commitment to supporting individuals with special needs.
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With over 30 years as a multi-business owner, Don retired in 2020 and now channels his leadership skills into service. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2010, recognizing his long-standing dedication to the community.
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He served 10 years on the Hastings Chamber of Commerce board, including two as chair, and is a two-time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for his 20-year membership in Hastings Rotary. Don also serves on the Rivertown Fishing and Boating board, supporting inclusive outings for seniors, veterans, and those with special needs. His volunteer work extends to Cycling Without Age and Hastings Family Services.
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Don is proudest of his role as “Grandpa” to Brayden, Brooks, and MaKenna. His strong values, compassion, and lifelong dedication to service continue to create lasting impact throughout his community.
MaryBeth Heldman - Board Member
MaryBeth is a devoted mother of two and a passionate paraprofessional working toward becoming a special education teacher. Her advocacy journey began through volunteering with Ability 2 Believe, where she found a deep connection to supporting individuals with disabilities and fostering community inclusion.​Now a proud board member, MaryBeth works to amplify voices and create environments where everyone can thrive. As she advances her education, she is committed to gaining the skills needed to better serve her future students and build a more inclusive world.​
With energy and dedication, MaryBeth believes in the power of education to transform lives. Whether as a mother, paraprofessional, or community leader, she champions empathy, advocacy, and the potential of every individual.​​​​​​​
Mary Nogle - Board Member
Mary is a passionate occupational therapist dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families. Her journey began at Fraser, where working with Ashley’s two boys opened her eyes to the significant gaps in services for families. This experience sparked her deep commitment to creating change.​She now works as a home health occupational therapist, offering personalized care in the home setting.
Mary believes every child deserves access to resources that help them reach their full potential and is focused on building inclusive spaces where they can thrive.​Inspired by the mission of Ability 2 Believe, Mary is excited to contribute to its vision of a community-based campus that provides essential support for children with disabilities and their families.​Throughout her career, she has developed innovative therapy strategies, advocated for children’s rights, and emphasized collaboration among families, healthcare providers, and communities.
A committed lifelong learner, Mary stays current with research and best practices to ensure high-quality care. She looks forward to partnering with others to create lasting impact and brighter futures for the children who inspire her every day.​
​​​David (Dave) Sager - Board Member
David Sager is a healthcare executive with over a decade of experience in revenue cycle operations, analytics, finance, and contract management. He’s known for improving operational efficiency and patient outcomes, using innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges. His career is shaped by a unique blend of healthcare and aviation experience.​Before transitioning to healthcare, David spent 20 years in the aviation industry, holding progressive leadership roles in operations management.
This diverse background gives him a broad, strategic perspective. He also holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, adding technical strength to his problem-solving and analytical skills.​David’s commitment to the special needs community is personal—shaped by his experiences with his nephew and stepson, both of whom have special needs. In 2023, he joined the Board of Directors at Ability 2 Believe, where he advocates for expanded support and services for individuals with disabilities.​
David is passionate about bridging operational excellence with compassionate care. As a board member, he brings deep expertise, strong leadership, and heartfelt advocacy to help drive meaningful change for families and communities.​​​
Dawn Stephens - Board Member
Dawn Stephens, is a passionate special education teacher with over 14 years of experience supporting students with autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. She specializes in creating trauma-informed, inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and supported.Dawn holds a master’s degree in Trauma and Resilience from Concordia University, Nebraska, and a bachelor’s in Special Education from Augsburg University. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with her husband, Josh, and two children.
Dawn is also committed to mentoring new special education teachers, helping them build confidence and grow into effective, compassionate educators. Outside of work, she enjoys books, long walks with her dogs, and all things Disney. She is honored to serve on the board and advocate for inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Will Waggoner - Board Member
Will Waggoner joined the Ability 2 Believe Board in 2024, bringing seven years of experience in government relations, advocacy, strategic planning, fundraising, and coalition-building. His passion for supporting individuals with special needs stems from his youngest brother’s autism journey.​Will’s advocacy began in high school with local autism awareness volunteering and continued through college with events like the Special Olympics. These experiences deepened his commitment to driving positive change and expanding resources for those with special needs.​
Professionally, Will is known for his strong work ethic, organization, and ability to build coalitions that amplify voices and create impact. On the A2B Board, he leverages his expertise to advance inclusive opportunities and resources.Driven by passion and energy, Will inspires hope and determination, striving for a world where individuals with special needs are fully supported and celebrated.