Our Team

Meet Our Co-Founders

  • Sandra Albrecht

    Sandy and her husband have lived in the Grand Traverse area for the past 30 years, both dedicating their careers to education.

    Sandy’s passion has been to create a place where families living with
    disabilities can experience a life filled with purpose, meaningful connections,
    and unconditional acceptance—a place of belonging that reflects the love and support of a community that embraces
    their unique gifts and talents, offering them the opportunity to live life abundantly.

    Contact Sandy

  • Lynda Frusti

    Lynda and her husband made Traverse City their home in 1978 and have cherished being part of the greater Grand Traverse community ever since.

    As a retired educator and lifelong learner, Lynda is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Through advocacy, education, and providing access to the same opportunities available in our community, she strives to
    make a positive impact.

    Contact Lynda

  • Traci George

    Traci and her husband moved to the Traverse City area from Minnesota in 2003 to raise their two sons in Northern Michigan.

    After 28 years in the legal field, she transitioned to a career in the insurance industry in 2014. Traci enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishes moments with family and friends.

    She is excited to be a part of Better Together of Northern Michigan and feels blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive and loving community.

    Contact Traci

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • Kate Mead

    Board Member

    Kate joined the Better Together Board of Directors in 2025.  She has been an active volunteer in similar charities based in the midwest, and eager to lend her experience and energy to building out resources in Northern Michigan to serve very special adults with special needs.  

    Kate has recently retired after a 25+ year career in the Risk Management industry where she spent most of her career as an Environmental Risk Consultant with a number of global firms.  Kate spent her final three years as the Chief Commercial Officer for one of Willis Tower Watson’s Insurance Broking operations.  

    She and her husband Rob are foster parents to many incredible and resilient young adults.  They live on Duck Lake with their two Berndoodles, Carl and Rueben, and a cat named Al Stewart. 

  • Chuck Meek

    Board Member

    Chuck joined the BTAC Board of Directors in 2024. He is the Executive Director of Solve for X Impact Corporation, a 501(c)3 that supports and funds environmental innovation R&D. 

    He is also the Managing Director of Solve for X, L3C, an impact investment platform that integrates Philanthropic, Private Capital, Academic, and Industrial stakeholders. 

     

    In addition to advocating for environmental stewardship, since 1996 Chuck has led Chicago-area commissions on long term affordable housing policy and volunteered with friends and neighbors to provide short term shelter needs.  He considers the BTNM community a big, beautiful tapestry, and is honored to weave in his one thread.

  • Rob Mead

    Board Member

    Rob joined the BTNM Board of Directors in 2025. Growing up with his older brother, Scott, who has special needs, taught him how to turn life’s challenges into strengths. Their bond sparked Rob's passion for helping others, and he's spent plenty of time and energy supporting non-profits that improve life for those with special needs.

    After wrapping up a successful 35-year career as a serial entrepreneur, Rob retired at the end of 2023. He spent most of that professional life starting and managing businesses in retail branding and project management.

    In 2020, Rob and his wife, Kate, decided to make their Duck Lake retreat a permanent home in Michigan. “We love this secret slice of heaven here…and couldn’t be happier to call Traverse City our home."

     

With Help From:

  • A Northern Michigan native, Erica is a freelance creative marketing and branding professional with a passion for tackling new challenges. As a parent of two adult children—one uniquely-abled—and a lifelong learner, she brings purpose, creativity, and dedication to every project.

    When she’s not working, Erica loves to spend time with her kids, or can be found reading, writing, or wrangling their rambunctious miniature dachshunds!

With Hearts Full of Gratitude to:

Wayne and Nancy Kiley

for their love, support, and generosity toward this mission.