Meet our Team
Meet the ICW Team
Board of Directors
The Intentional Communities of Washtenaw Board of Directors are the dedicated administrative panel overseeing the organization. They raise funds to pay for administrative and Community Builder services and activities. The Board members provide extensive volunteer service to ICW, and individual Board members also serve on committees within the organization.
Sofia Merajver
President
Sofia is on the Board of ICW to serve and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. She strives to contribute her talents as a parent, a physician, and a researcher to help the ICW residents build fulfilling, safe, and happy lives.
Jim Osborn
Treasurer, Former President
Jim joined the ICW Board of Directors shortly after his son moved into his own place, mostly to stay in touch with the organization. His role evolved over the years, from organizing bottle drive fundraisers to liaising with the Community Builder team to Board Secretary to eventually Board President when he retired from his project management career. Jim currently serves as the Board Treasurer.
Kathi Cohen
Board Secretary
Kathi is on the ICW Board because she believes in ICW’s mission and wants to contribute what she can to the organization’s success. ICW has improved the lives of her family and provides social opportunities for her daughter as well as independence.
Albert Blixt
Board Member, Former President
Al is one of the parents who helped found ICW in order to improve the quality of life for persons living with developmental disabilities. His son is an active member of the ICW community and had benefitted from the rich social interaction made possible by the ICW staff. In his professional life, Al is a consultant who works with nonprofit organizations and their boards on future planning. Al is delighted to serve as a Board member.
Dick Carlisle
Board Member, Former President
Dick has been a member of the Board since the inception of ICW. As a board member and professional community planner, he remains committed to advancing the ICW model of an enhanced living environment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Dick has also served on the Board of Therapeutic Riding of Washtenaw and led the effort to establish a Michigan office of Best Buddies.
Martha Bloom
Board Member
Martha has been part of ICW since its founding with an idea to create a community for adults with IDD to reduce isolation and improve their quality of life. Martha believes that is a joy to see the idea evolve, adapt, and flourish with the generous support of families and friends who share ICW’s vision.
Ruth G. Isaia
Board Member
Ruth serves on the ICW Board to support her daughter, who is a long-term resident, as well as the ICW community at large. Ruth and her husband heartily endorse ICW’s mission to provide support for individuals with disabilities to lead dignified, productive lives. Ruth always looks forward to the wide variety of wonderful activities that the ICW provides its residents. Ruth’s focus as a Board member is on the growth and sustainability of the extended ICW network of residents and families.
Kirsten Osborn
Board Member
Kirsten joined early, formational meetings of ICW, well before she could imagine her son living in his own place. Kirsten believes deeply in the intent of the ICW community to build and sustain relationships among our residents, families, neighbors, and other organizations supporting those with disabilities. Kirsten’s vision for ICW is to become a sustainable, intergenerational community: a legacy for our children.
Rochelle, “Shelly”, Stoler
Board Member
Shelly is a community volunteer who has served on the ICW Board for several years. She enjoys contributing to the fundraising efforts of the community and is committed to improving the quality of life of developmentally disabled adults.
