Our Story

Group Shot Volunteers
Skilled Connections co-founders, Dr. Michelle Tomlinson and Dennette Vassell were brought together as co-workers in pediatric early intervention. Through their partnership, they discovered a unified vision to use their gifts, talents,and skills to serve children in Jamaica. An invitation in 2019 from the Kiwanis Club of Santa Cruz in St.Elizabeth, Jamaica, led to the development of the inaugural Skilled Connections mission trip. With that first group of motivated, talented, and passionate volunteers, the story of Skilled Connections was born.
 

Board of Directors

Executive Board

dennette headshot

Dennette Vassell

President

More About Dennette

Dennette Vassell, M.S., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 13 years experience working with patients across the lifespan. As a child of Jamaica she has always had a desire to give back to her homeland. She currently works as a pediatric therapist specializing in children birth to 5 years old.

Michelle Tomlinson

Vice president & Interim treasurer

More About Michelle

Dr. Michelle Tomlinson is a dedicated Occupational Therapist, educator and believes in empowering children and parents. She has had the opportunity to use her training in various settings for over 24 years. She was raised by Jamaican parents in New York. Her upbringing and strong connection to Jamaica has led to her desire to give back by co-founding Skilled Connections. Her passion has always been in pediatrics and private clinic-based therapy. In 2013 she opened Diverse Therapy Inc. in Stone Mountain. 

Shavonne Orr

Shavonne Orr

Secretary

More About Shavonne

Shavonne Orr, OTD, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist and a native of Atlanta, Ga. She recently graduated from Jacksonville University in May 2022. She is dedicated to serving in Skilled Connections because she loves to give back to the community and is honored to provide services in Jamaica. She was a part of the inaugural trip in 2019 and is excited to serve in the years to come!

General Board

Tracey-Ann Barclay

Tracey - Ann Barclay

Operations Consultant

More About Tracey-Ann Barclay

 is a career Occupational Therapist, servant leader, grassroots advocate and networking enthusiast. In her current role, she coordinates graduate OT intern placement for the largest US public school system. She inspires and empowers clients and families with her innate connectedness for igniting skill performance.

Tracey-Ann strategizes with a non-profit start-up on therapy service delivery across international borders. A perpetual learner and visionary, she achieves tangible results through effective collaboration.

She will inspire you to do work you’re proud of.

T.Thompson Photo

Tracey - Ann Thompson

Jamaican Community Outreach

More About Tracey-Ann Thompson

Tracey-Ann has a passion for giving back and is Skilled Connections on the ground contact. She uses her strength in logistics to help organize and develop connections with organizations in Jamaica.

Nina Grant

Nina Grant

Compliance Specialist

More About Nina Grant

I am Nina Grant and am a proud board member of Skilled Connections. My roles are Compliance Specialist and Social Media Coordinator. As a Jamaican-American, every cause that is intended to strengthen Jamaica is a cause I am eager to be a part of.

jayden parrish

Jayden Parrish

Communications

More About Jayden Parrish

Jayden is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. As a political science graduate he works in politics and government. He enjoys spending time in nature, enjoying his friend’s company, and watching football. Jayden has had a passion for helping people since he was a kid, with aspirations of being involved in politics and government policy making.

Get to Know Our Partners

CBRJ Logo 1
Yum Tings Logo
Fernandez Design
cropped-Terigrowth_logo_nooutline-300x59
Want to make a difference?

Help us raise money to help even more families

Donate
Skip to content