Sam Yates

Director | Administrator | QIDP

Throughout my career, a single thread has guided me: leadership rooted in hospitality, empowerment, and shared purpose. My work has spanned both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, but at every turn, I’ve been drawn to spaces where people are invited to belong, contribute, and grow.
I’ve led volunteer teams feeding hundreds on the streets of San Francisco. I’ve listened deeply as a spiritual director, helping individuals discern what brings them most alive. I’ve coached groups beyond limiting beliefs to achieve goals they once thought out of reach. And now, at ABLE, I can bring it all together.
Here, I get to lead alongside others in building something essential: a community where people with developmental disabilities are not just cared for, but seen, valued, and supported to thrive. I believe deeply in the power of co-creating a culture where staff feel supported, teams are empowered to be their best, and everyone can experience what it means to truly flourish.
It’s a shared effort, and when we each bring our best, the result is something we can all be proud of.

LaVerne Prager

Board of Directors​

My initial exposure to the developmentally disabled population began in 1961.  A recent graduate of the Michigan School of Social Work, I secured my first job as a medical social worker at the University Hospital.  I knew little about the disability but was fortunate to train under the nationally known pediatric neurologist Richard Allen in the Clinic for Brain Damaged Children.  Despite my naiveté, ​what I learned prepared me for a lifetime of caring for the DD population.  My 3rd child was born with Cerebral Palsy complete with intractable epilepsy and profound mental disability. In caring for her, I learned physical therapy volunteering at a program for similarly disabled children, helped to found a school for disabled children in Beirut Lebanon under the auspices of UNESCO, and in later years, assisted with the daily duties of running a house for developmentally disabled adults. Early on, a NY Hospital pediatric neurologist advised that the more you do to normalize the life of your child, the easier her journey will be.  My goal at ABLE is to facilitate the continued search for a truly Broader Living Experience for the residents of ABLE.

Dan Kramer

President​, Board of Directors

I joined the ABLE Board in the hopes that my experience of having served or currently serving on four different boards in a variety of capacities could help ABLE move forward.  It has proven to be a wonderful way not only to step away from my current responsibilities as the Director of the Fulbright U.S. Student but -- more importantly -- to have spent more time with my sister-in-law for whom ABLE House was home.

Eve Holguin

Secretary, Treasurer, Board of Directors

This is my first experience being on a board, and I have learned so much.  It is very rewarding to use some of my financial and accounting background as we begin to plan, budget, and fundraise for a new ADA bathroom.  Exciting changes ahead.  

Steve Hershfield

Vice President, Board of Directors​

I am serving on the ABLE Board as my way to give back to the community.  I am so happy that I am allowed to help Elena (my sister-in-law) and the other residents in their current and future lives.  I have been blessed in my life to know and to help the residents of ABLE.

Terry Jones

Board of Directors​

Brian Jones

Board of Directors​

Norma Yukich

Board of Directors​

As Beth's big sister, I have been her advocate since she was born in 1965.  She inspired my long career with people who have developmental disabilities, including as a special education teacher, vocational instructor, recreational specialist, and residential service provider.  When Beth's care needs increased, we were so grateful that she found a placement at ABLE.  I joined the ABLE board of directors to help support this essential program.