Creative Coordinator – John Fenley
John Fenley is the co-founder of Spark! Community Center and serves as the Creative Coordinator. He was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of three which required five surgeries to successfully remove. Though the resulting brain injury created obstacles to overcome, John strives to define himself by his abilities rather than his disabilities. He has made it his calling to speak openly and passionately about his experiences in the hope that it might inspire others to join the disability rights movement.
Since 2008 John has faithfully served as President of UNITE (formerly Upper Valley Neighbors) an advocacy chapter based in Lebanon, New Hampshire. In 2012 he was elected President of the statewide advocacy organization, People First of New Hampshire. In that same year John was appointed to the Council on Developmental Disabilities by the Governor, and helped create Advocate NH – an organization that plans and delivers the annual statewide disability rights conference. In 2013 he joined the Self Advocacy Leadership Team (SALT) a group that addresses issues of: abuse and neglect, accessible transportation, and mentorship of young advocates. Through his extensive involvement in these organizations, John has had many opportunities to testify at the NH State House on issues of health and human services.
Venues in which John Fenley has given keynote presentations include: NH Direct Support Provider Conference, Family and Caregiver Support Conference, and Self Advocacy: Learn it! Live it! Love it! Conference. He has been invited to speak at trainings for: the NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Institute on Disabilities, and the NH Leadership Series. In 2014 he presented at the Massachusetts Direct Support Provider Conference. With a style more conversational than lecture, John Fenley is sure to engage any audience with his passion and humor.
Program Manager – Jenny Kobbs
Meet Jenny!
Jenny has been an important part of the Spark! Community Center since 2019 and now serves as our Program Manager. Over the years, she has become a familiar and welcoming presence at the center. Whether she’s helping things happen behind the scenes or connecting with participants, Jenny brings kindness, energy, and dedication to everything she does.
One of Jenny’s favorite parts of her role is spending time with the participants. She loves getting to know everyone, sharing laughs, and being part of their everyday experiences. Jenny has a genuine passion for helping others and creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, talking about difficult topics, and knowing they have someone who will listen.
She strives to be a source of comfort, support, and encouragement for everyone who walks through Spark!’s doors!
Outreach contractor - Sarah Mekos
Meet Sarah Mekos — Spark! Community Center Outreach Team
Sarah Mekos is a dedicated member of the Spark! Community Center outreach team, working as an independent contractor with a passion for building connections, strengthening community partnerships, and creating meaningful opportunities for adults with differing abilities.
With over a decade of experience as a Peer Professional in the Upper Valley, Sarah brings a person-centered approach to her primarily remote role. She helps promote Spark!’s programs and services through a variety of communication channels, including publishing our Newsletter and sharing updates through community message boards, connecting individuals, families, and community partners with the resources and opportunities Spark! has to offer.
She enjoys bringing people together, highlighting the abilities and contributions of Spark! participants, and helping build a more inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and has a place to belong.