Travel Light Network Inc
Our Story
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Our individual journey began in the 80s, when a group of like-minded individuals came together to tackle the issues faced by marginalized communities. Over the years, we have collaborated and gained valuable experience in the field, and have developed programs and initiatives that aim to promote hope and growth in individuals who have faced adversity. Our approach is unique in that we all have lived experiences with the challenges our targeted populations live with and through sensitivity, we work closely with our peers to provide tailored support and guidance every step of the way.
Meet The Board
Biography of Dorenda Wicker (Dee) Dorenda Wicker, a dedicated professional with a multi-faceted background, is the founder and executive director of Travel Light Network, a nonprofit organization committed to providing support and empowerment to individuals facing mental health challenges. As a passionate advocate and leader, Dee brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the organization. Currently juggling two impactful roles, Dee divides their time between serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting parents of teens admitted to a youth crisis unit. This dual commitment reflects Dee's deep-rooted dedication to improving the lives of others, especially those navigating complex mental health issues. Beyond their professional roles, Dee is a mother of two adult children, both of whom faces mental health challenges. This personal experience adds a profound layer of understanding and empathy to Dee's work, allowing them to connect with the individuals and families served by Travel Light Network on a deeply personal level. Having walked a path of mental health recovery themselves, Dee brings a unique edge to the organization. This personal journey enhances their ability to relate to the struggles faced by the peers served by Travel Light Network, fostering an environment of understanding, support, and encouragement. Dee's core values are deeply embedded in the philosophy of Travel Light Network. Believing that everyone has the ability to learn and grow, Dee emphasizes the transformative power of focus, recognizing that whatever people choose to concentrate on, they give power to. This guiding principle shapes the mission and programs of Travel Light Network, creating a positive and empowering space for growth and healing. With over two decades of experience in mental and behavioral health services, Dee brings a wealth of knowledge to Travel Light Network. Their professional journey includes a unique blend of expertise in both mental health services and the law enforcement industry. This diverse background equips Dee with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the community served by Travel Light Network. Dee holds certifications from the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network as a Certified Peer Specialist in mental health, Forensic Peer Mentor, and a Respect Institute graduate. Additionally, they obtained Parent Certified Specialist certification from the Georgia Parent Consumer Network, all under the umbrella of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. In 2004, Dee achieved a significant milestone by earning a Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary. This educational background further enriches Dee's approach, allowing for a holistic and compassionate understanding of the individuals and families supported by Travel Light Network. Through their unwavering commitment, personal experience, and professional expertise, Dee and the board of directors continues to lead Travel Light Network in making a lasting impact on the lives of those facing mental health challenges. As a beacon of hope and understanding, Dee is dedicated to fostering a community where individuals can truly learn, grow, and travel light on their journey to recovery and empowerment.
Biography of Jackie McNair For over 16 years, Jackie McNair worked as a parent mentor in the Department of Special Education for Gwinnett County Public Schools. She provided mentoring, guidance, training and resource information to families of children found eligible to receive special education services. Her duties included helping families navigate supports in the home, school and the community. As a 2017 recipient of the Phil Pickens Georgia Parent Mentor Leadership Award, Jackie was recognized for being instrumental in developing parent workshops and community engagement opportunities to help connect families to much needed resources. Parents were encouraged to become team players with educators, service providers and agencies who support individuals with disabilities. Jackie worked with educators, to provide parent insight, perspective, and information to help them work more efficiently with the families of the students they served. With a passion for learning and connecting, Jackie became and alumni of the Partners in Policymaking Program that was offered by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2000. She has served in various capacities with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Georgia Chapter (now defunct) and as a member of the Planning Board (now Regional Advisory Council) of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. She also participated in the Georgia Department of Education’s Focus Monitoring Program, a statewide initiative to improve the quality of special education service. As a graduate of the 2016 Gwinnett County Citizen’s Academy, Jackie was recognized as a community volunteer by former Commissioner of Gwinnett County, Charlotte Nash. She has volunteered for various events that are sponsored by Gwinnett County Government’s Community Outreach Program. Recruited by Georgia State University, Jackie served temporarily as the parent educator for Babies Can’t Wait-Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale, with the goal of helping families find resources and to help them have successful transitions into Pre-School supports. Currently, Jackie serves as a board member of Sanghi Unity Network and the Shine Community, agencies that support adults with disabilities. She works as a freelance consultant, coaching parents, helping them plan and create a meaningful life for their children with disabilities, while in school and as they transition into adult life after school. Jackie and her husband are parents of a 28-year-old daughter who lives with autism and intellectual disabilities and a 30-year-old son. They reside in Gwinnett County, GA.
Jasmine, a dynamic Gen-Z professional, quickly made her mark in business administration after graduating with top honors from high school in 2016. She participated in a six-month professional development program focused on business administration, honing her professional, technical, and administrative abilities. In business and entrepreneurship, Jasmine is highly knowledgeable. She serves as the board secretary for Travel Light Network and operates her own business, established in 2014. Her areas of expertise include aromatherapy, public speaking, life and spiritual coaching, social media marketing, photography, graphic design, songwriting, and film production. With only a high school diploma, Jasmine's achievements and skills demonstrate the power of self-belief, often exceeding what formal education can offer. Like many, Jasmine has overcome significant challenges that impacted her mental, emotional, and physical health. Among her many goals, her primary aim is to both give and receive love, and to use her professional and personal skills to be a beacon of hope in the face of any adversity.