Who We Are
Each person matters.
Faith Above My Ability was truly Christ-inspired when Jess was on a mission trip and realized the purpose of her disability when sharing her testimony with orphans. Jess isn’t forgotten, neither are orphans, and neither are you! God loves each of us; He created each of us in His image with a purpose for His glory.
Faith Above My Ability seeks to advocate, educate, and create change surrounding issues of access and equality for people affected by disabilities so that all can recognize their strengths and live their most empowered lives. We are so excited to change the narrative for people affected by disability!
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“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Our Mission
Faith Above My Ability’s mission is to educate, advocate, and create change surrounding issues of access and equality for people with disabilities while empowering people with disabilities to realize their strengths.
Jessica Keogh M. Ed, Founder and President
Jessica Keogh is a 34 year old woman is the founder and president of Faith Above My Ability. She currently lives with a progressive Neuromuscular disorder that is yet to be diagnosed. She felt called to create this nonprofit as she continually looks to Jesus for her identity and worth. Jessica is an emotional support teacher of eleven years who has a strong passion for educating, advocating for, and empowering youth with disabilities. She has her master's in education with her reading specialist, ELL, & transformative leadership certification. Jessica is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership where her dissertation focuses on elevating voices of transition aged students with physical disabilities. Outside of the formal educational setting, Jessica spends her time engaging in PA legislative affairs, running her nonprofit, cycling on her adaptive bike, and adventuring with her pup. She is fiercely passionate, dedicated, and determined to not only make the world a more inclusive place, but change the narrative surrounding disability! Jessica has presented at a numerous events inside and outside of the disability community. Knowing first hand how challenging life is with a physical disability, her presentations include a wide range of topics from disability history, body image, education, disability & equity, and advocacy. Jessica is recognized by the Everylife Foundation and PA legislators for her advocacy work.
Laura Watson, Secretary
Laura is a 32 year old thriving woman with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Laura's forever passion is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the fashion industry. Outside of FAMA one of Laura’s jobs is running her fashion boutique. Outside of fashion you can find Laura at the beach soaking in the sun, travelling, and finding the best live music hang outs. Laura comes to Faith Above my Ability as Jessica’s best friend and she is determined to improve the lives of one person at a time by her incredibly calm, caring, and overall positive energy! Laura is a blessing to all she meets and is ready to serve!
Kate & Sean Dennis, Treasurer and Family Support Team
Kate Paladino and Sean Dennis are parents to three amazing and wild boys. Elliott (8), Arlo (6), and Bode (1). Their lives are devoted to being the best parents and advocates. Their son, Arlo, was diagnosed with a genetic mutation that causes multiple disabilities and epilepsy. Kate and Sean are firm believers in the importance of community, especially when navigating life as parents with a special needs child. With every day Arlo gets older is a new experience with a special needs child and having that community to lend a hand or share knowledge and resources is areal saving grace. Kate and Sean are such assets to Faith Above my Ability and are ready to serve you in anyway they can!
Ralph Yaniz, Advisor
Ralph Yaniz is the advisor for Faith Above my Ability and comes to us with extensive background knowledge and experience. He served as the Executive Director of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation in 2016, helping establish the organization and begin serving the community.
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Prior to that he worked for AARP, where he was a Regional Vice President for a decade and, prior to that, the Illinois State Director for four years. In his capacity as the Illinois State Director, Mr. Yaniz led AARP Illinois in major legislative victories.
Before going to AARP, Mr. Yaniz was Executive Director of the Berwyn Cicero Council on Aging, assisting adults over 60 in maintaining their independent living with the highest quality of life.
He holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in psychology from Loyola University of Chicago and worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois for three decades. He also holds an MBA degree from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
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Mr. Yaniz has served on Boards of nonprofit organizations and in 2018 founded the LGMD2L Foundation to help look for treatments and cures for his form of muscular dystrophy.
Jill Millington, Resource and Support Specialist
I am Jill Millington. You may know me as A Peek Into MD-Jill's Journey on Facebook! I am from Indiana, and was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in 2008. I have been blogging since 2018 about muscular dystrophy awareness and it has now grown into advocating about disability rights and accessibility issues. I am thrilled to be a part of Faith Above My Ability and happy to assist you in any way I can on your own journey!
Kaitlin A. Kerr, Outreach and Media Specialist
Kaitlin is a disabled artist and advocate. She holds degrees in English Literature, Nursing, and Nursing leadership (MSN, RN). She had to leave the profession after her disabilities progressed several years ago. Kaitlin lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, pudendal neuralgia, Interstitial Cystitis, adenomyosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and dysautonomia, among other disabilities. On her better days, Kaitlin focuses on running a Shakespearean theatre company with her partner, Jonathan. She is also a published poet, as well as an actor and model. Kaitlin serves on several committees and teams for organizations working toward more equitable healthcare and disability justice, such as The United Way’s #IWantToWork Campaign, and the Pennsylvania Health Action Network (PHAN). She also volunteers for PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape) as a sexual assault counselor and is a trained intimacy choreographer/ director for theatre (a role grounded in boundaries and consent). Much of her artistic work grows out of the reality of living with a rare chronic pain disorder and finding meaning in art and in connection with others.
