Emily Meckel
Founder / Executive Director

Emily along with her husband Justin and daughter Emery own and operate Sunshine Valley Farm in Carthage, Indiana. She also works with Justin, at Meckel Construction. She is most importantly Emery’s mom, the inspiration for Poss-ABILITIES. Emily is a lifelong Hancock County resident and met her husband Justin in 2010, they later married and after the birth of their daughter, Emily wanted to develop something that Emery could be involved in with her peers; que the birth of Hancock County Poss-ABILITIES. 

Because of Emery, Emily has become an avid advocator for her daughter and all children who are unique. Emery is the Sunshine in Emily’s life and she has taught Emily resilience, determination, and has completely enriched her life. 

Emily’s heart is truly fierce for Hancock Couty Poss-ABILITIES. She is truly passionate about advocating for all children and letting children know that it is okay to be yourself, even if that means different. Watching her daughter, Emery, thrive with her peers and in the barn, she knew she needed to share this opportunity with the youth in her community. “Creating a fun environment where my daughter can be like all her peers is something I was striving for. Something to share with kiddos like my daughter, who bear a disability. A chance for her to be who she is, a little girl. My goal is to break invisible barriers, and create a fun, happy, learning environment for all the youth and families involved; all while incorporating livestock.”

Emily enjoys spending time with her best friend, Emery, her family & friends, on her farm, and with her canine companions. Sometimes you can find her hiding away in her sewing room if it isn’t lambing season.

Nicki Macy
Vice President

Nicki grew up in Newburgh, IN where she worked summers at a local YMCA camp leading trail rides and teaching horse riding. She spent 7 years in the Catskill Mountains with the YMCA working to improve and create equestrian and agricultural programs as the Farm Camp Director. As a youth development professional, inclusion was always at the forefront of her planning and programming.

After her return to the Hoosier state, Nicki spent time managing a multi-species livestock operation. Now, she spends her days taking care of her own little homestead, working as a farm hand at a couple of local family farms, and fostering youth.

Nicki first met the Meckel's when she moved to Greenfield, and has become fast friends with the whole family. Emery inspires Nicki every day to smile, laugh, and dance to Taylor Swift like nobody's watching. Emery was the reason Nicki initially got involved with the Poss-Abilities program, and seeing the incredible bonds between the participants, mentors, and animals is why she continues to support the program!

Emily Gorman
Secretary

Emily is the Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Indiana where she works to advocate for Hoosiers 50 plus. Prior to her work with AARP Indiana, Emily had a long career with the YMCA in the Catskill Mountains in New York. Her time at the YMCA included heavy involvement with their development and fundraising efforts, program development, community engagement, recruitment, and extensive management responsibilities. Emily was nominated as one of the YMCA's '30 Under 30 Emerging Leaders' in 2018 - a national recognition awarded by the YMCA of the USA, highlighting her efforts in diversity, inclusion, and global innovation. Emily graduated from the University of Leicester in the UK with a degree in Sociology. She calls Greenfield, IN home and enjoys spending her time at her small homestead farm with her 3 rescue dogs, countless farm animals, partner Nicki and 16 year-old Foster Son, Shawn. 

Emily got involved with the Hancock Possabilities program from its inception in an effort to support her friends and Neighbors, The Meckels. Since then, it has been an absolute honor and highlight of her busy work weeks - seeing all the participants and mentors in the program make memories that will literally last a lifetime. 

Justin Meckel
Co-Founder / Treasurer

Justin is the owner of Meckel Construction and co founder of Hancock County Poss-ABILITIES. He is also a lifelong Hancock county resident and resides in Southeastern Hancock county with his wife and daughter. Justin Graduated from Purdue University with a Construction Management degree and started his own business, Meckel Construction, following graduation. Justin enjoys spending time working on his vintage muscle car, tinkering with antique tractors, and spending time with his family.

Justin’s involvement with Poss-ABILITIES is mostly impacted because of Emery. He enjoys witnessing the overall impact on all families involved in the program. The friendships and bonds being made between the youth and families drives him to continue to be a vital part of the program.

Lena & Allison May
Agricultural Outreach Director & Youth Outreach Ambassador 

Allison and Lena May moved to Greenfield, Indiana from Maryland in the Summer of 2021. Together with Ray Ramsey, they operate Ramsey Herefords. Shortly after relocating to the area, they connected with Emily Meckel and purchased a show sheep affectionately known as "Mister Fluffy", who would become the first partner that Lena and Emery showed together at the Hancock County Fair! This seemingly simple transaction laid the foundation for a deep friendship between them and the Meckel Family, as well as igniting the spark that would develop into the Poss-Abilities Program!

A little background about these two: Allison grew up on a farm in New Jersey and has worked in various roles within the agricultural industry since graduating from Penn State with a degree in Animal Science. Aside from farming and raising Lena, she enjoys attempting to keep indoor plants alive, cooking and listening to music. Lena is a Middle Schooler and 4-H member who enjoys showing sheep and cows, playing tennis, and making friends! Her favorite singer is Lainey Wilson and she wants to learn to be a photographer. 

Together, Allison and Lena feel so fortunate to help build connections within the community through the Poss-Abilities Program and help kids gain experience with animals that normally wouldn't have the opportunity!

Annie Grinstead
Marketing & Event Coordinating Director

Bio Coming Soon!

Chrissy Paxton
Community & Volunteer Coordinating

Bio Coming Soon!

Gracie Johnson
Agriculture Educational Outreach

Gracie Beaudry (Johnson) and her husband Jackson have proudly grown up in the Hancock County community. She is a previous FFA officer & 10 year 4-H member. Gracie owns and operates GG's Grooming. She also teaches middle school agriculture at Eastern Hancock. Gracie is very passionate about spending her time volunteering. She serves on the board of Special Olympics of Hancock County as well as Poss-Abilities of Hancock County. When she is not busy, you can catch her spending time with her four fur babies.