About
Greater Sacramento Area
Greater Sacramento Area
California State
Behind The Name
Our Story
The peers created the online group in early 2020 and the meetings have been weekly ever since. The first few meetings were attended by members concentrated in the Greater Sacramento Area, but over the years the reach has expanded into the surrounding counties and even across the country.
The TLC community is a diverse crew, members represent almost all levels of the C, T and L spine classifications with varying ASIA scores. Or in simpler terms, we range from high quad to low para; new patients to almost 50 years post injury; wheelchair user to walking. We all have our own unique set of challenges but understand some level of paralysis. Many members of the community are accredited peer supporters. We create a safe space that's fun, educational and supportive, we learn how to navigate the journey that is SCI together.
In 2022, we expanded our services to include a monthly online women's group and hosted several outdoor in person events. We also incorporated as The Lionheart Community with the state of California. In 2023, we became a 501c3 nonprofit with a volunteer board and started our Ambassador Program. In-person meetups were also added in the Roseville area. Currently we are working on building out or programming to include more opportunities for community support, recreation and easily accessible resources.
Board of Directors
board@thelionheart.community
CEO / Executive Director
Char has a background in marketing and design. She leads a healthy and active lifestyle and likes a physical challenge. One of her callings is to help others with SCI/D so she founded TLC.
T-11 in 2000
CFO / Treasurer
Michelle's pride is her family of five but she really loves time with her duck. Her accounting career has been in the nonprofit sector and she also travels the world as a flight attendant. Michelle's brother sustained a SCI in 2000.
Secretary
Misty graduated from Stanislaus State with a biology degree. Her high injury brings the community valuable perspective. She enjoys time with family and is the Modesto Area liaison.
C-1/2 in 2002
Vice President
Dave is a cancer researcher at the University of Utah. He brings a doctorate degree in science, and experience with grant writing, boards and peer support. Adaptive sports and time with family and friends fulfills Dave.
T-6 in 2007
Director
Adora Matthews, MD, FAAPRM, works with SCI patients in Sutter Health's Roseville PM&R department. She brings valuable insight from the health care perspective to the community. On her days off you will find her gardening or cooking.
Director
Pat works as a Rehabilitation Service Executive at Sutter Health Roseville. A long time champion for services to benefit the SCI/D community, he also brings experience to the board. His family and getting outdoors keeps him grounded and inspired.
Director
Chuck has an impressive record of serving on a range of disabled community boards. His passions are social awareness and advocacy. In his spare time you will find him creating metal sculpture and design.
T-4 in 1983
Ambassadors
Ambassador
Tiffany founded the Queens of SCI monthly Women's Group in 2022. She is certified with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation mentoring program.
C 5-6 in 1989
Ambassador
Todd has a rich history of supporting the SCI/D community. He's facilitated support groups and is often visiting the newly injured in the hospitals.
T 12 in 1993
Ambassador
Adrion is newer to the SCI/D life but he has rolled into it with lots of style and grace. He his a natural leader and has a talent for social networking in the community.
C 6 in 2021