Belinda Martinez is a dedicated community leader and passionate advocate for exceptional families. As the proud mother of a son with autism, her work is deeply personal and rooted in lived experience, empathy, and purpose.

With over 17 years of volunteer service, Belinda has committed her life to uplifting families, strengthening communities, and ensuring that individuals with special needs are seen, supported, and empowered. Her journey as a local business owner reflects her belief in service-driven leadership and sustainable community growth.

Belinda is known for her servant’s heart, tireless advocacy, and ability to bring people together to create meaningful change. Whether through outreach, education, or hands-on support, she leads with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to leaving no family behind.

Sheela Clark serves as the Secretary of Forward Clarksville, leading with the belief that love is the ultimate meaning of life and the foundation of meaningful service. She is honored to turn that philosophy into action by supporting and advocating for the special population community with compassion and purpose.

Sheela brings a powerful blend of heart and strategy to her role. She spent seven years as a Special Education teacher, gaining firsthand insight into the strengths, challenges, and triumphs of individuals with special needs. She complements this experience with over 20 years in Business Management and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), allowing her to support the organization’s mission with thoughtful, professional leadership.

Sheela’s genuine love for people is evident in all that she does, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that Forward Clarksville remains a place where every individual is seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Nancy Selesele serves as the Treasurer of Forward, bringing both dedication and lived experience to the organization’s mission. Her commitment to advocacy is deeply personal—she is the proud mother of her son, Brycen, who is on the autism spectrum.

Motherhood opened Nancy’s eyes to the realities many families face every day: navigating complex systems, advocating for essential services, and carrying the emotional weight that often comes with raising a child with special needs. Through her journey, she has witnessed firsthand how overwhelming it can be for caregivers who are searching for support, understanding, and a sense of community.

Nancy was drawn to Forward because it offers more than assistance—it offers hope. Forward meets families where they are, without judgment, and provides compassionate, intentional support during even the most challenging moments.

Dr. Qusayy Godbolt, LBA, BCBA-D, is a United States Army veteran who proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division. During his military service, his passion for helping others became a guiding purpose that shaped his professional journey.

Dr. Godbolt brings extensive experience in applied behavior analysis, education, counseling, and autism services. He earned a B.A. in Communication Arts from New York Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Community Counseling and an Ed.S. in Secondary Education from Austin Peay State University, and a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior and Learning from Tennessee Technological University.

He is the President and Owner of Godbolt Behavioral Consulting and has served in leadership, clinical, and academic roles across multiple states and internationally. His experience includes serving as Clinical Director of The Behavior Analysis Center for Autism in Fishers, Indiana, under the supervision of Dr. Carl Sundberg; leading ABA programs for The Columbus Organization in Tennessee and Missouri; and serving as Director of Education at Saplings School in Ireland, an ABA elementary school for students with autism.

Dr. Godbolt has also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Ball State University and Austin Peay State University. His work focuses on creating meaningful behavioral improvements through skill development, positive behavior supports, and evidence-based strategies that improve quality of life for individuals and families.

Angela Gordon has been a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities since 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and brings more than seven years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Angela currently serves in Austin Peay State University’s Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) program, supporting students on the autism spectrum as they build independence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and prepare for life beyond college.

As a mother of five, including a child on the autism spectrum, Angela brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She is committed to building an inclusive community where individuals of all abilities have opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive.

Edward Dabney is a dedicated operations leader and advocate for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. As Forward Clarksville’s Operations Director, he brings strategic oversight and management skills to strengthen organizational systems and support inclusive programs where individuals and teams can thrive.

Edward is committed to improving efficiency, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that daily operations support Forward Clarksville’s mission. Through thoughtful leadership and a focus on meaningful community impact, he helps create welcoming spaces where individuals and families can connect, grow, and feel supported.