Brandon Farbstein

Brandon Farbstein is a 6th grader at Short Pump Middle School in Richmond, VA.  He enjoys performing and has been cast in several local productions.  Brandon was diagnosed with a rare skeletal condition (metatropic dysplasia) at the age of 2.  This form of dwarfism has resulted in several orthopedic issues and Brandon has endured a multitude of surgeries, primarily on his legs.  Although short in stature, Brandon is an articulate young man who enjoys educating others about his condition.  Brandon is currently preparing for his Bar Mitzvah in the Fall.

Steve and Sylvia Farbstein are the proud parents of Brandon and his older sister Brooke.  Steve grew up in Westfield, NJ and made Richmond his home after attending the University of Richmond.  Steve is the Director of Mortgage Banking at StellarOne Bank, and serves on the National Volunteer Leadership Council of the March of Dimes.  Sylvia is from Long Island, NY and graduated from New York University.  She is the owner of Northern Gems and holds positions on the PTA Boards of her kids’ schools.  Steve and Sylvia have enjoyed attending Little People of America conferences with Brandon, where they are continuously learning and are inspired by the unique abilities of the participants.   

Karin Korb

Karin Korb’s motto is: “Live to train; train to live” and her list of accomplishments prove it. In addition to being the formerly ranked number one player in the United States, Karin’s ranking remains in the top 100 in the world.  She was 27 years of age before EVER picking up a tennis racket! She has competed on 10 USA World Teams, which boasts the top 4 women in the country. Her training achievements don’t stop at wheelchair tennis. Karin, who was injured in a gymnastics vaulting accident, also has a passion for bodybuilding. In fact, she was the champion of the first-ever women’s wheelchair bodybuilding competition held by the National Physique Committee.

She is a not a one, but a TWO TIME Paralympian! With her unbridled commitment to the growth of tennis and sport for people with varying disabilities, she received the 2004 and 2005 USTA Southern Section’s Wheelchair Tennis player of the year award and works closely with the GoGirlGo Atlanta project (a program of the Women’s Sports Foundation) as just one of the many organizations Karin spends her time with. “Creating an atmosphere of empowerment where sport, wellness, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices are at the forefront, is an attainable goal for all girls and women.”  Her most recent endeavors include the creation of the Divability Sports Camps. She says “it’s where sport meets lip-gloss!” 

          2011 boasts multiple accomplishments as well. She received the Inaugural USTA Atlanta’s Serving Women Award which recognizes the importance of the role of women in the lives of our children and our community and was also voted onto the prestigious U.S. Olympic Committee’s Athletes Advisory Council.  “2012 isn’t lookin’ too shabby either”, she says, “I can’t believe it, but I’m being inducted into the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame!”

Cory Todd

Cory Todd, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, is a 2011 graduate of Petersburg High School.  Cory recently completed a three month training program at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia.  Cory is very active in his church, where is a member of the youth council, choir, and is beginning is work to become an ordained minister.  Cory has been a member of Special Olympics since 2010, where he participates in bowling and track/field events.  Cory is a member of the 2013 class of Global Messengers for Special Olympics.  He has spoken to the Special Olympics Board of Directors, Petersburg City School Board, where he advocates for unity as his main platform.  To Cory, “unity is important to everyone and to God, who created us all equal and special.” 

Robin E. Loyall

Robin Loyall, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, graduated from Petersburg High School in 1973.  She obtained a B. S. degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1977.  She returned to VCU on two other occasions and obtained a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1982 and a M.Ed. in Education/Special Education in 1999. 

Robin has extensive experience in criminal justice and education.  She has worked as a probation/parole officer, private rehabilitation counselor, juvenile detention specialist, case manager for individuals with intellectual disabilities, assistant program manager at a state institution for persons with intellectual disabilities, and a teacher of students with intellectual disabilities.  Her passion is making sure that her students, past and present, are included in every aspect of society.  Inclusion is a right for everyone.  Through her volunteer work with Special Olympics, Robin has found a medium to help ensure inclusion, respect, and unity for those she has the privilege to coach and interact with.

Floyd E. Miller, II

Floyd E. Miller, II, a native of New Kent, Virginia, is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  He later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Virginia State University. 

Floyd has a broad range of knowledge and experience in the areas of criminal justice, adult education, and special education.  Currently, Floyd is employed with Special Olympics Virginia, as the Director of Urban Programs.  He is responsible and in charge of the entire Virginia school based program for inner city youth.  He has proven to be an effective leader and advocate for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.  His primary focus has been on educating the community, so those individuals with disabilities will be accepted and valued in our society.

Malaina Poore

Malaina Poore works for VOCAL as The Firewalkers Program Director. VOCAL is a statewide network of people in recovery. This work complements her beliefs: A mental health diagnosis is not a death sentence. “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

Malaina is interested in a million things at once. Today she is particularly interested in art, storytelling and creative journaling. She lives in an enchanted forest shack with her family.