Sisterhood Spotlight
Executive Director and FEAT Co-Founder
A lifelong resident of Southside Virginia, Mandi has always been rooted in community and purpose. She earned her undergraduate degree in Fashion Merchandising from Radford University and her Master of Textiles from North Carolina State University before returning home to South Hill, where she and her husband Brian are raising their three children—Bailey, Caroline, and Stella.
When your son, Bailey, was diagnosed with autism, what personal journey led you to create The Bailey Center?
When Bailey was diagnosed with autism, a social worker advised my husband and me to relocate, explaining that the services our son needed simply weren’t available in our community. But moving was never an option—our roots were here. My husband is a local business owner, and our family and friends surround us in Southside Virginia.
For years, I drove Bailey three hours round trip, five days a week, so he could access the therapies he required. Later, when he became more comfortable in social situations, we wanted to give him the chance to participate in extracurricular activities. Yet again, this meant another three-hour round trip just so he could enjoy experiences other children had right in their own hometowns.
I longed for Bailey to be able to grow, play, and connect within his own community—just like his peers. That desire, coupled with a clear nudge from God, sparked the creation of The Bailey Center for Special Needs.
The Bailey Center has grown into a place where children and families can learn, play, and thrive. What impact have you seen in the lives of the young people and parents who walk through your doors?
The Bailey Center has grown into a true haven for individuals and their families—a place where everyone is free to be themselves and celebrated for their unique gifts. Many participants who were once hesitant to engage now flourish, building meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Caregivers who once felt isolated in their journey have found a supportive family here, one that listens with compassion and walks alongside them through both joys and challenges.
Programs like Buddy Ball, LINCS, and BEYOND are so unique. What makes these initiatives special, and how do they help foster inclusion and independence for participants?
The Bailey Center has launched programs such as LINCS and BEYOND to equip young adults with special needs with valuable life skills and hands-on job experience. These initiatives not only prepare participants for greater independence but also build lasting connections between individuals, the Center, and the broader community. By fostering inclusion, they help bridge the gap between families and the world around them. In addition, Buddy Ball opens the door for participants of all ages to enjoy inclusive sports—creating friendships, boosting confidence, and instilling a sense of pride.
For women, mothers, and families across Virginia who may be navigating care of a special needs family member, what resources would you recommend they seek out—whether at The Bailey Center or beyond?
In partnership with Commonwealth Autism, The Bailey Center offers a dedicated Family Resource Navigator to guide families through every stage of their journey—from connecting with providers for an initial diagnosis to offering support throughout the IEP process. Beyond our in-house resources, we collaborate with trusted partners across the state. Frequently recommended agencies include PEATC, The Arc, Commonwealth Autism, the Autism Society of Central Virginia, Virginia Career Works, All Needs Planning, and the Organization for Autism Research. For a more extensive list, families can visit ssvafeat.org or reach out directly to us.
As both a mother and caregiver, I also encourage families to find their “village.” Walking this journey alongside others who truly understand can bring comfort, strength, and a powerful sense of healing.
About Mandi
Mandi’s journey took a profound turn when her son Bailey was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. At that time, resources in Southside Virginia were scarce, leaving families like hers searching for support. Refusing to accept the gap, she co-founded Families Embracing Autism Together (FEAT) in 2016 to provide education, awareness, and a supportive network for families navigating the same challenges. The year 2024 marked a milestone, as Mandi and her team opened The Bailey Center for Special Needs, turning her dream of a permanent home for the nonprofit into reality.
Today, Mandi serves as the Executive Director of both FEAT and The Bailey Center for Special Needs, a thriving hub of inclusion and empowerment for families across the region. Beyond her leadership roles, she is an active board member for Commonwealth Autism and Southside Behavioral Health, amplifying her impact on a broader scale.