Meet the Board Members of Uniquely Nico!
Team members
Everyone knows that sometimes it takes a village to make sure that everything goes as planned. This is our wonderful village.
Rebecca Shellito
Co-founders and President
Rebecca Shellito and her husband Bob founded Uniquely Nico in 2019 to connect resource and help other families with special needs feel less alone. She has worked in healthcare in northwest Indiana for nearly 30 yrs. She's always found herself advocating as a nurse, for those who need a stronger voice and helping hand. This has been especially true since her son Nico was diagnosed with Autism. Once nonverbal, Nico is now a social butterfly in 5th grade. Rebecca has learned many valuable lessons through the years and wants to empower other families to be a strong voice for their child.
Heather Sandilla
Board Member
Hi my name is Heather Sandilla, I am a wife, mom, and nurse. I am excited and honored to be joining the Uniquely Nico board of directors. I have seen Uniquely Nico develop from the ground up and I am looking forward to be becoming a deeper part of it. As a nurse for the past 20 years I love helping people and being an advocate for patients. My 12-year-old twin boys have enjoyed being part of many of the Uniquely Nico community events. In these times that we are living in I feel that it is so important to have all the support available and I love that Uniquely Nico is facilitating just that. Knowing that you are surrounding yourself with people that care and are wanting to build something more is a wonderful feeling. I look forward to this journey and growing with this amazing organization..
Emily Spencer
Board Member
My name is Emily Spencer, and I am a local Special Education teacher. Throughout my journey in the education field, I have observed a lack of support services for the families I work with in the area. Collaborating with Uniquely Nico has provided me with the opportunity to meet new people and establish meaningful connections that deeply resonate with me. Witnessing the community grow around this organization has been a privilege, and I eagerly anticipate to see where it goes from here!
Lindy Adams Brockman
Board Member
Lindy Adams Brockman has always had a passion for helping kids. Prior to staying home to raise her son, Alex, she worked as a child support caseworker. She & her spouse were foster parents for years and adopted their son. Now she spends her days helping out in the applied skills classroom, running to therapy appointments, learning about IEPs & teaching her son the skills he needs to be more independent. Uniquely Nico has provided a safe & supportive place for the Brockman’s to form friendships & find their way. Lindy is looking forward to sharing her knowledge & skills to support other families.
Mary Moell
Board Member
Mary Moell joined Uniquely Nico in January 2023 after attending events with her son Keith. She embraced the mission and thought it would be a great opportunity that she and her son could enjoy participating in. Mary moved to Indiana 13 years ago and now lives in Crown Point. She has been a nurse for over 30 years and currently teaches nursing as well. Her son Keith was diagnosed with Autism when he was 5 years old. He is currently 27 and has far surpassed expectations. Keith is a happy adult, working in the community and trying to find his social niche. He enjoys working with the younger children with special needs. Mary enjoys witnessing him thrive and is willing to share their lived experience.
Gus Sandilla
Job title or function
Gus Sandilla
Board Member
Hi, I'm Gus Sandella. I'm honored to serve as the treasurer for Uniquely Nico. I'm passionate about supporting children with special needs and autism, and I'm proud to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference. My role involves managing the finances to ensure that every dollar is used efficiently to support our mission. I also love being hands-on in other ways- whether it's helping with events or directly assisting the families we serve.