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About Mary Foundation

Mary Buckley, a loving mother of four boys, was a strong spiritual person. An avid Bruce Springsteen fan, she attended 11 Springsteen concerts in 2003. She was a social worker who worked with disabled infants and toddlers. Mary was always laughing and smiling and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

On April 21, 2004, Mary, a Virginia Beach resident, was admitted to the hospital for "routine" foot surgery. She never came out. Her heart and breathing stopped. Mary was without oxygen for 15 to 20 minutes, causing her to suffer massive brain damage as a result of a global anoxic brain injury. She remained in a persistent vegetative state until she died in October 2006.

The Buckley family faced gaps in service and information during their ordeal. Wanting to help others in similar situations, Mary's husband Matt Buckley founded the Mary Buckley Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) corporation, in September 2005.

While the original purpose of the foundation was to provide information and support to families struggling with circumstances surrounding the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), our mission has evolved over recent years. Today we proudly sponsor three new programs:

  • The Clubhouse serving the Tidewater Area - supported by state general funds administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and private donations.
  • The Eastern Shore Day Program - supported by state general funds administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and private donations.
  • The friendAble Social Club - funded through a grant from the Sentara Foundation.

All our efforts are directed toward helping people with traumatic brain injuries feel that they are a part of society again, as well as supporting their families. In addition, we provide educational services to the community through school and youth groups. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of brain injury survivors by maximizing their potential vocationally, socially and emotionally.

Our Caring Staff

Matt Buckley

Matt Buckley, founder and executive director, created The Mary Buckley Foundation in honor and memory of his wife Mary. An expert in business development and management, he holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Prior to founding The Mary Buckley Foundation, Matt was involved in several start-up companies, as well as the multi-million dollar sale of two wireless companies. He is the father of four wonderful boys and enjoys golf, fishing and coaching youth sports.

Joann A. Mancuso

Joann A. Mancuso, director of programs, has served in the rehabilitation field since 1977. Prior to joining The Mary Buckley Foundation, Joann worked with the Commonwealth Support Systems, a nonprofit organization in Virginia Beach dedicated to helping people with disabilities improve their quality of life. During her tenure with Commonwealth, she launched the SEEK Day Program for Brain Injury Survivors in Hampton Roads in 1998, and the No Limits Day Program for Brain Injury Survivors on the Eastern Shore in 2001. She also formed a support group for brain injury survivors. She has served on the Virginia Brain Injury Council and is currently the treasurer for the Virginia Alliance of Brain Injury Service Providers. Joann earned her Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Hunter College of City University of New York (CUNY), Manhattan.

Carole Norton

Carole Norton, a neuropsychologist, has worked with brain injury survivors for nearly 30 years. She coordinates the Communications Unit at The Beacon House, encouraging creative writing skills and teaching computer skills, including software applications and using internet resources. Currently chair of the Virginia Brain Injury Council, Carole earned her doctorate in behavioral medicine psychology (Ph.D.) from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas in 1985. Her work with the Arlington Texas Brain Injury support group earned her the 1994 Texas Head Injury Association Award for Professional of the Year.

Rachel Lockwood

Rachel Lockwood has been program coordinator of the No Limits program since November 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Community and Human Services/Human Services Management from Empire State College, State University of New York (SUNY). Before developing the No Limits program, Rachel devoted 15 years of service to helping adults with developmental disabilities living in residential settings.

Venus Mitchell

Venus F. Mitchell is the Culinary Unit's Coordinator at Beacon House. As the unit coordinator, she facilitates the meal planning, food shopping, preparation, serving and clean-up of the meals served to the clubhouse members, facilitators and guests. Venus also coordinates the operation of the Clubhouse Café which includes the bookkeeping and making bank deposits. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare. She has worked with brain injury survivors for over 8 years as a Training Assistant and a Program Services Specialist.

Abby Keen

Abby Keen, program coordinator at the Beacon House, has worked with persons with disabilities since 2001. In the past, she worked at Commonwealth Support Systems and Didlake, Inc., serving as a training assistant for people with disabilities and program manager of the brain injury program. Abby holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in human resources administration, as well as a Master's of Science (M.S.) in management. In her current role, she ensures that the daily operations of the program run smoothly. When she is not working with brain injury survivors, Abby enjoys baking, cake decorating and spending time with her family.

Christy Brumbaugh

Christy Brumbaugh came to No Limits a year ago. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Bridgewater College in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In addition, she holds a graduate certificate in spirituality from the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, MD, and Training in Ministry certification from Bethany Seminary, Richmond, IN. Christy has helped families since 1992, serving in counseling and administrative roles in not-for-profit and human service agencies. She served as health coordinator for Howard County Head Start, Columbia, MD for five years and also ministered a small multicultural church congregation near Baltimore, MD for five years.