BOARD DIRECTORS 2025

Michelle Patroni is the founder of H.O.A. (HELP ONE ANOTHER), INC. ℠ and was born in Appalachia and remains deeply connected to the region. The inspiration for the non-profit came from witnessing the decline of Jellico, Tennessee the town where her father lived and died. After years of seeking help from companies, legislators, and organizations with little success, she took action and founded H.O.A. (HELP ONE ANOTHER), INC. ℠ to drive meaningful change to Jellico and other Applachian communities facing the same economic challenges as Jellico.
She believed one of the solutions was the restoration of passenger rail lines and commercial bus lines which once ran in these communities. Looking at the future, she believed improved infrastructure would allow these communities to become economically sustainable for decades, instead of years.
An independent contractor for law firms nationwide, Michelle specializes in personal injury and general litigation support. She earned a BA in Social Science, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania and pursued graduate studies in Social Justice and Community Development and Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Chicago.
Beyond her legal work and advocacy, Michelle is an avid animal lover. She and her dog, Barkley, volunteer with HABIT (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee) and Covenant Health at the Thompson Cancer Center bringing comfort and companionship for those who enjoy spending a little time with a sweet dog.

Gene Halavanau is a dedicated attorney and advocate committed to serving underserved communities. As principal attorney at Halavanau Law Office, P.C. in San Francisco, he focuses on personal injury and tenant rights cases while actively engaging in pro bono work.
His international experiences across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Germany, and the U.S. shape his commitment to justice. He has supported underrepresented communities through the Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals and provides pro bono aid to asylum seekers.
Gene’s advocacy aligns with this nonprofit’s mission to expand economic opportunities in Appalachia. His tenant rights work and fight against systemic inequities make him a strong ally in advancing transportation and employment access.
Outside of work, he enjoys parenting his two children, exploring nature, and outdoor adventures with his wife.

Angela Rose Henson is a fractional Creative and Strategic Consultant, Project Manager, Chief of Staff, and expert generalist for conscious entrepreneurs. She has collaborated with startups and organizations in the technology, education, entertainment, and wellness sectors, including The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The Archer School for Girls, XPrize, Within VR, Amazon, and more.
Angela is inspired by challenging projects, building companies and communities, creating innovative solutions, and promoting change to the status quo.
Angela holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Bachelor's degree in Cinema Studies, cum laude from The University of Pennsylvania. As a writer and cinephile, she has a passion for movies and culture and resides in Santa Monica, California.

Frank Patroni currently works at the East Tennessee Historical Society and brings with him a distinguished background in law enforcement as a retired Detective Sergeant and former aid to the Chief of Police of the Atlantic City Police Department. During his law enforcement career, he also worked in Internal Affairs and Community Policing.
Frank earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Tampa. He was once offered a position at the FBI crime lab in Washington, D.C., but chose to remain near the ocean, staying true to his roots.
A former president of the Al-Ki Social Club in Atlantic City, Frank is known for his strong sense of community and leadership. In his free time, he is an avid reader, expert crossword puzzle solver, dedicated golfer, and a seasoned distance runner who has completed several marathons. When he is not at work, you’ll likely find him running along the greenway or teeing it up on a golf course.

Gianna Mosser is the director of Vanderbilt University Press, where she oversees the publication of thirty books per year. She was previously the editor in chief of Northwestern University Press. Gianna received a BA in English summa cum laude from University of Miami and a MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. She lives in Nashville with her family.

Kendra L. Rimbert, a Kentucky native with deep Appalachian roots, is a dedicated civil litigation attorney with over 20 years of experience. A University of Kentucky College of Law graduate, she worked with the Innocence Project before starting her career in civil defense. Realizing her passion lay in fighting for everyday Kentuckians, she founded her own firm, successfully advocating for underserved communities for 15 years.
Committed to justice and community service, Kendra volunteers with the Red Cross and provides pro bono legal aid. She lives in Louisville with her family, championing mental health awareness and access to justice statewide.

Hannah Stuart is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, building on her background in education. Hannah holds a Masters in teaching from the University of Tennessee and also obtained her BA from Carson-Newman. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Knoxville with their two teenage sons, Aiden and Paxton, sharing a love for travel, fishing, and hiking.
Hannah works at a Knoxville homeless shelter, witnessing firsthand how systemic failures, not just personal choices, drive homelessness. As a member of H.O.A. (HELP ONE ANOTHER), INC. ℠ she advocates for better public transportation to expand opportunities for those in need.