our national
executive leadership
Joe Butler
Founder & Chief
Executive Officer,
Ability Tree
Executive Officer,
Ability Tree
Jen Butler
Founder & Chief Operations Officer,
Ability Tree
Ability Tree
Micah Butler
Chief Inspiration Officer,
Ability Tree
Ability Tree
Ability Tree is dedicated to coming alongside families impacted by disability by providing R.E.S.T. (Recreation, Education, Support, & Training). Each Community Branch location offers disability-inclusive programming, events, support, and more to Make Community Possible for the entire family!
meet the first coast team
Contact Ability Tree First Coast Community Branch
Email: firstcoast@abilitytree.org
Call: (855) 288-6735 ext. 3
Ryan James (RJ)
Executive Director,
First Coast Community
Branch
First Coast Community
Branch
Ryan James has over 22 years of experience serving children, families, and individuals with disabilities, including work as a paraprofessional, RBT, behavior interventionist, group home supervisor, and fatherhood facilitator in jails and prisons. A recipient of the Force for Good Award from the University of St. Augustine, he is completing his Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University (March 2026). Ryan’s passion is to make Jesus accessible and to build a network of schools and churches across the First Coast where families can find community, respite, and hope.
Board of Directors
Melissa Clark
Melissa Clark is passionate about building connections that uplift families and communities. As Treasurer of First Coast Ability Tree’s Board of Directors, she supports the mission of empowering individuals and families impacted by disability. A former special education teacher, Melissa’s career has centered on advocacy, inclusion, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as President & CEO of the One Idea Foundation and Treasurer for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association’s Auxiliary Board, with past service including organizations like K9s For Warriors and local library systems.
Chris Willingham
Chris joined the Ability Tree First Coast Board in January 2025 after seven years of involvement as a donor and parent. His daughter, who has special needs, has participated in camps and events, giving Chris a deep understanding of the organization’s impact. He is passionate about strengthening ATFC’s presence in St. Augustine and helping secure a permanent location to better serve families in need.
Anne-Marie Butler
Ann-Marie is a pediatric speech-language pathologist serving St. Johns and Flagler Counties, as well as a wife, mom of three, and grandma. She was introduced to Ability Tree through her husband’s community work four years ago and felt called to serve as a board member by bringing her professional expertise and community connections. Ann-Marie was drawn to the mission of supporting families affected by disability and helping them feel seen, valued, and included. Her hope is that Ability Tree First Coast continues to build relationships, create inclusive programs, and provide families with joyful moments of rest and connection.
Lea Bush
Lea R. Bush is a fiduciary financial advisor, former educator, and founder of Rise-N-Shine Services, LLC, where she helps women reduce money stress, gain clarity, and build lasting legacies. Known as The Financial Thought Partner, she blends financial strategy with biblical truth to guide women in aligning finances with faith. As a board member, her vision is to help families grow resilient emotionally, physically, and financially through customized financial wellness plans.
Robert Waters
“To the world you might be one person but to the one person you might be the world”. This quote is a mission I strive to follow daily. My goal is to unite and collaborate with fellow Christian’s who share the same belief. We all have the ability to positively impact the life of others but must love unconditional while being humble and empathetic. Our commitment throughout our ability tree organization is to carry this asset into our communities.
I am a Husband, Father, and Commercial Airline Pilot with a heart to serve. I carry a strong passion volunteering and serving people with various abilities.
I invite the challenge of creating inclusion and spreading awareness for our families throughout our city and around the world. I look forward to our encounter.
I am a Husband, Father, and Commercial Airline Pilot with a heart to serve. I carry a strong passion volunteering and serving people with various abilities.
I invite the challenge of creating inclusion and spreading awareness for our families throughout our city and around the world. I look forward to our encounter.
Jennifer Argentina
Jennifer works in transition education, where she helps young adults with disabilities prepare for life after high school by building independence, employability, and self-advocacy. She has more than a decade of experience in special education and has also served with FDLRS/NEFEC, supporting educators, administrators, and families across Florida in advancing inclusive practices.
Jennifer believes every person has a God-given gift to share. Ability Tree’s mission of Recreation, Education, Support, and Training (R.E.S.T.) aligns with her passion for helping individuals and families thrive beyond the classroom. She is honored to serve as a board member and contribute to this life-changing mission.
Jennifer believes every person has a God-given gift to share. Ability Tree’s mission of Recreation, Education, Support, and Training (R.E.S.T.) aligns with her passion for helping individuals and families thrive beyond the classroom. She is honored to serve as a board member and contribute to this life-changing mission.