About

Originally a Michigander, Vicky Byarley has lived in Indiana since 1993. She’s mom to a daughter working on a masters in public policy at IUPUI and a rescue dog.

A long-time worker in retail, Vicky has been in management the last 30 years. Taking a well-deserved break due to health issues, Vicky now works part-time at the Brownsburg CVS. With some spare time on her hands, Vicky was drawn to BOAA. Her grandmother, the most important person in her life as she grew up, taught her many life lessons, so Vicky sees working with seniors as a natural fit.

A Brownsburg resident  for 30 years, Fred Hakes and Jan, his wife of 42 years, have four adult children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Fred used the Vietnam Veterans GI Bill to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from IU. Fred retired from IU Kokomo in 2011, though he then taught courses there for several years as an adjunct faculty member. 

Fred's interest in BOAA stemmed partly from caring for his older sister for seven years after she developed dementia. .Fred was familiar with the national Elderhostel program that became Road Scholar, but he was intrigued to learn from Jenn Cox, when she was visiting an elderly neighbor, about BOAA’s great work supporting seniors locally. Subsequently, Fred helped BOAA with several community partnerships and grant applications. Since being asked by Mary Hayes to join the board at BOAA, Fred plans to continue this work.

For fun and fellowship, Fred organizes e-Bike Ride Fridays, weather permitting.  Men from his church bike trails across central Indiana, completing up to 35 miles. They even have winter workouts, which are lunch. Fred also plays golf, but he has very low expectations. He considers it a good round if he doesn't lose any clubs!

Mike is a self-employed Medicare and Health insurance agent. As of April 2024, he and his wife, Joyce, have been married for 40 years. They have five sons together and now have three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren, “with more of both to come,” says Mike, “Lord willing!” 

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Mike grew up on a tomato farm in eastern Indiana, and Joyce is from Muncie. They settled in Hendricks County over 24 years ago and still live in the area. In addition to lots of family time, Mike is very active in Crossroads Church, in Avon.  He also enjoys high school marching band competitions, Purdue football, and the Colts.

Colby and her husband Ron have lived in and owned a business in Brownsburg since 2004.  Prior to that she worked in the music business, doing promotions. Colby’s two children, a daughter in high school and a son in middle school, keep her very busy as she chauffeurs them to their various activities.

Laura Portish has lived in Brownsburg for 28 years with her husband while raising their four sons. Laura is now retired and enjoying her grand-children. In earlier years, Laura worked as a Staff Accountant and AP Supervisor. She retired from Ascension Healthcare as a National Operations Data Specialist and her undergraduate degree is in Business Management. Her certifications include Human Services and Medical Assisting.

Laura understands the need to support our seniors. Her own story tells about her estranged mother and mental illness. Her personal experience has shaped her keen desire to lend a hand and support the generations before her with care and love.

Laura’s passion is to bring joy to seniors and help provide resources. As a life-long learner, she is looking forward to serving as a board member and growing with BOAA in our community. .

Jenny lives in Brownsburg with her husband and two teenage sons.  She is pursuing a Master's in Social Work at IU Indianapolis with a focus on the vulnerable elderly population.  A volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Jenny is currently an intern at the Center for At-Risk Elders in Indianapolis. In her free time, Jenny likes to cross-stitch and attend live concerts with her husband.

Nan has lived in Brownsburg for 50 years. She and her husband, Mike, were married for 59 years before he passed away in 2020. Their three children graduated from Brownsburg High School after starting at the old Brown Township school that is now Cornerstone Christian Church. Fundraisers there consisted of homemade noodles and chicken, “the good old days.” 

Nan substituted at both Brownsburg and Avon High Schools until her children went to college; then she began another career at IUPUI and enjoyed working there for 27 years. One advantage of befriending teenagers in high school as a substitute teacher was that Nan now has connections for wonderful plumbing service, lawn care, electricians, and car care at Big O and other local businesses. Former students have become successful business owners in what is no longer a small Brownsburg community.  “What a wonderful place to live and worship,” says Nan, “even with all the detours!”

A committed advocate for individual self-sufficiency, Marina was hired as the Executive Director of Hendricks County Senior Services in February 2012. Marina champions the needs and desires of vulnerable people and aging adults in her community.

She is an Avon HS graduate and has a degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Franklin College and a Master's in Public Affairs from IU. Prior to joining the team at Hendricks County Senior Services, she worked in fundraising and development for Coburn Place Safe Haven and Sheltering Wings. She and husband Dustin have two children: Margaret (15) and Joseph (11).  Marina serves on the Board of Leadership Hendricks County and the Senior Center Coalition of Indiana.