Empowering Seniors to Age Gracefully

Teressa D. Gordon has devoted her life to uplifting others through service, leadership, and faith. A Norfolk native and graduate of Norview High School, she later earned a Certificate in Religious Studies from Virginia Union University and became a lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women. Her leadership and communication skills were further demonstrated through Toastmasters International, where she achieved the distinction of Distinguished Toastmaster.

After a 25-year career with Verizon Communications, Teressa transitioned into community-focused service as an administrative assistant and outreach coordinator for COGIC High Rise Apartments for the Elderly. In 2010, inspired by her deep love for seniors, she co-founded Seniors Aging Gracefully alongside her sister, Jan Wynn-House. Today, she continues to champion programs that help older adults create memories, maintain dignity, and leave a lasting legacy. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Teressa brings both professional excellence and heartfelt compassion to everything she does.

Larry Bellamy is a Norfolk native whose life has been defined by service, leadership, and commitment to community. A graduate of Maury High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Larry began his professional journey as a former NFL player with the New York Jets before transitioning into a distinguished career in public service with the City of Norfolk. Over decades of municipal leadership, he rose to serve as Assistant Coordinator of Community Outreach and later retired as Superintendent of the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, overseeing programs that enhanced quality of life for residents across the city.

Since the founding of Seniors Aging Gracefully, Larry has brought that same dedication and organizational excellence to the organization as Logistics and Community Outreach Committee Chair. His ability to connect people, manage operations, and mobilize resources ensures that seniors throughout the region have access to meaningful, well-coordinated programs. Larry's lifelong commitment to service continues to strengthen the bridge between SAG and the broader Norfolk community.

Deborah Battle has been a pillar of Seniors Aging Gracefully since its earliest days, serving as both a founding ambassador and a passionate advocate for its mission. When SAG Founder Jan Wynn-House first shared the organization's vision, Deborah immediately recognized its potential to transform lives and joined the board to help bring that vision to life. Her longstanding work in domestic violence prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, and community advocacy uniquely positioned her to help guide SAG's outreach and impact.

A retired educator with 43 years of service in Baltimore and Norfolk Public Schools, Deborah now serves as an Early Childhood Curriculum Review Consultant with the Virginia Department of Early Childhood. As SAG's Intergenerational Mentorship Program Coordinator, she leads a powerful partnership with Norfolk Public Schools that connects seniors with youth in meaningful, life-affirming ways. In addition to her professional achievements, Deborah is First Lady of Kingdom Word and Worship Temple in Norfolk, where she ministers alongside her husband, Bishop George N. Battle, continuing her lifelong commitment to faith, family, and service.

Nicole Cleveland is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to ensuring that no one suffers in silence—a mission shaped by her own lived experience. She is a bestselling author, podcast host, and motivational speaker who uses her platform to inspire healing, resilience, and community engagement.

Nicole has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is a licensed Evangelist within her church, reflecting her deep commitment to service and faith-based leadership. With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising leadership, she brings extensive expertise in advancing mission-focused organizations and mobilizing support for meaningful impact.

She firmly believes that while individuals can each do their part, lasting change is achieved when communities come together to create a better world.