Adaptive Sports for People with Disabilities

Calvin E. Poole is the Founder and Executive Director of the Tri-State Adaptive Sports Association (TASA). Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he graduated from Hamilton High School in 1972. His upbringing in Memphis instilled in him a strong work ethic, a commitment to community, and a lifelong dedication to serving others. In 1976, Calvin joined the United States Naval Reserve, serving honorably until 1982. During his military service, he developed valuable skills in HVAC, plumbing, and pipefitting. He then joined the Carpenters Union, became a Journeyman Carpenter, and earned certification as a gas installer. Calvin continued building his career through work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development alongside many years of self-employment. With a specialization in property and construction management, he established a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and leadership in his field. After losing his sight due to glaucoma, Calvin redirected his experience and determination toward disability advocacy, founding TASA to offer adaptive sports opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as those with other disabilities. Through his leadership, athletes have accessed valuable community events for disabilities, allowing them to build confidence, independence, and stronger connections with their communities. Calvin is also a long-time member of the Blinded Veterans Association and currently serves as a Regional Secretary, where he supports fellow veterans adjusting to vision loss while enhancing advocacy and community connections. Calvin’s life exemplifies resilience, service, and leadership. From his military service and a career in skilled trades to his efforts in disability advocacy and promoting adaptive sports, he continues to create meaningful opportunities for others.

Christina Clift serves as Secretary and is a founding Board Member of the Tri-State Adaptive Sports Association, an organization dedicated to expanding adaptive sports opportunities. Since 2003, she has worked at Disability Connection Midsouth, formerly known as the Memphis Center for Independent Living, where she currently holds the position of Co-Executive Director. In this capacity, she plays a vital role in disability advocacy by helping individuals with disabilities fully engage in community life. Christina also contributes to community events for disabilities by serving on the Tennessee State Rehabilitation Council and the Memphis Advisory Council for Citizens with Disabilities. A proud member of the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee, she has held the roles of State President and Second Vice President, and has served as President of the Memphis chapter since 2013. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading, traveling, playing spades, and exploring technology.

Futrell G. Redditt serves as Treasurer of the Tri-State Adaptive Sports Association, where he is dedicated to promoting adaptive sports opportunities within the community. As a business co-owner and a licensed Tennessee real estate professional since 1990, he also brings his expertise to disability advocacy. Futrell is a certified real estate instructor through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. After more than 40 years as an educator with Shelby County Schools, he retired, having previously served as Regional Vice President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from LeMoyne-Owen College. Futrell also completed lead-based paint abatement training for contractors through the University of Kansas. His professional affiliations include the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®, Tennessee REALTORS®, and National Association of REALTORS®, through which he participates in community events for disabilities.

Phyllis Brunson is a native Mississippian who has dedicated more than 15 years to serving the Greater Memphis community through workforce and economic development, including advocacy for adaptive sports opportunities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Education from Cambridge College. As a Certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) and Certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Phyllis is passionate about expanding access to employment, advancing equity, and creating pathways to economic mobility, especially for individuals with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has cultivated numerous community partnerships, connected individuals with meaningful employment opportunities, and helped create successful pathways for career growth and economic advancement. In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership as a minority business leader, Phyllis actively promotes community events for disabilities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Her impactful work has earned her recognition, including the Tri-State Defender “Women of Excellence” Award. Furthermore, she is actively involved with the Employment First Task Force/Tennessee Works and regularly volunteers throughout West Tennessee. Through her professional and community engagement, Phyllis continues to champion workforce development and disability advocacy, striving to enhance economic mobility for families across the Greater Memphis region. Inspiring Quote: "A successful person finds the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right place for others." — John C. Maxwell

Michaun Harrison serves as an At-Large Board Member on TASA’s Public Relations Committee. She is a medically retired United States Army veteran with 13½ years of active-duty service and an extensive background in healthcare. Michaun graduated from James Madison University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and minors in Military Science and Biology. She enlisted in the Army in December 1990 and completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During her military career, she served as an orthotic specialist before reclassifying as a respiratory therapist. She also worked as a Phase II instructor, pulmonary function technician, and polysomnography technician. Her military assignments included Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado; Fort Sam Houston and Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas; the 121st General Hospital in Seoul, South Korea; and Moncrief Army Community Hospital at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. While on active duty, Michaun experienced vision loss due to complications from tuberculosis treatment. When she could no longer meet the Army’s weapons-qualification requirements, she was medically retired. This personal experience with vision loss has fueled her passion for disability advocacy, where she actively promotes adaptive sports opportunities and community events for disabilities. She furthered her education at Webster University and the California College for Health Sciences, obtaining a master’s degree in health services management with a concentration in health promotion and wellness. Michaun brings military leadership, healthcare expertise, resilience, and firsthand experience with vision loss to her service on TASA’s Board of Directors.

Christie Elliott earned a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation of the Blind in 2015 and a Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology in 2022. She is both a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) dedicated to supporting the blind and visually impaired. Since 2009, Christie has been employed at the STAR Center, where she enjoys helping individuals discover adaptive sports opportunities and tools that enable them to achieve their full potential. Additionally, she is actively involved in disability advocacy and community events for disabilities, focusing on increasing independence in daily life.

Tamika Johnson serves as an At-Large Board Member on TASA’s Communications Committee. A dedicated mother and active community member, she is passionate about helping others, volunteering, and participating in community events for disabilities. She focuses on building meaningful relationships and supporting projects, such as adaptive sports opportunities, that strengthen her community. Tamika is also involved with the National Federation of the Blind, the Blind Professional Network, and the American Council of the Blind, where she champions disability advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, and spending quality time with her family.