Audra Chmiel

Prior to joining High Hopes, Audra spent over 20 years in marketing and sales – on both the agency and corporate sides of the business and also worked with a couple of startup companies. Following her years in marketing, Audra owned her own business for 8 years where – much to her surprise – she found a passion and a niche in using fitness as therapy for individuals with many kinds of disabilities such as MS, Autism, Asperger’s, Alzheimer’s. The amazing success stories and working with these special people daily were truly the highlight of her career.

Audra joined High Hopes in March 2024, because she believes in and 100% supports the mission. She brings passion and understanding of working with and helping people with disabilities. She thoroughly enjoys working in such a wonderful environment where she feels like she has the opportunity to give back each and every day. Audra also used to volunteer at High Hopes as a side walker back in 2007/2008 during her marketing career.

Audra was raised in a small town in South Dakota and grew up riding horses on her grandfather’s farm in Iowa. She is married to Gene and they reside in Clinton, CT.  She has a stepdaughter, a stepson and a crazy Shih Tzu named Bruno.