About Us
At the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland (DSAmd), our team brings together lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive Maryland.
From direct family support to statewide advocacy, our staff and board work collaboratively to serve hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome and their families each year—expanding programs, strengthening partnerships, and driving meaningful systems change.
Staff
Amanda Mummert, MNPM, LPN, Full-Time Staff - Executive Director
Amanda Morales is a disability advocate, nonprofit leader, and licensed practical nurse with more than two decades of experience in healthcare and community-based services. She has served as Executive Director for three nonprofit organizations, leading initiatives focused on accessibility, disability rights, family support, and youth empowerment.
Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and has been a licensed practical nurse for over 21 years.
Under her leadership at DSAmd, organizational revenue has doubled and the number of programs has quadrupled, significantly expanding access to resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Maryland.
Amanda is an active leader in statewide advocacy efforts and serves on multiple coalitions, including the Maryland State Special Education Committee, the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council, and the Ethan Saylor Alliance, where she works to improve interactions between law enforcement, first responders, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Brittany Preston, M.Ed., part-time Programs and Community Manager
Brittany Preston is an educator with extensive experience in early childhood and elementary education in the state of Maryland, with a strong focus on inclusive learning environments. She has worked in Title I schools, where she developed innovative strategies to meet the diverse needs of her students.
As the proud mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, Brittany brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. She is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and their families through community-building, resource connection, and inclusive programming.
In her work with DSAmd, Brittany leads statewide outreach and community initiatives that promote acceptance, expand access to resources, and empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their fullest potential.
De’Vonte Perry, part-time Community Engagement Manager and Director of DSAmd Improv
De’Vonte has a passion for performance, dogs, and gardening. He earned a degree in Theatre - Performance and minored in music and communications at Salisbury University. De’Vonte is deeply passionate about empowering self-advocates to tell their own stories.
As Director of DSAmd’s Improv Program, he has designed and led inclusive, strengths-based programming that helps individuals with Down syndrome build communication skills, confidence, and meaningful connections through creativity. In his role as Community Engagement Manager, De’Vonte leads statewide efforts to strengthen relationships with self-advocates, families, partners, and supporters. He oversees outreach and communications that expand access to programs and elevate the visibility of the Down syndrome community in the state of Maryland.
Known for his consistently positive energy and engaging facilitation style, De’Vonte believes nonprofits can be the superheroes of the world.
Carrie Williams, MSPT
Program Consultant: First Call and New Families Program
Monique Brennen
Program Consultant: Black Family Supports
Improv Directors
Diamond Toles
Meredith Kaunitz
Michelle Faulkner-Forson
Volunteer Leads
Corissa Anderson
Cardio Dance class leader
Yvonne Hu Cotto
Education Chair
Amanda Morales, MSW, LCSW-C
Policy and Development Coordinator
Board of Directors and Committees
Board meetings are held virtually and are open to the public. If you’re interested in how DSAmd is governed or want to support our work serving individuals with Down syndrome, we welcome you to join us. To receive meeting details, email director@DSAmd.org and visit our Events page for the schedule.
Our Board is committed to nonprofit best practices, including maintaining term limits, participating in annual evaluations and trainings, and providing strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission.
Committee meetings are also open to the public and held virtually. DSAmd currently has two standing committees: Development and Programs.
In addition, the Walk-a-Thon Task Force launches each spring and typically operates for about six months. For more information or to get involved, email director@DSAmd.org.
See our Board Accountability Statement to determine if this service is right for you. If you are interested in volunteering for DSAmd, complete our Volunteer form.
Board of Directors Executive Committee
President: Brooke Williams, Marketing and Communications, MedStar Home Health - President@DSAmd.org
Vice President: Lauren Christie, BCBA - VP@DSAmd.org
Treasurer: Connor O’Neal, Financial Analyst, Sinclair Broadcasting
Secretary: Clay Smith, M.D., Kennedy Krieger Institute - Down Syndrome Clinic
Immediate Past President: Shon’Ta Timmons, Practice Manager, MedStar Health
Board Members
Corissa Anderson, Zumba and LaBlast-certified instructor and student; self-advocate
Frances Vance, I.T. professional
Jasmine Stone, Chimes
Jeffrey Morgan, reporter - WMAR ABC TV-2 News
Hannah Blaufuss, former Environmental Protection Agency
Markita Williams, Program Analyst, National Endowment for the Humanities
Michelle Burns, Quality Assurance in biotech industry
Mickey Jancewski, Lecturer and Fieldwork Coordinator- Public Health Program, Health Sciences Department
Programs Committee
Brooke Williams Lafferty, Chair
Brittany Preston, DSAmd Programs Manager
Jasmine Stone
Markita Williams
Tanya James
Rob Costante
Clay Smith
Fran Vance
Michelle “Capri” Burns
Development Committee
Amanda Mummert, committee coordinator
Connor O’Neal
David Wizer
Ashley Melber
Lauren Christie
Markita Williams