About Us

Rene Averitt-Sanzone

Executive Director

Rene is the Executive Director at The Parents’ Place of MD, and has been since 2017. Prior to that, she worked as the Regional Technical Assistance Co-Director for the OSEP funded parent centers in the mid-south region. She has worn many hats in the field of special education – Parent Educator, Early Childhood Behavior Specialist, Evaluator, and Charter School Administrator. Rene currently serves on several national and state wide disability committees and advisory groups. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a masters in Organizational Change Management. Rene is the proud parent of two grown daughters, both with disabilities and an even prouder Mimi of two grandsons.

April Adams

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Caroline, Dorchester, & Talbot Counties

With over 20 years of personal and professional experience as the sole caregiver and advocate for her three children, each with unique medical, developmental, and mental health challenges, April brings deep personal insight and compassion to her work supporting families. April’s personal journey navigating complex care systems has inspired her commitment to helping other families access the resources and support they need to thrive. As a new homeowner and devoted advocate, April is passionate about empowering caregivers to elevate their families’ futures through education, advocacy, and family voice. April is here to walk with you through your journey.

Missy Alexander

Director of Learning and Development

Missy, the Director of Learning and Development at The Parents’ Place of Maryland, has been with the organization since 2002. She is the mother of an adult daughter with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, who was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools for her entire academic career. She is the Co-Chair of the St. Mary’s County Local Management Board, serving as a community member. Missy serves on the St. Mary’s County Local Care Team as the Parent Advocate. She is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), serving on its Board of Directors where she was the first Advocate to serve as Board Chair. Missy’s approach in working with families is driven by the firm belief that parents are the best advocates for their children, and she provides them with the information, support and encouragement to empower them to do so.

Joan Balbuena Hernandez

Bilingual Training and Outreach Coordinator

Julie Bertling

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Howard County

Tina Andrews

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Cecil County

Christina (Tina) Andrews is the proud mother of five amazing children who are unique individuals with disabilities. She is their cheerleader and ardent supporter. Additionally, she has built her career in nonprofit management and education for 20 years working with a number of organizations including working as a project coordinator with the Parent Information Center of Delaware, as a teacher of students with Autism in Delaware and Maryland, in library services serving children and young adults, and as a doula and home birth midwife. She joined the PPMD in 2025 as a Family Partner – Behavioral Health Specialist. She is a long time resident of Cecil County, MD and is excited to partner with parents and professionals to bring much needed services and resources to the county.

Kim Birnbaum

Family Partner Supervisor

Kim joined the PPMD team in 2022 serving families navigating special education and special healthcare needs. Prior to joining PPMD, she worked in the early childcare industry for several years and then worked in an administrative capacity for over 10 years before the privilege to stay home with her two children and navigate their interventions, therapies, and education. Kim has a Bachelor of Art degree from James Madison University and majored in psychology. Kim has been administering an online disability-specific parent support group of over 1,500 members in Howard County for several years. In this capacity, she has helped assist members to connect them to resources like PPMD. Kim has lived experience as a family member of loved ones with mental health and behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorder. She is an active community member and volunteer on public education, special education, equity and inclusion, and environmental issues, including as a member of Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) and serving volunteer roles for her children’s school’s PTA, the Community Advisory Council, and informal parent groups. PPMD and other parents of people with a disability(ies) have been very helpful to her, and Kim enjoys helping other parents navigating their journeys.

Sarah Blankenship

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Carroll & Frederick Counties

Sarah is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with Family Peer Endorsement and is a proud person in long-term recovery. Her personal journey, along with her experience supporting loved ones with substance use and mental health challenges, has fueled her passion for helping others find hope and healing. She has 8 years in the Behavioral Health field including the pilot program as Lead Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with the Carroll County Crisis Response Team. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, providing a strong foundation in advocacy and support. Outside of her professional work, Sarah values quality time with her daughters and enjoys going to the beach, attending concerts, and creating meaningful memories. With a blend of lived experience, professional training, and compassion, she is dedicated to guiding others toward recovery, resilience, and connection.

Ronda Bullock

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Prince George's County

Ronda brings extensive experience supporting families of children and youth with behavioral health needs. Before joining PPMD, she served as a Services and Support Coordinator, leading a multidisciplinary team assisting families of children with autism and mental health challenges. Previously, she worked as a Family Peer Support Specialist, with a focus on transitional-aged youth, and as Lead Family Coordinator for the SAMHSA Transitional Age Youth Grant in Prince George’s County, where she provided direct support, resource navigation, and system advocacy. Drawing on her lived experience as both a Child of a Parent with a Mental Illness (COPMI) and a parent, Ronda is committed to amplifying family voice, promoting equitable access to services, and fostering partnerships among families, professionals, and communities. Her mission is to ensure no family feels alone.

Rebecca Crew

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Wicomico County

Rebecca is a military spouse who relocated to the Eastern Shore over seven years ago following her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and brings a professional background in inclusive early childhood education and caregiving. As a mother of three children—two of whom are neurodivergent, and one who lives with both medical and learning disabilities—Rebecca has firsthand experience navigating the joys and challenges of parenting within both the military and local communities. Rebecca is passionate about raising awareness, connecting families with resources, and empowering parents to confidently advocate for their children. Her personal experiences in the mental health field have also given her insight into supporting and navigating care for loved ones with both physical and mental health needs. With her foundation in caregiving, her understanding of military life, and her dedication to inclusive education, Rebecca is driven to make a meaningful impact in her community by fostering support, connection, and empowerment for families.

Addy Dayton

Family Partner - Educational Specialist | Allegany & Garrett Counties

Addy came to us from Allegany County where she grew up in the small town of Mount Savage. She has seven years of experience working with daycare-aged children, primarily those under three. Addy is an active community volunteer emergency medical responder with the Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company and secretary for the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association, where she also leads an emergency services autism awareness program. Addy is married with one baby girl and has several farm animals. Addy holds her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and Maryland Emergency Medical Responder license. She has a passion for helping families, especially those in rural communities, and she loves to travel with family in her free time.

Anne Marie Demby

Family Partner Supervisor | Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, & Worcester Counties

Anne Marie brings more than eight years of experience in human services, driven by both professional expertise and lived experience with mental health and substance use disorders—both personally and through supporting loved ones. This dual perspective fuels a deep passion for helping others navigate challenges related to mental health, substance use disorders, homelessness, and education around the Good Samaritan Law. A native of New Jersey, where her daughter and granddaughters still reside, she now calls Maryland’s Eastern Shore home, where she has developed a strong connection to the community she serves. Her dedication to uplifting others and empowering individuals in recovery has earned her notable recognition, including the Ginger Rosella Award (2022) and the Caliber Award for Empowerment of Consumers from the Maryland State Behavioral Health Administration (2023). Whether providing direct support, advocating for awareness and prevention, or educating communities, Anne Marie remains committed to fostering hope, dignity, and change for those facing life’s most difficult challenges.

Octavia Guthrie

Health Program Specialist

Octavia has worked in healthcare for over twenty years and recently became a registered nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Frostburg State University. She is a wife and mother of boy/girl teenage twins who are both on the autism spectrum and an adult stepdaughter. She has served as a Special Education Parent Liaison, member of the Special Education Advisory Committee and worked on various planning committees with Baltimore County Public Schools. Octavia is passionate about helping parents be the best advocate for their children’s educational and healthcare needs. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling with her family.

Lamisah Hassan

Volunteer Coordinator

Donna Howard

Family Partner Supervisor | Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, & St. Mary's Counties

Donna joins the PPMD team after having held a variety of positions, in industry and academe. More recently, she served as a college administrator providing academic support services and coordinating services for students with disabilities. She is the proud parent of two daughters, both with IEPs – one who recently graduated cum laude! She understands the importance of identifying challenges, breaking down barriers, and creating enriched living, and learning environments; and is passionate about empowering parents to do so. She has served as an elementary school parent volunteer strengthening foundational math and reading skills for students with disabilities and in middle school building critical thinking skills as an AVID tutor. She is enthusiastic about fostering growth, curiosity, and skill development in children of differing abilities by empowering parents with resources and the skills to advocate for them and partner with providers.

Bonnie Kinsey

Family Partner - Educational Specialist

Marlo Denise Lemon

Co-Deputy Director of Training & Strategic Partnerships

Marlo is the Co-Deputy Director of Training & Strategic Partnerships at The Parents’ Place of Maryland. She is most proud of her role as a wife and the mother of three children, two of which have IEPs. Prior to PPMD, Marlo has provided professional development to parents and staff in Baltimore and Howard counties. She has taught in Baltimore City and Baltimore County school systems. In her position as Educational Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education, she worked in Title I schools, early childhood and special education. Currently she teaches the “Working with Families of Students with Disabilities” course at Towson University. Marlo values relationships and believes ALL children can succeed and parents and families are the best resources for each other.

Audri Levering

Transition Program Coordinator

Audri works with families on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist, she treated patients in hospitals in Texas, Chicago, and Los Angeles, specializing in neurologic communication and swallowing disorders. Recently, Audri was the Chair of Queen Anne’s County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC).  She is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).  Audri also completed the 2019 Maryland Partners in Policy Making program. She is passionate about inclusion, bridging alliances, and advocating for policies centered around the protection and advancement of the educational civil rights of students with disabilities. She is an ardent proponent for educational equity, vigorous and ambitious expectations, and preparing students for meaningful post-secondary opportunities. Audri earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F Austin State University, and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. She lives on Kent Island with her husband, son, and teenage daughter who was born with a rare genetic disorder.

Lydia Moro

Program Assistant

Lydia joined the PPMD team in January 2024 as a Program Assistant. She graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. During her time at York she was very involved with her college’s chapter of Best Buddies, an international non-profit that fosters friendships for people with disabilities. The friends Lydia made through Best Buddies helped her discover her passion for disability advocacy and inclusion. Lydia is also an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring state and national parks.

Krystin Morris

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Baltimore City

Krystin brings both professional dedication and deeply personal experience to her work supporting families impacted by substance use, mental health, and behavioral health challenges. As a mother who has walked through loss, incarceration, and the daily realities of raising children with unique needs, she understands firsthand the weight families carry and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. She specializes in connecting families with essential resources—from treatment and housing support to employment assistance and community services—while also advocating for children and parents to be heard and supported in their unique journeys. Krystin’s approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and empowerment. She believes every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and never alone as they face life’s hardest challenges.

Wendy Nargiz

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Somerset & Worcester Counties

Wendy has resided in Ocean City for 17 years and works on the Eastern shore primarily in Worcester and Somerset counties. For the last four years, Wendy has worked with families that have been affected by Substance Use disorder and Behavioral Health challenges. She is passionate about recovery and is a certified peer recovery specialist, peer supervisor and a master level life coach. Wendy lives close to the beach and enjoys the coastal life with her husband, her three sons, and her five best feline friends.

Kristen Paul

Director of Early Childhood Programs

Kristen has worked with children and their families for more than 25 years in a variety of capacities, including as a teacher, Federal agency education advisor, college administrator, and in family support for Birth to Five Programs. Kristen serves as Maryland’s Ambassador for both the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” and DEC/ECTA Recommended Practices programs. She leads PPMD’s Baby LEADers and Family Data Leaders parent training programs and other early childhood initiatives. She was recently awarded the 2025 DEC Family Award, which is given to a Division for Early Childhood (DEC) member who is a family member of a child with a disability and has made significant contributions through service to the field and community. Kristen serves on the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers, State Early Childhood Advisory Council, and numerous other committees, work groups, and collaborative efforts to improve the outcomes of Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. She resides in St. Mary’s County – where she serves on the Local Management Board, Early Childhood Advisory Council, and Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education (CACSE) – with her husband and young son.

Allie Phelan

Director of Communications

Allie started working for PPMD as an intern while finishing her undergraduate degrees. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services from Towson University and is now PPMD’s Director of Communications. In her role, she strives to ensure Maryland families stay informed about news and resources impacting education, healthcare, and behavioral health. She enjoys supporting families of children with diverse needs, specifically those who are deaf and hard of hearing, as she is proficient in American Sign Language. Allie lives in southern Anne Arundel county with her husband.

Lakisha Rhodes

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | St. Mary's County

With over 25 years of experience in the human services field, Lakisha brings a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging circumstances. Her professional journey has been shaped not only by decades of service but also by her lived experience as a parent of two sons who have faced mental health and substance use challenges. This unique perspective allows her to approach her work with empathy, resilience, and a profound understanding of the complexities families encounter. She is passionate about advocating for accessible, compassionate care and creating systems that empower individuals to achieve stability, recovery, and hope.

Silvia Ramos

Family Partner - Educational Specialist

Silvia is a dedicated and compassionate professional with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and family support services. She holds a Child Development Associate Credential, along with various certifications and training in infant and early childhood mental health, home visiting, and family support. Silvia’s passion for helping families and young children has driven her to serve in various roles, including program coordinator, family advocate, and home visitor. Silvia is originally from El Salvador, she is married, and she is also a proud parent of three grown children and grandparent to three wonderful grandchildren, ages 8, 9, and newborn. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her deep understanding of the importance of nurturing and supporting families during the critical early years of a child’s development.

Brenda Rivera-Ruiz

Family Partner - Educational Specialist

Brenda moved to Maryland from Puerto Rico in 2015. She lives in Bowie, Maryland with her husband and child. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, PR and a Juris Doctor from Eugenio Maria de Hostos Law School. She has worked with families in different capacities over the years; as director of an elementary and middle school, university professor and in the legal system for more than 10 years. It is important for Brenda to help underserved communities and minorities get the services and the help they need. Brenda is passionate about getting the message out that Early Intervention Services for our kids with special needs is a must and the key to helping our little ones have a bright future. Brenda is fluent in English and Spanish.

Rosa Rivera-Lily

Director of Engagement

Rosa Rivera-Lily works with underserved and underrepresented families including those whose first language is not English across the state of MD to ensure that they are engaged. She is driven by her passion for services and supports for all who are underserved. Prior to coming to The Parents’ Place of MD, Rosa was an Operations Manager for a large medical laboratory in Maryland for over 15 years. After giving birth to a medically complex child she found her passion in sharing her daughter’s story and assisting other parents through their journey. Rosa has a young daughter with congenital heart disease, Epilepsy, bilateral hearing and Cortical Vision Impairment who attends school at the Maryland School for the Blind. Rosa is an active member of her daughter’s school community and the Baltimore City Latino community. Rosa is fluent in both English and Spanish. In addition to her daughter, Rosa lives in Baltimore City and is also the proud parent of a grown son and daughter.

Kellsie Roberts

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Washington & Frederick Counties

Kellsie is a passionate advocate for mental health and family support, with both personal and professional experience in behavioral health. Living with anxiety, depression/postpartum depression, and ADHD has deepened her empathy and commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. With a background in Special Education and student-centered support services, Kellsie specializes in creating inclusive, empowering environments. She is dedicated to guiding families through education and personalized care, always with a focus on compassion, collaboration, and lasting impact.

Veronica Samayoa Lara

Bilingual Communication Specialist

Originally from El Salvador, Veronica immigrated to the United States in 2006. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and has been working with Latino families in the areas of early childhood education, early intervention, case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, and parent training for 20 years. Veronica is very passionate about early childhood and special education. She is certified in infant massage and has been trained in ESFT family therapy. She is currently working with Latino families through the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Birth to Five Program and, at the same time, is working as our Bilingual Communication Specialist. Veronica is fluent in English and Spanish and lives in Harford County with her two daughters.

Brook Schmidt

Co-Deputy Director of Programs & Quality

Brook comes to PPMD with over 5 years of experience working with families in special education. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and has served on several boards supporting families in her previous home state of Missouri.  She currently resides in Frederick County with her husband and their blended family of 7 children. She has a son with autism and a son with cerebral palsy which led her to this field of empowering other parents. In addition to serving Western Maryland, Brook will be serving as a point of contact for all military families at PPMD. As a former Army brat and wife of an Army veteran, she also has a passion for working with military families.

LaShonda Scott

Family Partner - Educational Specialist

LaShonda has a passion for families of children with disabilities. She was previously employed by the local school system for over 10 years and has experience working in special education. LaShonda has an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix and is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach through Light University. LaShonda resides in Southern Maryland with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, fishing and cooking or baking. LaShonda is a member of her local SECAC, Maryland SESAC, American Mothers INC. and an active member of COPAA.

Crystal Simpson

Family Partner Supervisor | Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford & Cecil Counties

Crystal is the Family Partner Supervisor to Region 2 at The Parents’ Place of Maryland, where she focuses on supporting families of youth with behavioral health needs and diagnoses. She is dedicated in leading a team of Family Partners to provide support to families and the community. She has background in being a Certified Family Peer Support Specialist, Peer Recovery Specialist for Mobile Crisis, 988 Ambassador and was involved in Training and Development at Johns Hopkins. Crystal also brings lived experience with her own family who have a wide array of behavioral health needs. She is passionate about building connections, providing resources, empowering families to advocate for themselves, and supporting parents in the day to day life of their children.

Marissa Starks

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Baltimore City & County

Marissa is a dedicated Family Partner – Behavioral Health Specialist with expertise in supporting individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges. She is actively working toward her Family Peer Support Specialist certification while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. With over a decade of lived experience, Marissa has been a strong advocate for her son through IEP processes and has supported family members facing behavioral health and substance use concerns. Her personal journey, combined with ongoing professional training, allows her to bring both empathy and expertise to the people she serves. Passionate about expanding her knowledge, Marissa continues to engage in specialized trainings in mental health and advocacy. She is committed to empowering others, reducing barriers to care, navigating complex care systems, and linking individuals to vital community resources. All with a goal of providing meaningful support and creating a lasting impact in the behavioral health field.

Cory Turner

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Calvert County

With over 12 years of experience, Cory is more than a champion — she’s a bridge‑builder for families, youth, and communities. Her journey began at just 21 years old, when she became a mom to her son — an experience that revealed both the joys and the unique challenges young parents face. That life‑changing chapter inspired her to dedicate her career to ensuring others have the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive. As a certified mediator and youth conflict coach, Cory specializes in helping young people navigate challenges, strengthen communication, and develop conflict‑resolution skills that last a lifetime. She has collaborated closely with families, educators, and service providers to create inclusive, supportive environments where every child can flourish. Cory now brings her expertise and empathy to PPMD — walking alongside families as they chart their own paths toward confidence, stability, and success. When she’s not working, you’ll find Cory with her two kids — whether it’s exploring new places, cheering them on from the sidelines, or simply cuddling on the couch, soaking in the moments that matter most.

Dr. Patricia Williams

Family Peer Support Intake Specialist/Program Assistant

With over 25 years of leadership in special education and advocacy, Patty brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. As a mother to two neurodivergent children—her 20-year-old daughter living with schizophrenia and her 15-year-old son on the autism spectrum—she deeply understands the intersection of family, education, and behavioral health. Dr. Patty Williams holds dual doctorates in Special Education Leadership and Behavioral Analytics and has spent the last 25 years specializing in behavioral analysis and behavioral health. Her work spans across public education systems, clinical settings, and community-based services. As a passionate advocate for inclusive, person-centered systems of care, she is known for bridging the gap between policy and practice. Her approach blends evidence-based strategies with empathy, ensuring that individuals and families receive support that is both effective and compassionate. Whether leading systemic change, supporting professionals in the field, or mentoring families navigating complex diagnoses, Patty brings credibility, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every person.

Alexis Watson

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Harford County

Alexis Watson is a Harford County native, born and raised, and still proudly calls the community home. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University and has spent over six years working with neurodiverse children and adults across nonprofit, ABA clinic, and school settings. Her passion for advocacy stems from both her professional experience and her personal journey supporting family members facing substance use, gambling, and mental health challenges. Alexis is dedicated to being a voice for those who need one and loves empowering families with the tools, confidence, and support to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

Ayla Yilmazturk

Director of Finance & Admin.

Ayla has been working in the nonprofit sector for more than six years as an accountant. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Saint Francis College and a Master’s of Science degree in International Business and Finance from Brooklyn College. She previously worked for a private school in New York City which offers special education to students with language-based learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. Ayla is originally from Turkey and she now resides in New Jersey with her husband and son.

Amy Young

Family Partner - Behavioral Health Specialist | Charles County

With deep roots in lived experience, Amy offers support to families impacted by substance use, mental health, and behavioral health challenges. Her journey began with loving and supporting a close family member through the complex struggles of addiction—an experience that opened her eyes to the emotional, legal, and systemic challenges families often face. She now takes her lived experience and walks alongside families navigating treatment and rehabilitation programs, incarceration, and the family court system. She understands firsthand the stress, confusion, and isolation that can come with these processes, and she is committed to being a source of strength, information, and hope. Amy specializes in connecting families with vital resources including access to treatment centers, housing support, employment assistance, and ongoing community services. Her approach is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and empowerment—ensuring that every family feels heard, supported, and never alone in their journey.