OUR STORY
The Parents’ Place of Maryland began in 1990 as a grass-roots effort of families, professionals, and community leaders determined to provide resources, support, and information to parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Our philosophy of “families helping families” reflects our commitment to supporting families of diverse backgrounds. Today, the Parents’ Place offers a variety of programs and services that continue to support families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Serving as Maryland’s Parent Training and Information Center and Family-to-Family Health Information Center, Parents’ Place supports thousands of Maryland families each year. Parents’ Place, staffed primarily by parents who have faced these challenges, believes that experienced parents are a key source of knowledge and support to help other families become effective voices for their own children. Please continue to explore the website to learn more about our staff members, programs, services, and resources.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education and health outcomes for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs with a commitment to diversity and equity.
OUR TEAM
We help families obtain education and health care services for their children with disabilities; work to improve education and health care for all children; train and inform parents and professionals on a variety of topics; and connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.
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.
Missy Alexander
Director of Learning and Development
Missy, the Director of Education 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.
Jennifer Bertrand
Early Childhood Family Partner | Somerset County
Jennifer comes to us from Somerset County where she has lived for the past five years with her family. Jenn brings 10+ years of experience working with families in multiple capacities, ranging from direct care, volunteering with Scouts BSA, running parenting classes in Wicomico County, and as the former LCT Coordinator in Somerset County. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with specialization in Organizational Innovation, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Medical Terminology/Billing and Coding. Jenn is married with two kids, and three fur-babies (two cats and a dog). Her family is her source of motivation to improve other families’ lives with her knowledge, lived experience of having two children with ADHD and suspected ASD, as well as her empathetic and caring personality. In her “spare” time, Jenn enjoys playing her violin, bike riding, swimming, gaming, hiking, and watching Cardinals baseball.
Kim Birnbaum
Parent Educator
Kim has been administering an online disability specific parent support group of over 1,200 members in Howard County for several years. In this capacity, she helped assist members to connect them to resources like The Parents’ Place of MD. Kim is an active community member and volunteer on public education, special education, equity and inclusion, and environmental issues including serving volunteer roles for her children’s school’s PTA, the Community Advisory Council and informal parent groups. Kim has a Bachelor of Art degree from James Madison University and majored in psychology. 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 children and navigate their interventions, therapies, and education. The parents of the special needs community have been very helpful to her, and Kim enjoys helping other parents who are newer to their journeys.
Jay Chatman
Early Childhood Family Partner / Parent Educator | Baltimore City
Jay is the Early Childhood Family Partner for Baltimore City and a Parent Educator. Growing up in an underrepresented area of Baltimore, Jay has the lived experience to be very relatable and active in his community. He is the father of four, including a son with global development delays. Jay also has over nine years of experience working with students with special healthcare needs and their families as an employee of City Schools. With a degree in Business Management, a heart full of compassion, and great determination, he is ready to be a voice for the unheard.
Allie Cox
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. 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 family.
Addy Dayton
Early Childhood Family Partner | Washington & Allegany Counties
Addy came to PPMD 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. She 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.
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.
Donna Howard
Parent Educator
Donna joins us as a Parent Educator 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
Early Childhood Family Partner | Dorchester County
Bonnie is the Early Childhood Family Partner in Dorchester County. As the mother to a tween with Autism, ADHD and behavioral health needs who was not diagnosed early, she has discovered that information is power, but can also be hard to come by. She is passionate about reducing barriers to information that will help parents and caregivers feel empowered in accessing necessary resources. Prior to joining PPMD, she spent several years supporting families of children with disabilities (birth-21) in her role as the Dorchester County Public Schools Family Support Services Parent Partner and working with children with disabilities through the public school system and local YMCA summer camp. She was recently the co-chair of Dorchester County’s Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee, as well as a member of the local Judy Center Steering Committee and Early Childhood Education Committee. Bonnie holds an associate degree in Humanities and Social Science from Community College of Baltimore County. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with a minor in Diversity Awareness. She and her family live in Cambridge.
Marlo Denise Lemon
Co-Deputy Director of Training & Strategic Partnerships
Marlo is the Director of Training 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.
Kristen Paul
Director of Early Childhood Programs
Kristen has worked with children and their families for more than 20 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, leads PPMD’s Baby LEADers parent training program and other early childhood initiatives, and participates in numerous state-level committees, working groups, and other collaborative efforts to improve the outcomes of Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. At the state level, Kristen serves as a Parent Member of the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers; locally, she is Chair of the St. Mary’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education (CACSE) and received the 2022 Volunteer Award from the St. Mary’s County Commission for People with Disabilities. Kristen resides in St. Mary’s County with her husband and young son with multiple disabilities.
Jill Pelovitz
Parent Educator
Jill is a former Language Arts teacher who taught several years at the middle school level. She has participated on many committees and groups related to special needs children at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, including chairing the Family Advisory Counsel. Jill has advocated for children’s hospitals, the ketogenic diet, and for other numerous issues and programs relating to families with children who have special education and healthcare needs. Jill educates and supports families who are starting the ketogenic diet. She is the mother of two daughters, one of which has a rare genetic disorder resulting in intractable epilepsy and multiple disabilities.
Cynthia Pillajo-Lopez
Early Childhood Family Partner / Parent Educator | Baltimore City
Cynthia’s journey for supporting others began 15 years ago when she was certified as a Peer Support Specialist. She is passionate about helping families navigate different types of systems and making sure children and their families get the appropriate supports. Prior to joining the PPMD team, Cynthia lived in New York and worked as a Mental Health Family Support Liaison. She moved to Maryland six years ago where she continued advocating and supporting families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Cynthia is a single mother of five girls, three of which have mental health challenges (Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD), and a son who passed away at age five with Muscular Dystrophy. Cynthia is originally from Ecuador and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Silvia Ramos
Bilingual Parent Educator
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.
Rosa Rivera-Lily
Director of Equity and 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 their voices are heard. She is driven by her passion for equitable services and supports for all who have been traditionally overlooked. 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’s daughter is a 7-year-old with congenital heart disease, Epilepsy, bilateral hearing and Cortical Vision Impairment who attends preschool at the Maryland School for the Blind. Rosa is an active member of her daughter’s school community and the Baltimore City Latinx 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.
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 Latinx 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 Latinx 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.
Brenda Rivera Ruiz
Bilingual Early Childhood Family Partner | Prince George's County
Brenda is the Bilingual Early Childhood Family Partner for Prince George’s County. She moved to Maryland from Puerto Rico in 2015. She lives in Bowie, Maryland with her husband and child. Brenda 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 children 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.
Brook Schmidt
Co-Deputy Director of Program & 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
Southern Maryland Parent Educator
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.
Missly M St. Louis
Early Childhood Family Partner | Wicomico County
Missly is the Early Childhood Family Partner for Wicomico County. She grew up in Haiti and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Missly knows the importance of approaching and assisting people with respect, professionalism, and dignity. Before coming to PPMD, Missly worked as a case manager at a disability aid facility connecting people with disabilities to services meeting their needs and interests. She is also a Family in Transition interpreter for Wicomico County Public Schools. Missly is married and mother of a five-month-old baby boy. She is passionate, loving, discreet and respectful about serving all, especially those whose first language is not English and/or have been overlooked.
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.
2021 - 2023 Strategic Plan
VISION:
PPMD envisions communities where all families and children with disabilities and special healthcare needs live their lives to their fullest potential.
MISSION:
Our mission is to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education and health outcomes for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs with a commitment to diversity and equity.
VALUES:
PPMD embraces these core values as part of its vision: Integrity · Diversity · Partnership · Inclusiveness · Leadership · Advocacy
GOAL ONE
PPMD will be the lead organization providing and/or connecting diverse families and professionals to comprehensive, effective information, education, and support, using the following strategies:
- Provide individual assistance to enhance family-professional partnership & effective advocacy
- Provide parent, youth, & professional development to enhance family- professional partnership & advocacy
- Increase visibility for PPMD as a source of information and support for families and a resource for professionals working with them
- Develop awareness, familiarity & collaboration with organizations, to maximize support available to families & professionals
GOAL TWO
PPMD will strengthen the impact of the voices of families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs, using the following strategies:
- Increase PPMD’s representation on efforts of importance to the children, youth, families, & professionals we serve
- Recruit, develop, & support family leaders to advocate on issues of importance to the children, youth, families, & professionals we serve
- Share information on issues of importance to the populations we serve & connect trained family leaders & their professional partners to impactful opportunities
- Partner with organizations & individuals to impact local, state, & national policy on issues of importance
to the populations we serve
GOAL THREE
PPMD will strengthen and maintain its organizational effectiveness and vitality, using the following strategies:
- Increasing financial stability & sustainability of PPMD through diverse sources
- Ensuring knowledgeable, skilled, committed, & diverse staff at all levels of the organization
- Ensuring knowledgeable, skilled, committed, & diverse Board members
- Continuously evaluating & improving organizational efficiency effectiveness and impact
OUR BOARD
The Parents’ Place of Maryland is a 501©(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent Maryland’s diverse makeup. The majority of our Board are parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs.