Mandy joined PPMD in 2025 as a Family Partner – Educational Specialist, bringing over two decades of experience in teaching, fundraising, and coaching to her role. Dedicated to empowering families, Mandy helps to build confidence and provides resources to help parents navigate the special education system and advocate effectively for their children. Inspired by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family well-being, Mandy earned a Health & Wellness Coaching certificate from Emory University in 2021. Her professional approach is deeply personal and rooted in the philosophy of Mr. Rogers: “Every human being has value.” As a mother of two teenage boys, Mandy understands the rewards and challenges of parenting children with diverse needs. Her oldest son, who is autistic and has ADHD, is a passionate filmmaker, Godzilla fan, and actor whom Mandy cheers on at every theater production. Her youngest son is an avid fan of Lego, talking-animal movies, and sports, often with Mandy rooting for him from the sidelines of a basketball game. When she isn’t supporting families at PPMD, you can find Mandy searching for the nearest dance floor, walking her amazing dog, Georgia, and enjoying long, old-fashioned phone calls to catch up with friends.