Executive Board
Brian Ray
President
Although not a native “Delawarean,” Brian’s family found a home in the first state after relocating for a professional opportunity. Brian and his wife Michelle have four children, including a son, Matthew, who happens to have Down syndrome. Brian and his family have been lifelong advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities, beginning with their time living in the Washington, DC area for many years. They have remained committed to not only their own work as advocates, but also imparting that same spirit in their own children.
Brian has been in the education landscape for almost 30 years in a variety of administrative leadership roles. He is currently Associate Secretary of Education, Finance & Operations at Delaware Department of Education.
Brett Emerick
Vice-President
Brett works for ERCO in sales and is the past owner of Cowgill Construction. Brett outfitted both our Newark and Milton offices for the DSA of DE and is instrumental in our success! Brett lives in Newark with his wife Stacia and four daughters – Madeline, Raegan, Ellie, and Faith (Ds). Brett is also an active member of the DSADE Golf Committee and coaches soccer and track & field for Special Olympics.
Paul Mitchell
Treasurer
Paul Mitchell was born and raised in Newark, DE. Paul and his wife, Markie, now reside in nearby Elkton, MD, with their three sons, Miles, Cole, and Malachi. Paul graduated from the University of Delaware and runs a financial planning practice called Precision Wealth Partners, where he aims to help individuals and families make good decisions around retirement, investing, and navigating life’s changes. Due to a love for financial education, Paul recently authored his first book, “Retiring Soon, Now What? Helping High-Level Professionals Retire Confidently.” Paul is passionate about his family, faith, the Down syndrome community, and adoption awareness. Paul enjoys playing, following, and coaching sports and is an avid runner.
Marcus Alexander
Secretary
Marcus Alexander was born and raised in Newark Delaware. He met his wife Jasalyn in high school and have been married 14+ years. They have 3 sons: Cayden, Maddex (Ds), and Noah. As a graduate from Wilmington University, he was a middle school math teacher for 6 years after he moved into corporate America which led him to his current role with IFS Benefits as an employee Benefits Consultant. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, watching his kids in whatever sport they are currently playing, and playing golf.
Self-Advocates
Matthew Beck
Matthew is the baby in the family. He has a sister and two brothers. Matthew graduated from high school in 2020. After he graduated, Matthew did a year internship with Project Search at Christiana Hospital. He applied for his dream job as a security guard. He had to pass the Maryland State Police security guard test. He did and Matthew is officially licensed as a security guard. Matthew works for Allied Security at the Gore plants at Elk Creek and loves his job. Matthew also volunteers at Brick Mill early childhood center once a week. He loves the little kids. Matthew participates year round in Special Olympics in golf, flag football, basketball, and swimming. Three nights a week he takes karate. Matthew is working on his blue belt and hopes to make black belt in two years!
Directors
Mike Honeysett
Mike graduated from the University of Delaware in 2002 with a business degree in Operations Management. He currently lives in Milton with his wife Megan and their two children, Michaela and Charlie (Ds). Mike’s oldest brother, Chris, had Down syndrome and he was further drawn to volunteer for this organization due to first-hand experience of the full life his brother lived and the lives he touched. Mike has been in the homebuilding industry for over 20 years and thrives in his role as a Senior Construction Manager with Schell Brothers. He’s a crossfit instructor, an avid golfer, a volunteer with the Boardwalk Buddywalk, and a Special Olympics track coach. He’s passionate about his family, friends, and all things Philadelphia sports.
Nat Measley
Nat Measley is the founder at YourCultureDesign.com and has worked as a workplace culture consultant for 15+ years. Nat is also an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware’s Horn Program in Entrepreneurship and leads their study abroad programming to Australia. Nat lives in Wilmington, DE with his wife, Kami and their dog Bondi.
Dr. Julie Nies
Julie was born and raised in Dover, Delaware. After being educated in Boston, Baltimore, Wilmington, and Indianapolis, Julie returned to Kent County to practice dentistry with her father at Quinn Pediatric Dentistry. Julie and her husband Mike are kept very busy by their four children Jane, Maggie, Bridget, and Teddy (Ds). In her limited free time, Julie enjoys reading, crosswords, and caring for her many (too many?) plants. Since Teddy’s birth, the Nies family have become strong supporters of the DSA of DE and take great pride in advocating for Teddy and all individuals with Down syndrome.
Cindy Olsavsky
Cindy Olsavsky, CFRE, is the Individual Giving Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware. Cindy has been a non-profit and fundraising professional for 18 years, most recently serving as the Director of Development for Serviam Girls Academy in Wilmington, DE. She previously served with the Boy Scouts of America in the Delaware and Philadelphia areas for 15 years. Cindy earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2021 and is a graduate of Queens College, City University of New York with a B.A. in English.
Cindy’s passion for advocating for those with disabilities was sparked when her daughter was born with Down syndrome in 2014. Cindy has been on the Board for the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware since 2022 and leads the Fund Development Committee. She also serves as a team captain for the DE Down Syndrome Walk recruiting and inviting every person in her world to join Team Lena Beana. She enjoys her time reading, walking, and being outdoors. Cindy and her husband live in Wilmington, DE with their two kids.
Coleen Popp
Coleen Popp is the senior director of events and engagement at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she leads the university’s event strategy to showcase its faculty, students, alumni, research, and achievements. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, Coleen has held leadership roles with the University of Delaware, National Down Syndrome Congress, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Philadelphia Sports Congress. She has also been deeply involved in nonprofit leadership, serving as a trustee for the Delaware Foundation for Reaching Citizens with Disabilities (DFRC) and multiple board positions for Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, where she chaired the Buddy Walk committee, raising over $1 million under her leadership. Coleen earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s degree in hospitality and business management from the University of Delaware. She lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband, Chris, and their three children—Brendan (Ds), Mackenzie, and Cody.
Mayra Santiago
Mayra Santiago is a New York native who moved to Delaware in 2009, as a newlywed. Mayra now lives in Townsend with her husband Miguel and their two boys, Christopher and Aramis (Ds). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Paralegal Studies. Mayra worked as a Paralegal for 19 years before switching careers to a become a realtor and a Bilingual (Spanish) Parent Consultant for Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware. Mayra and her family became active members with Down syndrome community the moment they knew their son, Aramis had Down syndrome. Mayra is passionate about advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She enjoys working with families to help them obtain services as well as helping those navigate the diagnosis of Autism. Aramis has a dual diagnosis and since learning about Aramis’ Autism diagnosis she has become an enthusiastic learner about additional services that can benefit families. Mayra also serves as the proud Team Captain (AJ’s Musketeers) for the DE Down Syndrome Walk which she and her family participate in every year. During her free time, Mayra loves spending time with her family, cooking, crafting, and traveling.
Melanie Smith
Born and raised in Delaware, Melanie Smith lives in Newark with her husband, Frank, and their two children, Chance (Ds) and Grace.
Melanie graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University Law Center. She returned to Delaware to practice law, spending the better part of her career with Richards, Layton and Finger, P.A. She then formed her own law firm, Law Office of Melanie George Smith, LLC, where she practiced law until her recent retirement. She had the honor and privilege of simultaneously serving as a Delaware State Representative from 2002-2018, including her position as co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee for the last six years of her legislative service. Sprinkled throughout her career, Melanie has enjoyed serving as an adjunct professor at the Widener School of Law, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University.
As an elected official, Melanie was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, and as the mother of a son with Down syndrome, she continues to be his number one champion. Melanie is humbled to have served over the years on the boards of directors for numerous nonprofits, including on the school board of her children’s school. Melanie is passionate about traveling, international cultures, and learning.
Eileen Voltz
Eileen is married to her amazing husband Matt and their son Daniel is the light of their world. Outside of the home, Eileen is a dedicated and nationally recognized STEM educator with over three decades of teaching experience in Delaware. Eileen is now working in higher education at the University of Delaware, West Chester University, and Wilmington University teaching elementary education majors and Statistics as well as mentoring graduate education majors serving in the Philadelphia School District. Eileen has also been a varsity basketball and softball coach for over 20 years!
Dr. Charmaine Wright
Dr. Charmaine Wright serves as a dedicated member of the board, bringing a wealth of expertise, compassion, and leadership to her role. She resides in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing care for individuals with complex medical needs.
Dr. Wright is the Medical Director of ChristianaCare’s Center for Special Health Care Needs, the only center in the region dedicated to providing primary care for adults ages 18 and older with complex medical and social conditions that originated in childhood. In this role, she oversees a multidisciplinary team and supports patients and their families through the transition from pediatric to adult care.
Dr. Wright also serves as Medical Director of the Mary Campbell Center and is a member of the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving quality of life and expanding access to comprehensive, coordinated care.
Dr. Wright’s expertise spans healthcare delivery, care transitions, and health policy. She earned a Master of Science in Health Policy Research from University of Pennsylvania in 2010. She completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2007 and received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 2003.
Dr. Wright is deeply passionate about advocacy, education, and building inclusive systems of care. Her professional experience and dedication to service provide valuable insight and strategic guidance, helping to advance the organization’s mission and strengthen its impact across the community.