Board of Directors
Small Steps in Speech is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We as an organization, feel passionately in our mission in helping children with communicative disorders be able to take the steps needed to be better communicators. Our board plays an important legal, leadership, fundraising, and ideological role in making our non-profit a success. We would like for the public to get to know a little bit about us and who we are so you can feel connected with us and our mission.
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Executive Director
 Amanda wanted to start this foundation in memory of her fiancee' Marc Small. Marc wanted her to start her own private practice once they were married and came up with the name, "Small Steps in Speech". This foundation has brought hope and allows her to do something positive in Marc's memory. Throughout the year, Amanda has parents asking, "When will my child talk?" "I want to know how their day went in school." "Why are they crying, what hurts, what is the matter?" Her hope and aspirations is through this foundation to help make that wish for a family and most of all for a child come true.
Amanda received her undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology and went on to earn her Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders. Her professional career began in a private school for children with Autism in 2001 after earning her degree. This is where she built her foundation to work with children with Neurological Disorders. Since 2002, she has been employed in the public school system in Southern New Jersey. She specializes in the preschool population and children with multiple neurological disorders.
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President
 Mary oversees the financial and administrative matters of the foundation.
Her business experience included ownership and operation of a wholesale printing company; financial management for a software business; and she is currently Business Manager, Lower Providence Community Library, Eagleville, Pennsylvania, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. In addition, Mary has served the community as a volunteer for the past twenty years in school, athletic, community-based and religious organizations, including President of Arrowhead Elementary School Home and School Association and Treasurer of Methacton Soccer Association.
Mary is the mother/stepmother of 5 children, including Marc Small who originated the concept for this foundation. Marc suggested the name “Small Steps in Speech” for Amanda’s work before leaving for active duty in Afghanistan in early 2009.
Her charitable work is now devoted to activities that benefit children in Marc’s name; including this foundation, the annual “On Your Marc” 5K run, and the annual Marc J. Small Memorial Soccer Tournament. She enjoys running, biking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. “The loss of my son has been devastating to me and my family, but this foundation, which is dedicated to Marc’s love of helping children, will keep his memory alive.”
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Vice President
Wendy joined the SSIS Board in December 2010 and is a member of the Fundraising and Board Development Committees and serves as Vice President of the Board. She brings over thirty years of non-profit experience to this board, including the development and execution of a variety of successful fundraising campaigns. Wendy has a particular interest and experience in developing processes within the board to promote organizational strength and growth. Wendy served 14 years as a board member at Lower Providence Community Library, Upper Merion Cultural Center and Victims Service Center, Norristown. In addition, she was a founding member of two thriving community organizations, Friends of the Library of Lower Providence Community Library and Methacton School District's Post Prom event.
Wendy is also an active local and national disaster relief volunteer with the American Red Cross and she has assisted with relief efforts for Katrina and other national disasters. Wendy holds a B.A. in Art History from Dickinson College and an M.F.A in Museology from Syracuse University.
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Treasurer
Kim joined the Board of directors in January of 2012. She brings with
her thirteen years of experience as an accounting professional specializing in financial analysis, establishing accounting functions and systems and best practices. Kim is an active member of her community and is the Tournament Director for the Marc J. Small Memorial Soccer Tournament, as well as coach for youth softball and basketball teams, Treasurer for the Methacton School District Home & School Association and a long time Meals on Wheels volunteer. She received her M.B.A. in Finance from St. Joseph's University and a B.A. in Accounting from Immaculata University.
As Small Steps in Speech has experienced tremendous growth, we are particularly happy to have Kim join us as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Her knowledge and skills will help guide the organization through continued growth. Kim has demonstrated a commmitment to honoring the memory of Marc Small through the establishment of the Marc J Small Memorial Soccer Tournament and her work with Small Steps in Speech.
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Secretary
Ellen joined the Board of Directors in January of 2012. She brings with her twenty years of business experience, specifically in Human Resources. Ellen has extensive board experience through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) where she has served on both chapter and state-level boards. She is currently the Director of the Pennsylvania State Council of SHRM. Ellen’s strengths are networking, relationship building, training and presentation skills. She is currently employed with Siemens Corporation as an HR Business Consultant.
Ellen earned a B.A. from the University of Scranton and her M.B.A. from Penn State University. She is excited to be part of Small Steps in Speech and looks forward to not only helping families and their children through the Foundation’s efforts but also to honor Marc Small’s service to our country.
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Jennifer has been on the Board of Directors since February 2009. She graduated from Rowan University with a BS in Chemistry and from University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management with her MBA.
Jennifer has been involved with application development and technical sales with large area chemical companies for the past 7 years. She currently works as a Technical Account Manager providing remediation technologies for the environmental remediation market.
Jennifer has served as the Treasurer for Small Steps in Speech for 3 years and most recently the Vice President for Small Steps in Speech and also contributes to marketing efforts.
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 Joyce joined the Board for Small Steps in Speech in February of 2009. Her knowledge and background in communication disorders helps her contribute as a board member. She serves on the Service Committee.
Joyce received a Bachelors of Science Cum Laude in the field of Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She then went on to earn a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Emerson College in Boston. She started her own private practice called "Speak to Me Kids" specializing in Autism, Apraxia, and Feeding Therapy. Joyce is excited to share her knowledge and expertise with this non-profit organization.
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Allison joined the Board of Directors in January of 2012. With over fourteen years experience in an elementary school setting as a teacher and counselor, Allison has a keen understanding of the problem-solving process between various professionals, agencies, parents and children. Allison's strengths include developing positive relationships and communication. Allison has been employed as an elementary school counselor in a South Jersey elementary school for the past eight years. She holds a M.Ed in Elementary School Counseling from West Chester University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University.
As a member of the Service Committee, Allison assists in the analysis of applications for Small Steps in Speech. Outside of work and the foundation, Allison enjoys spending time with her two young children and husband. She is eager to continue assisting children through Small Steps in Speech.
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Andrew provides legal assistance to Small Steps in Speech. He works for a law firm in Chester County, Pennsylvania and specializes in general commercial litigation, family law, and personal injury law. Andrew received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond, and his Juris Doctor degree from Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. |
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 The Board of Directors would like to personally thank Ed Charney for the long hours he has put into the Small Steps in Speech organization. Ed has been keeping up with various tasks and his efforts do not go unnoticed.
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