FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2020

Contact: Amanda Mummert

director@cdspg.org

DISABILITIES ADVOCATE, SEASONED FUNDRAISER TO LEAD DOWN SYNDROME EFFORTS IN CENTRAL MARYLAND

BALTIMORE -- Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group (CDSPG), Maryland’s oldest organization dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families, has hired its first full-time executive director, Amanda Mummert.  

“After a careful selection process, CDSPG’s board of directors hired Amanda based on her overwhelming experience managing nonprofits, her longtime advocacy for individuals with disabilities both professionally and as a community volunteer, and outcomes showing her ability to provide organizational sustainability, said David Wizer, President of the Board of Directors. “I am certain that her leadership and creativity will bring an increase in CDSPG support, programming, education, and advocacy.” 

Amanda was the longest-serving executive director of Brigance Brigade Foundation. She’s also worked at Humanim, serving those with chronic, persistent mental illness in its Behavioral Health Department, and also with the Maryland Association of Nonprofits. Amanda is a licensed practical nurse and has worked for long-term care facilities and nursing agencies in Pennsylvania and Maryland since 2005, mostly supporting those with disabilities. Mummert holds a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University as well as a Bachelor's Degree from Coppin State University.

“As the only daughter of a registered nurse and a devoted advocate to worker rights, I’ve always had an innate mindset to help people in need – probably due in no small part to my parents’ example and guidance,” Amanda explains. “CDSPG and its mission serving individuals with Down syndrome naturally fits with my personal and professional determination to help people and make each day count.”

Amanda takes her volunteering as seriously as she does her professional endeavors. Amanda served on the Board of PACT, a division of Kennedy Krieger Institute; served as Fundraising Chair and Treasurer of Dundalk Renaissance Corporation; and volunteered with Christalis, a nonprofit responsible for operating an orphanage in Uganda. She was also a proud, decade-long supporter of PA Vent Camp, a week-long summer camp for children who use ventilators. 

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys traveling with her husband, Josh, and daughter, MJ. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, yoga, hiking and camping, hammock’ing (read: lying down), and trying to make the perfect sourdough bread loaf. 

The purpose of the Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc., is to provide information and support to the local Down Syndrome community. CDSPG currently serves more than 2,200 individuals with Down Syndrome and their families living in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The group’s programming includes educational seminars, Down Syndrome diagnosis support and information, activities for individuals with Down Syndrome of all ages, and family networking and support. CDSPG hosts an annual walk-a-thon held in Baltimore and raises $100,000 for Down syndrome supports each year.

Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder affecting 650,000 individuals in the United States. Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) does not have a cure, and the disabilities associated by Down syndrome require a lifetime of specialized care and support. Approximately 2,200 people with Down syndrome live and work in the Baltimore metropolitan area. 

Contact:

Contact Person: Amanda Mummert, Executive Director, CDSPG

Company URL: http://www.cdspg.org

Address: P.O. Box 20127 | Baltimore, MD 21286

Telephone:  410.321.5434 | E-Mail:  info@cdspg.org