Our Leadership
Roy Courtney
Executive Director Send an emailRoy is originally from the United Kingdom and has lived in the USA for the last 9 years spending 2 years in Orlando, Florida moving to Charlotte in 2017. Roy is passionate and enthusiastic about empowering others and has spent 10 years working in the non-profit sector, using his experience to provide services to the people in the community, fulfilling his passion to create social engagement for all. Roy is honored to be the Executive Director at the Down syndrome Association of Charlotte and play a role in supporting our families.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his rescue dog Jumbo, hiking, kayaking, and venturing out and around Charlotte with friends.
Victoria Coles
Program and Community Outreach Director Send an emailVicki graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, and earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from George Mason University. She taught Special Education in Northern Virginia for eight years before moving to Charlotte, NC in 2018. Prior to joining the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, Vicki spent four years working in care management with Medicaid and the NC Innovations Waiver.
Vicki loves to spend her free time with husband (Danny), two little boys, (Charlie and Elliott), and dog (Lincoln), exploring Charlotte, swimming and boating on the lake, at the beach, and playing in the front yard.
Vicki serves on the advisory council for the caregiver respite organization, A Mother’s Respite.
England Simpson
Community Events Coordinator Send an emailWith a background as an Elementary Educator, England Simpson has a wealth of experience in educating and servicing school-aged children with Ds. She holds a B.A. in Mass Media Studies and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from Liberty University. She has now transitioned into her new role as the Community Events Coordinator at DSAGC, where she is excited to use her varied background as a Marketing Communications Specialist to continue making a positive impact.
Board of Directors - Officers
Andrew Spafford
President Send an emailAndrew T. Spafford ChFC, ChSNC
Andrew has a passion for serving the special needs community and has been involved with the DSAGC since 2010. He has been on the board since 2016 and currently serves as President. He is well-routed in the community and also serves on the board of directors for the Next Step Clubhouse. Andrew and his wife Melissa live in Plaza Midwood with their two boys, Hudson and Jennings.
Melina DeLeon
Vice President Send an emailMelina’s passion comes from being part of a group of people with the same purpose. It brings fulfillment to the soul and makes a positive and lasting impact on our community and the world.
Nicholas Coulsen
Treasurer Send an emailOrganizes the Adult weekend retreats and supports the Buddy Walk.
Board of Directors - At Large
Stacy Dunleavy
Send an emailStacy became involved with the DSAGC as a volunteer for Camp Horizon from 2004-2014. She has been privileged to work with children with Ds as a medical social worker and special education teacher.
Brendan Hammeke
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Omar Ritter
Send an emailOmar attended West Point for his undergraduate degree and earned a Bronze Star Medal from combat action in the Middle East. After medically retiring from the Army, Omar attended Columbia Business School in New York City, where he earned an MBA. Omar is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He currently works in the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. Omar joined the team at DSAGC in order to give back to the community and to help enhance the lives of families impacted by Down syndrome.
Neil Middlemiss
Neil, born and raised in England, has lived in the USA for nearly 30 years and moved to Charlotte in 2020 with his wife and son (who has Down syndrome). A Corporate Communications Senior Manager with Truist, Neil has also been actively and passionately involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout his life serving on diversity groups for more nearly 20 years. He currently serves as Co-lead for the Disability@Truist business resource group. In his free time, he enjoys family time, watching movies, writing film reviews, talking Star Trek, and listening to his extensive collection of film scores.
Michelle Littlejohn
Send an emailCamp Horizon - Board of Directors
Kate Walters
Director Send an emailKate Walters has been involved with Camp Horizon since 2009, when she signed up on a whim after learning about the program from the folks at Camp Holiday – where she was Music Specialist, Counselor, and Director until 2012. After that first summer, she was hooked and has served on the committee as Arts and Crafts Lead, Counselor Lead, and Co-Director. In her other life, she serves as a professional counselor to adults but thinks this role is way more fun!
