Our Leadership
Victoria Coles
Managing DirectorVicki has been working with the DSAGC since Summer of 2022. She 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’s nephew, Reece (24), has Down syndrome and he has been her inspiration to advocate for and work with this amazing community since his birth in 2002.
Vicki lives in North Charlotte with her family–husband, three kids, and two dogs.
Casey Hammeke
AmbassadorCasey Hammeke is an ambassador for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. In this role, she engages with various community organizations to share experiences about living independently with Down syndrome. Casey speaks about the importance of supportive counselors and discusses personal feelings and perspectives on having Down syndrome, aiming to inspire and educate others.
Board of Directors - Officers
Neil Middlemiss
PresidentNeil, 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.
Nicholas Coulsen
Vice PresidentOrganizes the Adult weekend retreats and supports the Buddy Walk.
Board of Directors - At Large
Meredith Felizzi
Meredith was born and raised in North Carolina and currently lives in Huntersville with her husband and 4 children, including her youngest daughter who has Down syndrome. Meredith has worked at Bank of America for almost 20 years and has been a visible disability ally through employee networks and volunteering at local events since her daughter’s birth. Any free time that isn’t spent at one of her kid’s events, Meredith enjoys being in the NC mountains at their camper.
Brendan Hammeke
Nick Harwood
(Daughter, Lily)Brian McGhee
Melina DeLeon
Melina’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.
Camp Horizon - Board of Directors
Melissa Sutton
Director
Kate Walters
DirectorKate 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!
