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.

Organizes the Adult weekend retreats and supports the Buddy Walk.

Anna Mueller (Emmerich) joined the Board of Directors in 2019 after moving from Chicago. After learning more about the community, she decided to join the DSAIA Board of Directors to continue to grow support nationally. Anna is a University of Wisconsin – Madison alumni, with a background in nonprofits. She current resides in south Charlotte with her husband, daughter, and Great Pyrenees. You can often find them roaming the greenway. Anna previously served as Vice President and is currently Secretary for the DSAGC.

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.

Dr. Joe is a Senior Vice President at Truist Bank.  He is the Sales Leader for the bank’s workplace financial wellness program, Truist Momentum, where he works with companies to provide their employees with financial literacy education.  After nine honorable years in the Marine Corps, Joe has over 14 years of experience in personal finance and has completed several degrees along the way, including his Doctor of Business Administration degree from UNC Charlotte.  Joe’s worked with the community for many years now in areas such as wildlife rehabilitation, Special Olympics, and Veteran welfare.  Outside of work, Joe is a fitness enthusiast, movie buff, and car fanatic, and his two passions in life are personal finance and helping people.

Omar 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.

Andrew T. Spafford ChFC, ChSNC

Andrew has a passion for serving the special needs community and has been involved with the DSAGC since 2010. 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’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.

Kate 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!