Our Team

Melanee Derenzy (Chair) joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2019 and was elected Chair in 2021. Melanee is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, working to inspire wellness and community since 2011, the same year the Air Force brought her, her husband, and two sons, now students at Northern High School, to Calvert County. After searching for an impactful way to make a difference through various outlets, she’s thrilled to have found a place with Calvert Family Advocates. She knows that there are families struggling in our community, and appreciates that she has the time to help support people who need it. She thrives on being a part of something meaningful, like Calvert Family Advocates.  In addition to volunteering with Calvert Family Advocates, Ms. Derenzy is the Chair of the Calvert County Social Services Advisory Board.

Sarah David has been a resident of Calvert County since 2008. Sarah has worked as a registered nurse for the past 16 years with experience in outpatient, inpatient, and community health settings. Most recently, she has worked with local health departments in the state of Maryland as well as supported local and state health departments across the United States over the past three years. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Sarah is a dedicated community volunteer, volunteering at the schools that her children attend as well as providing faith community nursing services at her church. She serves on the CalvertHealth Ministry Team Network and the Calvert County Public Schools Citizen Advisory Committee. She is excited about the opportunity to serve as a member of Calvert Family Advocates.

Barbara Kete joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2019 and served as Chair from 2020-2021. After leaving the Internal Revenue Service as the Director of Information Systems Division for International Operations, she established an information management consulting practice serving public sector entities including NASA, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. Barbara brings a successful history of problem identification, and solution development and implementation. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, and the former chair of the Chesapeake Beach Green Team and Calvert County Social Services Advisory Board.

Dr. Renita Alexander has been a resident of Calvert County for over twenty years. Currently, she works as an Elementary Principal in the Prince George’s County Public Schools. She has worked as an educator in both North Carolina and Maryland Public Schools for a combined service total of over thirty years. Dr. Alexander earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1991, a Master of Education in Special Education in 1994 and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in 2005. She enjoys working with children and is committed to serving the families of Calvert County as a member of various volunteer organizations. 

Sarah Crigler moved to Calvert County in 2015, after nearly twenty years moving all around the country in support of her husband’s U.S. Coast Guard career. During those years she volunteered, worked, and coached in the communities and the local schools. She has a particular interest in mental health and working with teenagers. Sarah joined Calvert Family Advocates during an interesting time — the summer of 2020 — and is hoping her experiences as a military spouse, parent, coach, and volunteer will help the board pursue their mission of supporting Calvert County’s families in need. 

Kimberly Foltz joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2021. She is an attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. Ms. Foltz has been a resident of Calvert County since 2001. Ms. Foltz earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1984 and her Juris Doctor in 1991. She has a strong interest in mental health and behaviors in adolescents. Ms. Foltz firmly believes in the strength of working together and is committed to serving the families of Calvert County.

Denise Plater is a native of Calvert County; she attended the College of Southern Maryland and earned an Associate of Art in Social Science. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Presently, she is a Behavioral Technician with Calvert County Public Schools. Denise facilitates and supports the individual implementation of behavior intervention plans, including coordinating with teachers and staff regarding behavior resources, strategies, and instruction. She is a big believer in community organizing and is excited to serve as a member of Calvert Family Advocates.

Jenifer is a masters level mental health therapist who has professional experience in the clinical and educational setting for over 15 years.  She has worked in multiple school and hospital environments throughout New Jersey and Ohio. During her years in Calvert County, she has volunteered in our school system on multiple PTOs and committees.  She is an advocate for those in need, those experiencing trauma, and the underserved. She is excited to be working beside those that share her passion for improving community connections to resources.

Danielle Rowe has been a resident of Calvert County for the past 34 years. She has over 15 years experience working with families and children in the education field. In 2018, she switched gears to real estate, but missed working with children and families. She had always wanted to do some type of volunteer work where she could assist families in need. Danielle has a Bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from Towson University. She loves living in Calvert County with her family. She has two young sons who keep her busy.