​Our Team

Mara Cunningham is a relatively new resident of Calvert County and was elected Chair of CFA in August 2023. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations in advocacy and social services, and currently works on the Hill as a legislative analyst concentrating on issues around women and family, agriculture, environment, and related fields. She graduated with a Master of Public Policy from the University of California San Diego in June 2023, and also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and sociology. Always looking to serve her local community, she volunteered as a Director on her town council in San Diego, working primarily in grants management, fundraising, and awareness. In her free time she enjoys trail running, hiking with her dogs, riding her horse, and checking out new places in her community and abroad. 

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 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.

Melanee Derenzy joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2019. 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. 

Tracey Dolina-Watkins moved to Maryland from the Midwest. After having a career in Information Technology for 17 years she decided she wanted to do more. This has resulted in her going back to college to receive her BASW in Social Work from Salisbury University. A mom of four, she wants to help a community that has given so much to her and her family. Her oldest son serves in the United States Navy, and her three smaller children reside here in Calvert County. Tracey currently volunteers in the community in a variety of ways. She also serves as a substitute in our Calvert County Schools.  

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.

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.

Stefany Lang has been a resident of Calvert County for 33 years. Stefany has been a Foster Parent for the past 11 years and has adopted and been granted guardianship for 4 of her kids from foster care. She also has 3 older daughters and 3 grandchildren. Stefany and her husband were Foster Parents of the Year in 2019, she restarted the Calvert County Foster Parent Association in 2021, and is contracted with Calvert County DHS to provide training to new potential foster parents. Stefany has also recently been hired as the new Executive Director of the Maryland Resource Parent Association (MRPA) and is an Adoptive Parent Mentor with FamilyWorks Together. Stefany considers herself a “serial volunteerer” she has been Northern High School's PTA President & Vice President (4 years), a member of the Calvert Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for 4 years, Beach Buccaneers Treasurer, SpiritWear Coordinator and cheer coach (10 years), Calvert County Special Olympics Fundraising Coordinator and Coach (4 years). Of of all the things she has done, Fostering has been her most rewarding and is near and dear to her heart. Stefany is excited and honored to work with CFA.

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.

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. In addition to volunteering with Calvert Family Advocates, Ms. Rowe is the Chair of the Calvert County Social Services Advisory Board.

Melissa Schaming has been a resident of Calvert County since 2004 and joined Calvert Family Advocates in Fall 2023. She is an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. Ms. Schaming works full-time for the Calvert County Public School System. While pursuing her degree in Human Resource Management, she has earned an associate degree in Business Management. She has strong values in advocating for families and youth. Ms. Schaming has shared this passion for over 10+ years while volunteering in Calvert County. She has also served on the Calvert County Election Board as an election judge since 2016. Melissa is also a devoted mother of three teenaged children. She believes that family values are critical to creating a better future for all.

Nathalie Thon joined Calvert Family Advocates in the Summer of 2023.

Nathalie left her native country of France and moved to Japan after her studies of Japanese language and business in South Asia.  It was in Japan that she met her husband, Steve.  After moving to San Diego, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, the disease bringing challenges to their dream of a big family.  His successful treatment and their four healthy children have shaped Nathalie’s outlook in life and given her a desire to help others. Her dedication to supporting education has brought her to volunteer in schools and to be active on several county and state level committees.  As a volunteer for a food pantry, a Backpack program, and Safe Nights initiatives, she strives to make a difference for her most vulnerable neighbors. Her ability to communicate in multiple languages enables her to connect with a diverse range of people, breaking down language and cultural barriers.  Nathalie’s involvement in Calvert Family Advocates is another demonstration of her commitment to helping others in her community.

In addition to raising her four children and volunteer work, Nathalie is also a professional photographer for an online auction house.