Our Team

Chair

Melanee Derenzy

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.

Vice Chair

Barbara Kete

Barbara Kete (Vice Chair) 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.

Finance Officer

Sandy Maresca

Sandy Maresca (Finance Officer) joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2018. She and her husband have lived in Calvert County for over thirty years. After raising their two daughters in Calvert County and both recently moving on to college, Ms. Maresca decided to devote her time towards giving back to the county. Ms. Maresca graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management, and also earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Prince George’s Community College. She is retired from a thirty-year career in banking and finance. At Northern High School, she served on the board as the Treasurer for the Parent Student Teacher Organization for three years.

Member

Dr. Renita Alexander

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. 

Member

Melissa Brown-Carter

Melissa Brown-Carter is a partner and the Director of Finance and Administration for GrowthSquared. She is responsible for spearheading the overall growth and direction of the firm’s financial and marketing initiatives. Prior to joining GrowthSquared , Ms. Brown Carter has served as Director of Administration and Operations Coordinator, developing campaign plans, budgets and forecasting, business and operational plans for labor unions, labor federations, private businesses, and leading law firms. She possesses a strong background in accounting, payroll, operations management, marketing development and employee benefit programs. Ms. Brown joined the board of Calvert Family Advocates in 2016.

Member

Kimberly Cicero

Kimberly Cicero joined Calvert Family Advocates in 2021. She is an experienced professional with a 30- year demonstrated history of working in the labor industry. She is a strong advocate for the working class to assure they have quality and affordable healthcare. She is also a Certified Health Coach, working to promote healthy habits and choices that can lead to lifelong transformation. Kimberly is passionate to help those who need a hand getting back on their feet after experiencing difficult times.

Member

Sarah Crigler

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. 

Member

Kimberly Foltz

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.

Member

Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones has lived in Calvert County for over 10 years. She worked in finance for over five years, including two years at the Calvert County Health Department. Amanda is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work. Her willingness to help Calvert County’s community prompted her to join Calvert Family Advocates in 2019.

Member

Denise Plater

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.