Executive Director

Amanda wanted to start this foundation in memory of her fiancee' Marc Small. Marc wanted her to start her own private practice once they were married and came up with the name, "Small Steps in Speech". This foundation has brought hope and allows her to do something positive in Marc's memory. Throughout the year, Amanda has parents asking, "When will my child talk?" "I want to know how their day went in school." "Why are they crying, what hurts, what is the matter?" Her hope and aspirations is through this foundation to help make that wish for a family and most of all for a child come true.

Amanda received her undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology and went on to earn her Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders. Her professional career began in a private school for children with Autism in 2001 after earning her degree. This is where she built her foundation to work with children with Neurological Disorders. Since 2002, she has been employed in the public school system in Southern New Jersey. She specializes in the preschool population and children with multiple neurological disorders.

President

Mary oversees the financial and administrative matters of the foundation.

Her business experience included ownership and operation of a wholesale printing company; financial management for a software business; and she is currently Business Manager, Lower Providence Community Library, Eagleville, Pennsylvania, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. In addition, Mary has served the community as a volunteer for the past twenty years in school, athletic, community-based and religious organizations, including President of Arrowhead Elementary School Home and School Association and Treasurer of Methacton Soccer Association.

Mary is the mother/stepmother of 5 children, including Marc Small who originated the concept for this foundation. Marc suggested the name “Small Steps in Speech” for Amanda’s work before leaving for active duty in Afghanistan in early 2009.

Her charitable work is now devoted to activities that benefit children in Marc’s name; including this foundation, the annual “On Your Marc” 5K run, and the annual Marc J. Small Memorial Soccer Tournament. She enjoys running, biking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. “The loss of my son has been devastating to me and my family, but this foundation, which is dedicated to Marc’s love of helping children, will keep his memory alive.”

Vice President

Heather graduated from Villanova University with a BA in Communications. She contributes to operating this nonprofit organization conscientiously by ensuring quality operation and solid management.

Jennifer serves as the Board's Treasurer.  She is a Technical Account Manager for FMC Corporation, a $3 billion diversified chemical headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Working within the Environmental Solutions group, Jennifer promotes peroxygen chemistries for the remediation of contaminated soil and ground water.

Secretary

Jessica received her Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the College of New Jersey. She has been working in the field for the past nine years and keeps herself acclimated in all areas of her profession which ranges from the pediatric population to the geriatric population. Jessica currently works with both pediatrics and adults in the hospital setting specializing in Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. In addition to the clinical setting, she works in a private school with children who have developmental and physical disabilities. She also keep herself busy working in a private practice as well as providing therapy to children ranging from birth to three years of age through Early Intervention Services.

Keith contributes to media relations for Small Steps in Speech in guiding the organization to build recognition. He works as a Sales Manager for C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Valley Forge, PA office since 2001. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a global provider of multimodal transportation and logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company that works with 50,000 transportation providers and 32,000 customers through a network of more than 232 offices worldwide.

Keith graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1999 with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice. He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and newborn son. He enjoys soccer, running, and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

Joyce joined the Board for Small Steps in Speech in February of 2009. Her knowledge and background in communication disorders helps her contribute to speaking to the public to spread out our mission. As a board member, she is responsible for media relationships to investigate coverage in building recognition and credibility for Small Steps in Speech.

Joyce received a Bachelors of Science Cum Laude in the field of Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She then went on to earn a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Emerson College in Boston. She started her own private practice called "Speak to Me Kids" specializing in Austism, Apraxia, and Feeding Therapy. Joyce is excited to spread her knowledge and expertise to this non-profit organization.

Advisory Board

The Board of Directors would like to personally thank Ed Charney for the long hours he has put into the Small Steps in Speech organization. Ed has been keeping up with various tasks and his efforts do not go unnoticed.