MARKITA KELLY

OWNER AND LEAD TEACHER OF A PLACE TO GROW CHILDCARE

Markita Kelly is the owner and lead teacher of A Place to Grow Childcare in Waldorf, MD, established to meet the community’s needs and her goal of educating children. A Charles County resident since 2018, Markita holds a BA in English with a minor in Human Resources from UMGC. Her career in education began in 2009, working with elementary and pre-k learners, including roles in charter schools in Washington, DC. Markita opened her childcare program in 2022 after completing the KIPP DC Capital Teacher Residency program and serving as a lead and mentor teacher at Apple Tree Public Charter Schools. She also coaches baseball with the Charles County Youth League and chairs the Charles County Department of Social Services Advisory Board. Markita has two children, ages 7 and 3, and is committed to providing a play-based preschool program that fosters early childhood development and future success.

MARIAN K. VENEY ASHTON

CHARLES COUNTY RESIDENT SINCE 1973

Retired: American Petroleum Institute, Washington DC

Undergrad studies:

  • Smith-Madden Business College, Richmond VA
  • Virginia union University, Richmond VA
  • College of Southern, LaPlata Madden

Grad Studies: UM & UMUC

Board Member: 2012 – Present

JACQUELINE MARSHALL HALL

RN AND CERTIFIED CASE MANAGER

I am Jacqueline Marshall Hall, RN and Certified Case Manager. I have been a RN for 42 years with extensive experience in nursing leadership, case management, and mentoring young nurses towards success. I have used my expertise to assist families and individuals through their most challenging personal times. The medical world can be quite complex to navigate, but with the assistance of an empathetic case manager, together we can address most issues.

I serve on the Board of Social Services because the needs of the community are great and many Charles County residents are unaware of the available services and resources. My hope is that we can bring more awareness to both the needs and available resources to all the residents of Charles County.  I believe that it is important that we attempt to serve the needs of all County residents to build a stronger community.

SETH YOUNG

Seth Bacon is a Professor of Sociology at the College of Southern Maryland. Born and raised in upstate NY, Seth spent over a decade in the Southwest US studying social inequality. After receiving his PhD from the University of Arizona, Seth spent several years developing and managing online degree programs for disadvantaged students at prominent universities in Arizona and Colorado. Seth currently resides near La Plata with his wife and two daughters.

KATHRYN YOUNG

Kathryn Young’s mission is to guide individuals and organizations toward personal and professional success. With over 25 years of experience working with young adults, entrepreneurs, businesses, nonprofits, and at-risk communities, she skillfully develops systems and procedures to help clients achieve their goals. Drawing from her own life experiences, including adoption, blended families, and overcoming trauma, Kathryn brings empathy and insight to her coaching. A single mother of three, she understands the challenges of balancing home, work, and family. Kathryn’s approach emphasizes asking the right questions to help clients find their unique path forward. She believes that there are countless ways to achieve success, reflecting her belief that each person’s journey is unique.

NATALIE THOMAS

Charles County Department of Social Service board member Natalie Thomas is a lifelong resident of Charles County. Natalie graduated from Maurice J. McDonough High School in 1989. She went on to earn an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Charles County Community College (College of Southern Maryland) and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland. Currently, she works as a financial analyst for a government contracting company. Natalie has a heart for helping others. Within her local church, she has served as the youth ministry director, young adult ministry director, and is currently the community engagement ministry director.

Natalie completed the Charles County Government Citizens Academy in the Spring of 2022.