Board of Directors

Dr. Analisa Smith, CoPresident & Healthy Children Project Liaison

Dr. Analisa L. Smith has worked for more than 25 years in the public & private sector advocating for individuals with disabilities. She works professionally as an education consultant, a homeschool consultant, a distance education professor, and a classroom teacher. She is certified/endorsed in 13 areas of education in two states. Smith is the current Council Chair for state affiliates of LDA and is a LDA of America Board Member. Smith has a a Doctorate of Education in Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, an M.Ed. in Education from the University of South Carolina, and a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Columbia College. Smith is the author of Transition Toolbox: Postsecondary Success for the Student with a Disability, a book that focuses upon transition issues and services for the mildly disabled individual and a plethora of article publications. She is the mother of three sons (2 neurodivergent), and a grandmother to a grandson and granddaughter. Smith’s passion is to promote advocacy and support for all students, in particular those identified with neurodivergence. 

Anne Fogel, CoPresident & Healthy Children Project Liaison

Mrs. Anne Fogel has been an active member of LDA for over 25 years. Previously as part of LDAMD, Fogel served as Professional Advisory Board member, Secretary,Librarian, and Vice-President. With fellow LDA officers, she has networked and collaborated with many organizations & agencies to provide workshops, seminars, and information on learning disabilities to parents & professionals. Over the last 40 years, Anne has worked as a special educator & advocate for persons with disabilities. She has taught various subjects to students of all ages and has tutored privately and publically, with most teaching dedicated as a reading specialist, where she used her training in Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, Orton-Gillingham, REWARDS, and Soar to Success. Anne worked previously as an adjunct instructor for the College of Southern Maryland & Towson University (MD) providing instruction in college success skills, foundations of reading,children’s literature, and special education for teachers. Anne also volunteered to coordinate the field experiences for students at St. Mary’s College taking special education courses. The highlight of Anne’s teaching career was in 2010, when she was honored with LDA’s “Sam Kirk Educator of the Year Award”, and was recognized at the LDA convention in Baltimore, MD. In addition to being an LDA member, Anne was previously a member and on the Professional Advisory Board of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CH.A.D.D.). She was involved in the ARC of Southern MD for many years, serving as Vice-President, Secretary, and member of various committees, was a Special Olympics liaison, and was on the St. Mary’s County, MDBoard of Education’s Citizens’ Advisory for Special Education Committee from 1988 to 2012, serving as Secretary for five years and as the LDA representative. Other memberships have included: Council for Exceptional Children, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the International Reading Association, the Southern Maryland Reading Council (and Teacher Book Club), and Who’s Who in America. Anne received a BFA degree in Graphic Design and Art History from the University of Georgia and a M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of North Florida. Post-graduate work was completed at Towson University, Trinity College, Univ. of MD (doctorate courses), Western MD College, and George Washington University. She has certifications in Special Education K-12, Elementary Education, Administration/ Supervision in Special Education, and a Reading Specialist certification. Anne and her husband, Dean, live in Seneca, SC. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Dr. X'andria Sutton, Vice President

X’andria Sutton is a native of south Florida, but relocated to Columbia, South Carolina in 2014 with her family. X’andria received her Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Science from the University of Florida in 2009.  X’andria went on to obtain Masters in Counseling and Educational Psychology from Barry and Capella University. After graduation, X’andria has worked with students with special needs and their families in various roles, including as a behavior interventionist, school counselor, and as a community based counselor with the Department of Social Services.  X’andria is currently working as an educational consultant and has a Doctorate in Education in Curriculum Studies from the University of South Carolina. X’andria is passionate about issues of access and equity in education, specifically for students with varied needs. 

Mandy Joye, Treasurer

Mandy Joye is a Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Coach. Mandy Joye is a Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Coach. She is passionate about empowering people with the knowledge to heal themselves. Mandy is the former host of the Joye and Wellness radio show on at 100.7 The Point and TV show host on at Jam Vibes TV Network.  Mandy is the owner of The Joye Life. She has worked as an educational tutor to homeschoolers for over twenty years and is an advocate of creating proper learning strategies for all to achieve.  Mandy has worked with children with learning and attention issues through tutoring and through her nutrition and wellness education programs. 

Hetlena J. Johnson, Technology Specialist & Oversight Advisor

Hetlena Johnson is a Digital Resource Coordinator in Richland School District Two, Columbia, SC. She is the sibling to two individuals with learning disabilities. With over 15 years of expertise in education, she holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Along with advocating for equal educational services for all, she is the Chief Volunteer Officer and support group facilitator for the Lupus Foundation of America South Carolina Community Partner organization. As the Chief Volunteer Officer, she leads the coordination of training and supporting those diagnosed with lupus in the state of South Carolina.  Hetlena has been living and thriving with lupus for the past 25 years and is the author of Diary of a MAD Lupus Patient, a book about the first years of her diagnosis. Her ability to coordinate strategies, design solutions, and consult provides needed leadership for peer group activities. Hetlena specializes in delivering dynamic and energetic motivational experiences. Her technology cheerleader appeal has graced such stages TEDxDENVER and numerous state-held education conferences. Follow Hetlena on Twitter @hjohnsonec.

Dr. Amy Gregory, Board Member

Dr. Amy Gregory holds an M.Ed in elementary education and one in supervision and leadership. She has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education all from the University of South Carolina. She taught school for eleven years before moving into administration. She has 25 years of experience in the public school system.  Two of her sons struggle with reading. One was diagnosed with a learning disability. The journey she travels with them has sparked an interest in becoming an advocate for all students struggling with learning disabilities.