OUR DSSKY TEAM
Stephanie Morton
Stephanie Morton
Stephanie Morton
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stephanie Morton is an Allen County native who graduated with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Western Kentucky University in 2011. Prior to that, she obtained degrees in paralegal studies and accounting from Draughon’s Junior College. She is the wife of Zack Morton and mother to Courtney, Tyler, and Ella Kate. Before becoming the Executive Director, she was involved with the organization as a volunteer and a Board Member serving as Treasurer of the board for one year before becoming the Executive Director. Following in the footsteps of former DSSKY director, Jane Tichenor, Stephanie plans to continue the mission for DSSKY.
McKenna Wilson
Stephanie Morton
Stephanie Morton
OFFICE & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR/
MUSIC THERAPIST
McKenna Wilson is a Warren County native who graduated with her Bachelor’s in Music Education from WKU in 2011. She completed her music therapy equivalency at UK in 2018 and Master’s in music therapy in 2020. McKenna is board-certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapy, in addition to having completed training as a NICU-MT. Before becoming involved with DSSKY, she worked as a privately contracted music therapist in Lexington, KY with children and adults with disabilities. McKenna and her husband enjoy traveling, playing with their animal babies, and volunteering with their church.
Becca Cawthorn
Stephanie Morton
Becca Cawthorn
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING MANAGER
Becca Cawthorn is a Bowling Green native who graduated with her Bachelor's in Musical Theatre from Western Kentucky University in 2024. You can always find Becca at DSSKY events with her camera, capturing all of the little moments. Becca is a local theatre performer who loves to sing, dance, and act. She has performed in professional musical productions, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella at SKYPAC with Ramsey Theatre Company. In her free time, Becca enjoys reading fantasy books, watching movies and tv shows, thrifting, cross-stitching, and spending time with her resuce animals. Becca and her boyfriend, Simon, have a 16 year old resuce cat, Maggie, and a 1 year old rescue dog, Boogie.
Rylee Reesy
Becca Cawthorn
CLASSROOM AIDE
Rylee is a WKU college student currently pursuing a double major in Elementary and Special Education. Outside of her studies, Rylee enjoys attending concerts, traveling to new places, and volunteering in her community. She is an active member of her church and loves to serve in the children's ministry there. She is excited about the new opportunities and connections that she will make at the Buddy House!
Travis Esslinger
Travis Esslinger
CLASSROOM AIDE/
EARLY LITERACY FACILITATOR
Judy Rodriguez
Travis Esslinger
CLASSROOM AIDE
Don Eastman
Don Eastman
Don Eastman
BUS DRIVER
Don Eastman was born in Central New York. Don is married to Chris for 49 years. They have 2 sons and 2 grandsons. He moved to Kentucky 6 years ago to be closer to his grandsons. Don is retired and has been driving for over 50 years.
For 27 years, Don's wife worked for an organization called Abby Industry which assisted individuals with Down syndrome. When Don heard that we were on the hunt for someone to drive the Buddy House bus, he thought he would be a great fit!
OUR DANCE COACHES
Erica Cutright
Erica Cutright
Erica Cutright
ROCKERZ COACH
Hello! I’m Erica. I’m excited to assist with Rockerz dance team this year. I have two boys, Braden (22) and Harrison (7). I work as a Behavior Specialist and help individuals with special needs achieve a more independent life. I also adjunct instruct at WKU in the Special Education department. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, attending music or sporting events, and being active. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Rockerz team and getting to know everyone.
Mia Kizer
Erica Cutright
Erica Cutright
ROCKERZ COACH
Mia Kizer is from Nashville, TN. She went to high school at Dayspring Academy and is currently studying Communication Disorders at WKU. She is super excited to be one of the Rockerz coaches this year! She says that it has been such a fun, positive experience for her, and can't wait to see what all they can accomplish in the years to come!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eric Leach - President
Eric joined the Bowling Green Hot Rods in October 2013 has been in the role of Chief Operating Officer and General Manager since April 2016. He has spent a total of 17 seasons working in professional sports and has been awarded South Atlantic League Sales Executive of the year in 2007, and Midwest League Executive of the Year in 2019.
Prior to joining the Hot Rods, Eric and his wife Sunshine spent that time working in non-profit charity work in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and United States. During their time they worked with groups helping to provide medical clinics, hot meals, education, and construction projects to those in need.
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska. Eric attended Grace University there and received his degree in business leadership. He also has earned his Masters of Business Administration from Keller School of Management. He enjoys all things Nebraska including Cornhusker football and Creighton basketball. In addition to sports, he likes to spend time with his two children, Colton & Jaxson. He currently serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for two non-profits, Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky and Lafwa, Inc.
Leann Sparks – Vice President
My name is LeAnn Sparks-Brown, I am the proud mom of 2 amazing children, Gavin 13 and Shelby 8. My husband (Adam Brown) and I were born and raised here in Bowling Green. I am a Special Education Aide at Briarwood Elementary, a Warren County Public School. I have been actively involved with DSSKY since my daughter Shelby was born in 2012. I wanted to ensure that DSSKY and The Buddy House was here for many more years to come so I joined the board 4 years ago. Over the past 8 years I have witnessed DSSKY grow as an organization and open The Buddy House. The Buddy House is only the 2nd of its kind in the state of Kentucky and we are so fortunate to have it right here in Bowling Green.
Scott Essler – Past President
Scott moved to Bowling Green in July 1997 from Northeast Ohio. He completed his BS degree in Business Management and Administration in 2010. Scott is a Supervisor and Training Manager with Paul Burrell Management, a company that operates 14 McDonald’s in Bowling Green and surrounding areas. He has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. David, his third child, has Down syndrome and is 29 years old. Scott has been actively involved with Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky since 2003, serving as President for 9 of those years. During Scott’s leadership, we have seen amazing growth in our organization, and the opening of a headquarters for Down syndrome in south-central KY, The Buddy House. As an advocate and spokesperson for Down syndrome, Scott has had many opportunities to speak to businesses and organizations in the area and as a result, we have formed many partnerships and garnered much support for our programs and positive public awareness for those with Down syndrome.
Vickie McClenaghan - Treasurer
Vickie McClenaghan (aka Walters's mom) was born and raised in Greenville, KY and attended WKU many years ago. She received a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. This degree took her to Westerville, OH where she ended up working at JP Morgan Chase in IT for 30+ years. She married Rick and they have a 29 year old son, Walter. They relocated to Bowling Green in 2020 to be closer to family. One of the biggest reasons Bowling Green was selected was The Buddy House and what DSSKY could offer Walter. Now her time is dedicated to making and finding great opportunities for Walter's future.
Anna Taylor – Board Member
Emily Johnson – Board Member
Emily Johnson was born and raised in southern Indiana. She moved to Bowling Green in 2004 when she started college at WKU. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration and an Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She currently works as an Echocardiographer and an Ultrasonographer. She and her husband Jordan have one child, Sebastian, and a miniature dachshund, Dixie. She reached out to DSSKY when she was pregnant with Sebastian and has been involved with the organization since he was born in March 2020. She wants to continue to create a positive narrative regarding individuals with Down syndrome, so she joined the board in October 2021. She is excited to be a board member of Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky to help ensure the organization continues to thrive and will be around for a long time for Sebastian and all individuals with Down syndrome.
Scott Lewis – Board Member
Rozalind Bell – Board Member
Rozalind's passion and dedication to working with children and families. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western Kentucky University (WKU) and completed her Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health Counseling at WKU.
In 2006, Rozalind started working at Family Works Therapy as a Child and Family Therapist. She taught at Western Kentucky University through the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Rozalind works for KY STEPs as a Positive Behavior Support Specialist (PBSS) and Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LPCC-S). She enjoys working with children who have emotional and behavioral disorders. Rozalind works in the areas of self-esteem, bullying, defiance, anger management, and self-control issues. She currently works in Allen, Barren, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
She also serves on various boards in the community, such as Habitat for Humanity, the American Counseling Association, the Kentucky Counseling Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Project Vision Scholar Recipient, and The Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. In her free time,
Rozalind likes traveling, attempting craft projects on Pinterest, reading, shopping, and exercising. She is also very family-oriented and enjoys her time with her husband (Desmond) and their three children (Cameron, Chase, and Chandler).