OUR DSSKY TEAM

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.

Dr. Janice Carter, Ph.D., CCC-SLP has served as Clinical Supervisor for nine years, full-time Graduate Faculty Member for 11 years, and Research Coordinator for five years in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Kentucky University. Her clinical, teaching, and research areas include research methods, assessment of problem-solving in children, language assessment and intervention strategies for children with complex communication needs, and development of critical analysis skills in college students. Dr. Carter received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Go CATS!
Early Literacy Training – Early literacy training curriculum was developed with an emphasis on a concept called “dialogic reading” which has been found to be an effective way in improving early literacy skills with preschoolers who have complex diagnoses like Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.  Dialogic reading is simply strategically engaging children in question answering and commenting during story reading experiences.  Our curriculum provides multiple response options like saying an answer, signing, or selecting a picture symbol to represent an answer choice.  The curriculum builds early literacy skills such as attending and listening, understanding key points in a story, building vocabulary, and responsiveness to questions.

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.

Maryann Hall is a graduate of WKU with a bachelor’s in Communications and Religious Studies. She has worked at non-profit agencies in Bowling Green and Lexington doing volunteer recruitment and retention as well as fundraising and development. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Central KY shortly after her daughter’s diagnosis. Maryann and her husband, Bryan, have two children Dailey and Tate. She currently stays home with her children and volunteers at the Buddy House as much as possible.