President – Dr. Analisa Smith
Healt
hy Children Project Liaison
Dr. Analisa L. Smith has worked for 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 12 areas of education in two states. 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. She is the mother of three sons and a grandmother to a grandson and granddaughter. Smith’s passion is to promote advocacy and support for all students.
Vice President – Dr. Ricky D. Brannon, Jr.
Dr. Ricky D. Brannon, Jr. (or Dr. B) is a native of South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Limestone College located in Gaffney, SC. While attending Limestone he majored in Biology and was president of the Limestone College Science Club. He also enjoyed playing baseball for the Saints. He earned his doctorate degree, with the Cum Laude honor, from Sherman College of Chiropractic. Dr. Brannon and his wife, Eve, reside in Chapin, SC and have three children: Delilah, Maddox, and Emma.
Treasurer – Debbie Gladden
Mrs. Debbie Gladden is a School Psychologist with Chester County Schools. She has over 25 years experience working in both public and private practice serving students and their families who deal with learning disabilities on a daily basis. Debbie has served as the Director of a postsecondary program for students with learning disabilities to transition from secondary education into the post-secondary setting. She also has extensive experience with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in both home and educational settings. Debbie has proudly served on the LDASC board for a number of years and welcomes your inquiries. Debbie Gladden was the 2014 LDASC Volunteer of the Year.
Secretary – Anne Fogel
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.
Technology Specialist & Oversight Advisor – Hetlena J. Johnson
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.
Board Member – Dr. Amy Gregory
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.
Board Member – X’andria Sutton 
