Our Team
April McFarland
April was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Over 25 years ago, she relocated to the Columbus area and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College and a Master's degree in Speech Communication from Auburn University. April is a certfied Speech-Language Pathologist and a proud member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She holds a Certficate of Clinical Competence through the Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology. Additionally, April received specialized training in the Orton Gillingham Reading Program, Linda Mood-Bell Reading Program, and LSVT voice program. Since 1996, April has been dedicated to her work at the Columbus Speech & Hearing Center. Outside of the office, she cherishes spending me with her family, especially her son, Ian, who is the light of her life. They enjoy staying busy with friends and taking trips to the beach whenever possible. Ian is a thriving homeschooler, and we love learning together.
Carrie Defenbaugh
Carrie is a dedicated advocate for the Down syndrome community, inspired by her 8-year-old son, Grayson, who has Down syndrome. For the past 7 years, she has successfully founded and maintained a support group for local mothers with children who have Down syndrome. Her commitment extends to nearly 6 years of volunteer work with the local Down Syndrome Association. With a background as a preschool teacher for almost a decade, and experience running an online business for five years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her endeavors. Since January 2024, she has been serving as the President of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus, where she continues to lead and inspire the community with her passion and dedication.
Jan Kent
Jan is a dedicated educator and environmental advocate who spent her formative years in the small town of Yatesville, GA. Her passion for the natural world led her to pursue degrees at the University of Georgia, where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Forest Environmental Resources, followed by a master’s degree in Forest Resources with a focus on education. Throughout her career, Jan has made significant contributions to various educational seminars. She began her journey by teaching high school students in the prestigious Governor’s Honors Program before transitioning to Valdosta State University, where she imparted her knowledge of biology to non-biology majors and early education students. In her role at Columbus State University’s Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Jan further expanded her impact by developing educational and public programs, organizing fund-raising events, and fostering community engagement. She excelled in managing the facility and its staff while ensuring the care of the grounds and wildlife was a top priority. To complement her extensive experience, Jan also taught middle school science, nurturing the next generation's curiosity about the environment. Jan is a mom of 2 kids, her daughter has Down syndrome and Autism. Jan works to ensure that her kids work to live up to their greatest potential.
Jessica Camp
Jessica is a long-term resident of Columbus, Georgia, and Smiths Station, Alabama, with her husband, John, and two children, Morgan and Isabella. Jessica is a retired special education teacher with 30 years of experience working with all ages of children and adults with disabilities. Now, she works for a local LLC as a special education advocate and as a homeless prevention specialist with a local non-profit agency. Jessica looks forward to helping the Down syndrome community have access to a welcoming and positive space in the area.
Kellie Lemons
Kellie is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with over 22 years of experience in various healthcare settings. She lives in Columbus, Georgia, with her 7-year-old son, Kyrin, who has Down syndrome. Kellie’s passion for providing educational opportunities for Kyrin to ensure he reaches his full potential drives her commitment to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Kellie is excited to encourage community support for individuals with Down syndrome and to use her experience and dedication to help create for opportunities the community.
Susi Hobgood
Susi grew up in Columbus, Georgia and recently moved back with her husband, Ron, and their three children—Christian, Jackson, and Anna. Anna has Down syndrome, which drives Susi’s passion for inclusive education and disability support.
She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Jacksonville State University and has worked in the environmental field for over 25 years. Her science background shapes her advocacy for quality education and opportunities for children like Anna.
In her free time, Susi enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and running 5Ks with family and friends. She’s dedicated to helping families of children with Down syndrome find the resources they need to thrive.
Stephen Brinkman
Stephen was born and raised in Midland, Georgia. He received a B.A. in Communication from Columbus State University in 2005, a Master of Divinity from Emory University from Emory University in 2008, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2017. Stephen has been in ministry for over 22 years and currently serves as the pastor at Midland Church. Stephen married his high school sweetheart, Emily, and they have four kids: Zoe (15), Emma Kate (13), Zachary (9), and Molly (6). Zoe, their oldest daughter, has Down syndrome. Over the past 15 years, they have had the privilege of learning, growing, and walking alongside Zoe, as well as supporting numerous families in their community who have a family member with Down syndrome.
Mary Minkanic
Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Mary has over 28 years of experience in client relations and has dedicated 22 years to volunteering with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Mary’s journey into supporting individuals with Down syndrome began through her lifelong friendship with Susi, whose daughter has Down syndrome. Through them, Mary observed the critical need for robust community and family supports. This experience inspired Mary to contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.