OUR ADVOCASAY TEAM
PAULA ARMSTRONG
Founder of AdvocaSAY
Paula Armstrong is a devoted mother, passionate caregiver, and tireless advocate who turned her personal journey into a mission to uplift others. She is the proud founder of AdvocaSAY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families and caregivers of individuals with different abilities.
As the mother of two Jeremy, 25, and Morgan, 21, who has multiple disabilities; Paula has spent decades navigating the complex worlds of medical care, education, and advocacy. From the moment Morgan was born and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, thrombocytopenia, alpha thalassemia trait, autism, and a seizure disorder, Paula’s faith and determination have never wavered. She calls Morgan an overcomer by faith, a living reminder of God’s grace and resilience.
Throughout her journey, Paula has fought tirelessly to ensure Morgan and others living with disabilities are seen, valued, and given every opportunity to thrive. From advocating for her daughter’s educational rights and managing her medical care to learning the intricacies of special education law and the IEP process, Paula turned her challenges into purpose.
In 2022, that purpose came to life through the creation of AdvocaSAY, a vision born from love, faith, and the desire to make a difference. AdvocaSAY provides free community and educational resources, emotional support, and advocacy training to caregivers and families facing similar challenges. Through weekly podcasts, speaking engagements, and outreach events, Paula amplifies the voices of caregivers while celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of individuals with disabilities.
Her unwavering faith in God continues to be her anchor, guiding her through every hardship and triumph. Paula’s mission is clear: no caregiver should ever feel alone or unequipped in advocating for their loved one. Through AdvocaSAY, she strives to create a world where every family feels supported, every voice is heard, and every individual regardless of ability is valued, included, and given the chance to shine.
Crystal Francis
Crystal Francis is a member of the AdvocaSAY Team, living in Michigan with her husband and five children. Three of her children have disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, and ADHD. She advocates for them not only in the academic setting, but also in other areas that will enhance their quality of life.
She is deeply passionate about connecting with parents who may feel isolated in caring for their loved ones with disabilities, or who need assistance finding helpful resources. Knowing firsthand the support she receives in her community empowers her to advocate effectively for her children, and inspires her to pay it forward and support others in similar situations.
Saretha Smith
Affectionately known as Bunnie, she currently resides in Maryland and is a valued member of the AdvocaSAY team. She works for the federal government, where her public service role helped her discover her passion and purpose for “helping others.”
Bunnie is especially dedicated to advocating for her autistic grandson, focusing on all aspects of his life, particularly his education. She selflessly gives of herself to inspire others and offer hope, reminding them that God has not forgotten them and that their lives matter. She emphasizes the importance of inclusion by educating the community to accept and understand individual differences and abilities.
Bunnie believes that through life’s struggles and challenges, we become stronger and more empowered to inspire and give hope to others on similar paths. She finds joy in actively serving God in her local church through acts of love and support. Bunnie enjoys spending quality time with her family and finding hidden treasures in the thrift store that can be of great use to those in need. She is married with three adult children and four grandchildren.
Carolyn Woodland
Carolyn Woodland brings a wealth of experience to AdvocaSAY, having retired from the US Department of Labor in 2007 after 37 years of dedicated service as an Administrative Officer. At 74 years young, she cherishes her role as a mother of 4, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 7. Her commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities is inspired by the experiences of her own grandchild who faces significant challenges.
Joining AdvocaSAY in May 2024 as the Scheduler has been a delightful extension of her career. In this capacity, she manages AdvocaSAY’s calendar, ensuring seamless and engaging podcast sessions by coordinating and scheduling guests. Beyond her professional duties, she embraces retirement by participating in various outdoor activities and exercises, cherishing every moment of this phase of life.
Madalyn Evans
Madalyn Evans, lives in Prince George's County and has a Yorkie-Dachshund mix who brings joy to her life. Spending time with family and close friends is a priority for Madalyn. While she doesn’t have children of my own, her heart is filled with joy from her three nieces, one nephew, three godsons, and one goddaughter.
Madalyn has a deep love for the arts, whether it’s writing poetry, painting, dancing, or listening to various genres of music. These creative outlets allow her to express herself and connect with others. She’s passionate about helping others and advocating for individuals with disabilities, striving to impact the lives of those around her positively.
As a woman with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, Madalyn embraces her unique identity shaped by her genetic disorder that affects bone growth. While she has a short stature and shortened limbs, her torso is of normal size, allowing her to stand tall in every sense of the word. Madalyn face challenges head-on and proudly advocate for awareness of the diverse experiences of individuals with different body types, showcasing how uniqueness enhances the richness of the human experience.