OUR ADVOCASAY TEAM
PAULA ARMSTRONG
Founder of AdvocaSAY
Paula Armstrong, a native of Washington DC, is a dedicated mother and advocate for individuals with special needs.
Raised with strong family values and a deep-rooted faith, Paula's journey has been shaped by her experiences as a single mother to her son Jeremy and daughter Morgan, who has special needs. Her unwavering dedication to ensuring her daughter's rights and access to proper education and healthcare led her to establish the nonprofit organization "AdvocaSAY" in 2022.
Paula's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and compassion, reflecting her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
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.