CASA of the Mid-Shore is excited to welcome Paul Brant, Zandi Nammack, and Kelly Simonsen to its Board of Directors.  “Our new Board members join a team of strong individuals who share the desire to make a heartfelt difference for vulnerable children in our service region, which includes Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Kent Counties,” stated by CASA’s Executive Director, Susan Schumacher.

Dr. Paul Brant moved to Cambridge in 1981 after purchasing the optometry practice established by Emerson Slocum in 1936. That practice continues to serve the community today under new ownership, making it one of the longest-operating businesses in Dorchester County.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brant earned the trust and loyalty of generations of patients. Although he retired in 2023, he remains actively engaged in the community he has served for more than four decades. His record of professional leadership and community service is extensive and reflects a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others through his many contributions to both Professional and Community leadership roles.

Dr. Brant’s professional accomplishments are impressive, but it is his enduring dedication to the people and organizations on the Eastern Shore that has left a lasting impact. His legacy is one of service, leadership, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the community he calls home.

A proud Talbot County native, Zandi Nammack has dedicated her entire professional career to education, serving students, families, and communities as both a teacher and an educational administrator. Her commitment to helping young people reach their full potential has been the guiding principle of her work.

Zandi graduated from Princeton University with an A.B. in Psychology and earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her distinguished career, she worked to create learning environments where children could succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership was marked by a deep belief that every child deserves encouragement, opportunity, and access to the resources needed to thrive.

Following her retirement, Zandi returned to her roots on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her husband, Tom. While retirement provided an opportunity to spend more time with family, it also allowed her to deepen her involvement in community service and advocacy. She is passionate about initiatives that strengthen the lives of children and families.

Her commitment to community leadership is reflected through her service on numerous nonprofit boards, including Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, The Women & Girls Fund, The Harbor Club, and CASA of the Mid-Shore.

Zandi’s decision to serve on the Board of Directors of CASA of the Mid-Shore was a natural extension of her lifelong dedication to children. Drawing upon decades of experience in education, she recognized that children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other significant hardships often face barriers that extend far beyond the classroom. She believes that every child deserves not only safety and stability, but also a caring adult who will advocate for their future and help them realize their potential.

As a CASA Board member, Zandi brings a vision centered on opportunity, advocacy, and hope. She understands the profound impact that one committed volunteer can have in the life of a child and is passionate about ensuring that vulnerable children have a voice in the court system and access to the support they need to succeed. Her educational background provides valuable insight into the challenges many children face, while her leadership experience helps strengthen CASA’s ability to serve more children throughout the Mid-Shore region.

Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, Zandi has consistently championed the belief that investing in children is one of the most important investments a community can make. Her service reflects a deep commitment to creating brighter futures and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Kelly Simonsen serves as Director of Culture and Communications for Easton Utilities, where she leads marketing, communications, human resources, and safety initiatives while fostering employee engagement and a strong organizational culture. With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Kelly has built a career centered on connecting people, strengthening organizations, and creating meaningful community impact. Her professional background includes leadership roles in hospitality, healthcare, industrial services, nonprofit development, and community relations, including service with CASA of the Mid-Shore.

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Georgetown University. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to build partnerships, communicate a compelling vision, and inspire others to work toward a common goal.

Her commitment to community service is reflected in her involvement with numerous organizations. She currently serves on the boards of the MD/DC Utilities Association, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and SOS Sink or Swim, and has previously served with Junior Achievement and the Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly’s connection to CASA of the Mid-Shore is rooted in a deep belief that every child deserves a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. She is passionate about CASA’s mission to advocate for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, which led to them being placed under court protection. She recognizes the life-changing impact that dedicated CASA volunteers have as they ensure that a child’s voice is heard and their best interests remain at the center of important decisions.

As a member of CASA’s Board of Directors, Kelly brings expertise in communications, strategic planning, organizational development, and community engagement. She is committed to helping CASA expand awareness of its mission, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure that more vulnerable children throughout the Mid-Shore have access to the advocacy, support, and hope they deserve. Her vision is one in which every child under court protection has a caring advocate by their side and the opportunity to achieve a brighter future.

CASA of the Mid-Shore is a private, non-profit organization created to advocate for children who are under the protection of the Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, or Kent County Circuit Court because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Board of Directors, working with the Executive Director, ensures that CASA remains mission-driven and financially healthy. To learn more about CASA of the Mid-Shore, please visit our website at www.casamidshore.org or call 410-822-2866.