Anne Marie Rodgers
Director
Working to offer members of the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society support and life-enhancing opportunities has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in Anne Marie's life.
Raised with a cousin with Down syndrome, she received a B.S. in Special Education from James Madison University and taught in Virginia and Maryland for nine years. Her cousin Bill was institutionalized for most of his formative years and received no early childhood intervention; he was of elementary-school age before her grandparents brought him to live with them. Seeing persons with Down syndrome receiving education and enjoying full and active lives in our community gladdens Anne Marie's heart in a very personal way.
After leaving teaching to raise a family, Anne Marie published more than 60 novels, novellas and magazine articles. She also earned a Certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation and has worked with a variety of wildlife, specializing in bats while living in Savannah, GA. A lifelong companion animal lover, she is the former coordinator of the Orphaned Kitten Program in State College. She and her husband Andy have adopted and fostered dozens of animals, including several hospice dogs, most recently for Centre County PAWS.
Anne Marie was the Office Manager at Centre Animal Hospital in State College and still manages their social media, website, and digital communications, as well as providing social media for Nittany Greyhounds. She also has served on a variety of nonprofit boards and been involved in many volunteer efforts that have given her the experience she shares with CRDSS today.
Director
Working to offer members of the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society support and life-enhancing opportunities has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in Anne Marie's life.
Raised with a cousin with Down syndrome, she received a B.S. in Special Education from James Madison University and taught in Virginia and Maryland for nine years. Her cousin Bill was institutionalized for most of his formative years and received no early childhood intervention; he was of elementary-school age before her grandparents brought him to live with them. Seeing persons with Down syndrome receiving education and enjoying full and active lives in our community gladdens Anne Marie's heart in a very personal way.
After leaving teaching to raise a family, Anne Marie published more than 60 novels, novellas and magazine articles. She also earned a Certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation and has worked with a variety of wildlife, specializing in bats while living in Savannah, GA. A lifelong companion animal lover, she is the former coordinator of the Orphaned Kitten Program in State College. She and her husband Andy have adopted and fostered dozens of animals, including several hospice dogs, most recently for Centre County PAWS.
Anne Marie was the Office Manager at Centre Animal Hospital in State College and still manages their social media, website, and digital communications, as well as providing social media for Nittany Greyhounds. She also has served on a variety of nonprofit boards and been involved in many volunteer efforts that have given her the experience she shares with CRDSS today.