About Our Founder

Martha Kate Downey

  • Responsibilities: Founder and Board Member
  • Education: Bachelor Degree in Social Work Texas Tech University 1973
  • Occupational Background: Author, speaker, educator but mainly just Mom (including some fairly boring information for those needing background material)
  • Caseworker for Tarrant County Child Protective Services (State of Texas)
  • Easter Bunny…don’t ask!
  • Homeschooler 24 years
  • Instructor of life skills and decision-making skills in Texas high schools, Temple Junior College, Temple, Texas
  • Instructor for creative writing course for Texas homeschooling students via classroom and internet sites
  • Developer and co-instructor for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Texas summer program for maintaining math and reading skills through the summer (Just for Fun classes)
  • Reading tutor for struggling learners since age 12. Volunteering in schools, churches and with clients of MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation – State of Texas)
  • Owner of stained glass studio “Glass by MK” 14 years – did lots of front doors and church windows
  • Author and illustrator of: If you’ve ever wanted to crawl in the closet with an OREO…(first and second editions) copyright 2000, 2003, TAP DANCING in the night copyright 2001, The People in a Girl’s Life copyright 2002, What Do I Do About Hitting?! copyright 2003, Traveling Grace as I meander with God copyright 2004
  • Public speaker, educator for and about autism and the more general special needs population around the United States and the UK, Member of and past moderator for DANISH (Dallas Asperger Network for Information, Support and Help)
  • Advisory Board Member – North Texas SNAP, Inc. (Special Needs Assistance Partners)
  • Board Member – DIAL (Developing Independent Adult Living) in Tarrant County
  • Founder of Steps to Support for All – an association working to promote funding and programs for those who are aging or have special needs in the state of Texas, Member of the Family Support Council of Tarrant County MHMR
  • Founder and Executive Director of the Come Read with Me program
  • Interests: Music, art Most important interest: Grandmothering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!