About TAYA

PRESIDENT

INTERIM PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT

Cassidy joined the TAYA Board in 2021. She participated in the TASK program as a child, was the first recipient of the Diane L. Simison Scholarship in 2014, and served as the TASK Director from 2016-2018. She has an M.Ed from Goucher College and has worked as an early childhood educator for Talbot County Public Schools for the last 6 years. She will be teaching at Tilghman Elementary School beginning in the 2024/2025 school year. In addition to volunteering with TAYA, Cassidy is a member of the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company and works at a local jewelry store, Silver Linings.

TREASURER

Joelle has been a part-time Tilghman resident since 2014, fully relocating in June 2024 from Alexandria, Virgina.  It was through volunteering at Heart & Hope that she learned about the other great programs TAYA supported which aligned with her love of learning, children and community. Joelle holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware.  Her passion for enriching communities is evident throughout her life which has focused on enhancing and growing services on higher education, corporate, military and government campuses...making the 'day-to-day' brighter for everyone.  Joelle has been a member of the TAYA Board since September 2024 and enjoys spending time on her faith, family, friends and fur-babies.

SECRETARY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Originally from Centreville, Allie Harris moved to Tilghman in 2021, where she has enjoyed raising her son and becoming part of the close-knit community. She holds a degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has a background in operations, communications, and community-focused work. Allie is passionate about creating supportive spaces for children and families and volunteers regularly with her church’s children’s ministry. She enjoys spending time with her family, caring for their animals, gardening, and being out on the water.

DIRECTOR

Lisa has owned and operated a family daycare for decades and loves volunteering. Most recently, Lisa has written grants for a food pantry, her church and other organizations. She has served in a variety of roles over the years to include President of the SMMHS PTO, SM Homerun Baker LL Player Agent, GSUSA Troop Leader, and ProVision Student Ministries Youth Leader/Fundraiser Coordinator. Lisa is a certified KCBS Judge and event coordinator.

Married to her best friend, Danny, mom of 3 amazing daughters and grandma to 5 young men. Lisa family has been in the Bay Hundred area for generations and is blessed to call it home.

DIRECTOR

A dedicated early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Lori currently serves as the Coordinator of the Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Tilghman Elementary School. She is highly skilled in grant writing, program management, stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement. Lori develops and implements innovative programs that support early learning and family engagement.

Lori is a sea glass artist living on Tilghman Island, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. She is also the proud parent of three grown children and a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren.

DIRECTOR

Blu moved to Tilghman in 2024 with his wife, Sharon, and their three children. Blu holds a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications from Salisbury University, a degree that has greatly supported his successful career as the owner of Call Control LLC and Sparensky. With over a decade of business ownership experience, Blu is known for his innovative solutions and his ability to drive growth in his ventures.

Outside of his professional life, Blu is passionate about coaching youth sports, especially softball and baseball. He’s also an avid reader and poker player, often competing at the World Series of Poker. Blu’s competitive spirit shines through and is committed to making a positive difference in everything he does.