Annie with Governor Lynch when she received the 40 under 40 award
Annie is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and advocate for the needs and rights of people with mental disABILITIES. The primary focus of her speeches is to help people understand that there definitely is an “UP” side to life with Down Syndrome.
Awards Received
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- 2006 Outstanding “40 Under Forty” Award by the NH Union Leader
- 2002 Paul G. Hearne/American Association of People with Disabilities Leadership Award – Came with $10,000 which she donated to the Fund
- 2000 Boston Celtics “Heroes Among Us” Award
- 1997 National Down Syndrome Congress Exceptional Meritorious Award
- 1997 NH Association for Retarded Citizen of the Year
- 1997 NJ Spirit of the Association for Retarded Citizens Annual Award
- 1997 Lions International Community Service Award
- 1997 MA Down Syndrome Congress Dr. Alan Crocker Award
- 1995 Annual Down Syndrome Ambassador of Good Will
- 1995 1st International Self Empowerment
– Award given by Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation
Active in the Moultonborough Lions Club, Annie is the official “Lion Tamer” and collects “fines” from members during meetings
Positions Held
- Director for the National Down Syndrome Congress
- Director for the NH Chapter of American Association on Mental Retardation
- Director for the Direct Support Professionals Association of NH
- 3 Terms on NH Development Disabilities Council
- 1994-2000 President’s Committee on Mental Retardation
In addition to her national speaking schedule, Annie is employed in several part-time jobs. She volunteers as a teacher’s aide and library aide for a local school, is an active member of the Moultonborough Lions Club and serves in her Church.
She loves to play BINGO at the Lions Club every Tuesday night and she has an extensive telephone network of “Friends” that she keeps in constant contact with.
Everyone who knows Annie knows that she just could not survive in this world without her telephone.
