Meet our Team
Carolyn Presley-Doss
CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER
Carolyn Presley-Doss is the passionate Founder and Chair of the Beacon of Hope Wellness Center for Cancer Support, Incorporated (BoH). Her commitment to the cancer community extends beyond her role at the Beacon of Hope. She actively volunteers her time to fundraise and support St. Jude—ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and serves as a Myeloma Link Ambassador for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Carolyn is an experienced leader with 40+ years of experience resulting in a strong record of accomplishments leading people and organizations in the development and execution of forward-thinking programs in strategic planning, human capital management, financial management, facilities and administrative support, procurement, and business process improvement. She is skilled in managing large, diverse professional and technical support staff groups. She has demonstrated the ability to work with audit, legal, and senior managers to achieve goals to support high-risk, visible, mission-critical programs.
Carolyn attended Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is a retired Certified Internal Auditor. Her illustrious career included 25 years in the private sector and 20 years serving in the public sector for a Federal Agency Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Ms. Presley-Doss, a New York native, currently resides in the suburbs of Washington, DC, with her husband of almost four decades. In retirement, she has found a balance between her professional and personal interests. She enjoys taking knitting and piano lessons when not dedicating her time to BoH. She aims to create handmade gifts for the BoH community and play holiday tunes on the piano.
Marquette Brand
VICE CHAIR
Marquette Brand is a lifelong Maryland resident who enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and giving back to her community. Marquette is the proud parent of one son and a doting aunt to three nieces, courtesy of both her older and younger sisters. Ms. Brand has a strong legal background with over 30 years of experience in legal and contract matters, which has honed her negotiation and problem-solving skills. She obtained a paralegal certificate early in her career before graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in legal studies. Currently a contracts manager and small business owner, Marquette continues to follow her passions and professional goals.
Marquette enjoys spending time with her family and frequently schedules fun family events full of love and laughter. In addition to traveling, her hobbies include reading, going to the movies, and cozy nights at home binge-watching a good TV show.
Jeanette Villalon
SECRETARY
Jeanette Villalon grew up in Prince George’s County, MD. She is a resilient and compassionate individual with a diverse background in education and finance. She holds an Associate of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Elementary Education and Generic Special Education. Jeanette worked in the health care and finance field before opening her home based childcare in 2014.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jeanette is a devoted mother of three and a breast cancer survivor with a long family history of cancer. Driven by her experiences, she aspires to support others facing similar challenges, offering guidance and empathy.
In her spare time, Jeanette finds solace in outdoor activities like hiking, as well as leisure pursuits such as playing games, reading, and gardening. With her resilience, compassion, and diverse skill set, Jeanette is dedicated to making a positive impact in both professional and personal spheres. Her unwavering determination to help others navigate through difficult times embodies her attitude of service and compassion.
Caroline Darby
AT-LARGE
Caroline Darby is a dedicated and passionate individual with a proven track record of reliability. For the past three years, she has served as the Secretary on the Board of Directors of her HOA. Caroline enjoys meeting new people in her community and striving to make our development a beautiful and safe place to live. As a career Flight Attendant of 38 years, she has appreciated serving, interacting with, and learning from people from many walks of life.
After her husband of 19 years passed away from multiple myeloma, she has been drawn to the mission and values of Beacon of Hope, and hopes to do her part to advance its objectives and make a difference for her husband's legacy. As a firm believer in the power of volunteerism to drive change and help others, Caroline is excited about the opportunity to contribute her skills to the Board of the Beacon of Hope.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Caroline enjoys exercising and walking in her neighborhood with her loyal companion, Emma, an over-active little Foxy Russell. She also enjoys gardening and lending a hand to her friends and neighbors with home decor for every holiday and season.
Karen Wyche Latham
DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, FAONL
DIRECTOR EMERITA
Dr. Karen Wyche Latham is a highly accomplished nurse leader with a strong commitment to nursing professional development and excellence. With more than 33 years of experience in the nursing profession, she is a dedicated leader with a passion for enhancing healthcare delivery. Dr, Wyche Latham is a 2016 Fellow of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) and a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing.
Karen is the current Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. In this role, Dr. Wyche Latham is committed to ensuring that her teams have the necessary skills, tools, and resources to provide safe, quality, and compassionate care that translates into improved patient outcomes and an exceptional patient experience.
Karen’s passion and commitment to excellence extend beyond the walls of the hospital. She is deeply invested in the well-being of her communities, working tirelessly to address healthcare disparities and promote health equity for all. She actively serves in various professional and community-based organizations including Beacon of Hope (Board Member), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (General Member), Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated (Patuxent River Chapter), National College of Negro Women (Charles County Section), Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated (Lambda Phi Chapter), and the Black Nurse Collaborative.
Dori Kelner
MBSR TEACHER CREDENTIALED BY BROWN UNIVERSITY
Dori Kelner brings mindfulness practice to individuals navigating life's most challenging moments. Credentialed as an MBSR teacher by the Mindfulness Center at Brown University's School of Public Health and certified as a Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator, she guides people in cultivating the skills essential for wellbeing: setting boundaries, gaining perspective, and aligning daily life with what matters most.
Mindfulness transformed Dori's own relationship with stress and overwhelm, teaching her that she could meet difficulty with gentleness rather than force. This practice gave her tools to pause, listen to what truly mattered, and respond to life's challenges from a place of clarity rather than reactivity.
Dori’s company, Insightful Culture, offers practical tools for living with greater ease and compassion. Dori is committed to giving back to her community by sharing her expertise with the Beacon of Hope Family.