Our Team
More than 90% of our staff come from the communities we serve in over 12 countries, led by a committed management team who is focused on fighting hunger, poverty, and violence against women and children.
Chris Thomas
Co-Founder/President
Chris Thomas was born in Washington, DC and raised in the City of Alexandria, VA. Chris is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and went on to serve our country's armed forces. After serving as a medic for the U.S. Navy and Marines, he went onto George Washington School of Medicine. Currently, he works to expand his non-profit organization and is a self employed trainer through Chris Thomas Fitness.
In addition to his passion for serving his community, Chris is a very active father and advocate for his three beautiful boys. He has built strong family values based on love and faith within his home and those values carry over into all aspects of his work.
Chris lives by the bible verse found in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and has expressed, "I truly believe that God created man in his image to be strong leaders within his family. I follow Christ, so my children can follow me."
Chris lives by the bible verse found in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and has expressed, "I truly believe that God created man in his image to be strong leaders within his family. I follow Christ, so my children can follow me."
Marcus Hewett
Co-Founder/Vice President
Marcus Hewitt pursued his Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety from National University and went on to complete his Master's Degree in Military Studies. His passion for service led him to serve our country with over 30 years of active duty. Today, he finds himself a retired veteran and currently works as an independent transportation consultant.
As a father of two wonderful children, Marcus and his family experienced physical separations but held onto the importance of staying connected despite the challenges. Understanding the important bond between a father and his children, has led him to serve as a board member for Daddy and Little Me since 2010. Marcus believes that our connection to our children is the heart of what we do and understands that there is always time for dad's to connect with their children regardless of age.
He shares: "I am truly honored to serve on the DLM Board assisting fathers in reaching out to their children regardless of distance."
As a father of two wonderful children, Marcus and his family experienced physical separations but held onto the importance of staying connected despite the challenges. Understanding the important bond between a father and his children, has led him to serve as a board member for Daddy and Little Me since 2010. Marcus believes that our connection to our children is the heart of what we do and understands that there is always time for dad's to connect with their children regardless of age.
He shares: "I am truly honored to serve on the DLM Board assisting fathers in reaching out to their children regardless of distance."
Michael A. Parris
Executive Director, Programs
Michael Parris holds an Associate Degree of Arts in General Studies from Montgomery College and a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Family Studies from the University of Maryland. His passion for youth and education has led him from being the director of a large aftercare program to the current director of the Hardknocks Basketball Association.
In addition to overseeing the day to day operations of our programs, Michael is working to develop the youth fitness division of our organization in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles and strong academics in the communities that we serve.
As a father of four vibrant boys, the opportunity to take part in such a giving organization has allowed Michael to expose his children to the needs of the world and allow them to take part in making a difference. He shares that "Many hands make light work and the more we come together, the greater a difference we all can make." e difference.
In addition to overseeing the day to day operations of our programs, Michael is working to develop the youth fitness division of our organization in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles and strong academics in the communities that we serve.
As a father of four vibrant boys, the opportunity to take part in such a giving organization has allowed Michael to expose his children to the needs of the world and allow them to take part in making a difference. He shares that "Many hands make light work and the more we come together, the greater a difference we all can make." e difference.
Maria A. Bothwell
Culinary Specialist
Maria holds a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and a MBA from Virginia Tech as well as a certificate of cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She spent her career serving clients as a management consultant with North Highland Consulting, Arthur Andersen Business Consulting, and E&Y Management Consulting. Her previous time on the board with United Way’s Women’s Leadership Counsel and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Advisory Board has given Maria first hand experience on the front lines of providing services that benefit those in need. Maria currently serves as an Advisory Board member for Virginia Tech’s Industrial and Systems Engineering department, is an advisor for the Torgersen Leadership Summit and serves as the Executive Advisor for the Eastbury Development Group, LLC.
As a devoted wife and mother Maria has a loving heart that is displayed in her passion for giving back. Her passion leads her to aide in feeding the homeless and preparing hungry meals that are healthy and accessible. She regularly prepares and serves meals at Carpenter Shelter, Alexandria, VA. As the Culinary Specialist for Yahweh, Maria ensures the nutritional balance throughout the various food programs which serve our communities.
As a devoted wife and mother Maria has a loving heart that is displayed in her passion for giving back. Her passion leads her to aide in feeding the homeless and preparing hungry meals that are healthy and accessible. She regularly prepares and serves meals at Carpenter Shelter, Alexandria, VA. As the Culinary Specialist for Yahweh, Maria ensures the nutritional balance throughout the various food programs which serve our communities.