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Home Source documents Court filing — D. Md. No. 1:22-cr-00219 (Dkt. 351-1, D. Md.)

Court filing — D. Md. No. 1:22-cr-00219 (Dkt. 351-1, D. Md.)

Summary

Exhibit A, filed April 18, 2025 as Document 351-1 in Case 1:22-cr-00219-BAH, a set of letters in support of Sky Lawson addressed to Judge Hurson. The first is a letter dated February 11, 2025 from Michelle Haywood, who writes that she is Sky Lawson's mom and describes volunteer and community service work. A family timeline follows, running from 1989 and covering schooling, activities and the parents' careers. A letter ending with the name Ismael Vincent Canales hopes the Court will look favorably on Sky Lawson and be lenient in sentencing. The final letter, from Dr. Patricia Peynado-Boyce, describes working with Sky Lawson in a veterinary practice for the past three and a half years.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Cite this document

“Court filing — D. Md. No. 1:22-cr-00219 (Dkt. 351-1, D. Md.).” Original at archive.org. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/court-filing-d-md-no-1-22-cr-00219-dkt-351-1-d-md-69aab0a2f5/, SHA-256 c42c339237b7635962d9a7cc9103eed28610df15dfe807dc85c1514cfe26e0fe.

Full text

Case 1:22-cr-00219-BAH   Document 351-1   Filed 04/18/25   Page 1 of 31




                  EXHIBIT A
Case 1:22-cr-00219-BAH              Document 351-1                         Filed 04/18/25   Page 2 of 31




                                         F R O M   T H E   D E S K   O F




                          Michelle Haywood
     February 11, 2025




     Dear Judge Hurson,

     I'm writing to share Sky Lawson's record of giving generously of herself and her time.
     Never was she one to take what's not hers, despite the charges Sky has pled to.

     I am Sky Lawson's mom. I quit a promising career to raise Sky with as much
     love, attention and training to the highest moral compass possible. She was
                                                                                                  Welcome to
     raised in a tight knit family committed to serving the community in every                  Prince George's
     way. Sometime after homeschooling Sky, I became Chair of the Prince                              County
     George's County Inauguration and Founding Director of Path to Greatness,               On the Path to Greatness

     a 501c3 (with a mission to inspire volunteerism and philanthropy of everyday
     citizens). Path to Greatness became the slogan for the county. The impact of
     our charitable work was far reaching...including its impact on Sky.

     I've watched Sky volunteer hundreds of hours of community service. Even on her job, she
     volunteers to work on holidays to spare her colleagues. Sky was the one to deliver toys to
     families on Christmas Eve when volunteers couldn't. She was always the most trusted
     shopper for our Toy Drive. Sky handled our company credit card with such responsibility,
     saving receipts and saving on discounts to enable purchases for more children in need

     Of her countless displays of character, the most recent came as Sky was attacked on her
     neck and hand, dragged by an unmuzzled 116 pound Dogo Argentino while doing her job
     as a Veterinary Technician. Traumatized, bleeding, in excruciating pain in the hospital bed,
     Sky cried to me. She expressed, in that moment as we worried about saving her right
     hand, that she did not want the dog put down because of her. "He (the owner) loves that
     dog!" she cried. She didn't want the dog owner to feel bad or be sued. Nor did she want
     her employer to be put at a disadvantage from the incident. Together, we agreed and
     focused all energy on a miraculous healing.

     Sky's senses have awakened from this. Being raided and arrested. Charged with felony
     crimes that make her cringe. Estranged for two and a half years from the place she called
     home. She's cried rivers. But, along the way she's changed her circles. Her focus in life.
     Yes, I was immensely disappointed in Sky for allowing our address to be used in this case.
     Hard conversations were had. But, I'm pleased that she understands and takes
     responsibility for every mistake. She's now thrilled by her excellence in school. She works
     part-time, and gets all A's, able to connect her regrettable move, years ago, as the turning
     point that catapulted this growth to responsible adulthood and her own, albeit bumpy, path
     to greatness.




    802 PALANTINE PLACE BOWIE MD 20716 ? MOBILE 240-882-6432 PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE
                                  EMAIL: DIVA1234.MH@GMAIL.COM




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  Thales agal




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PS- On Our Family and Sky
The Early Days
                          1989
                          Sky’s parents, Chris Lawson and Michelle Haywood, met in
                          DC working at 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW. They fell deeply in
                          love.
                          1991 They tied the knot. Married by Michelle’s
                          grandfather, Reverend Mr. Hiram H. Haywood, II, one of
                                                      the first African-American
                                                      Permanent Deacons in the
                                                      Archdiocese of Washington;
                                                      Tuskeegee Airman and pillar
                                                      of the community.
                                                      - Chris Lawson began
                                                      working as a Sales Manager at
                                                      American Express


1992
Sky’s brother Jet Lawson was born
1993
Michelle Haywood graduated from American
University with a MA in Public
Communications (both undergraduate and graduate were at least
a 3.6 gpa)
1994
Sky’s mom came home from working as a
Public Relations Coordinator for the
Baltimore Arena to be a full-time mom.
Seven months later, Sky was born!


During the developmental years
Sky’s mom homeschooled Sky and her older brother Jet, raising both with strong
morals and ties to the community. Both were active in many activities and kept in
healthy social environments. Sky took at least five years of ballet and modern dance;




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                         at least 5 years of equestrian training; 4 years of
                         swimming; participated in soccer, cheerleading, track;
                         arts and crafts, cooking and a multitude of other
                         courses outside the home. During these years, the
                         family traveled for family vacations to Disneyworld,
                                  Sedona Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Chris
                                   became a basketball coach for the South
                                   Bowie Sharks and ultimately President of
                                   the South Bowie Boys and Girls Club. Mom
                                   managed schooling, the countless ongoing
                                                       activities of the kids and
                                                       a lot of hosting of play
                                                       dates for the kids and
                                                       their many friends.
                                                       Sky’s dad moved from
                                                       American Express to
                                                       Cigna Healthcare, then
                                                  to open his open business
                                                  providing health insurance
                                                  and employee benefits to
                                                  small businesses. He named
                                                  his business Insuraty. The
                                                                  family has
                                                                     been
                                                                     supported
                                                                     by the this
                                                                     business to
                                                                     today.




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From 2001 to 2010
Sky’s first experience with school outside the home was at Fairhaven in Queen Anne
Estates, Maryland. Fairhaven is a private democratic free school attended by children
from the ages of 5 to 19. It’s Maryland’s first Sudbury School with the basic tenets of
educational freedom and democratic governance. On many warm days, Sky walked
barefoot outside and dug for shark’s teeth in the creek on school grounds with her
friends. Sky was still homeschooled at this time. The school offered socialization.
Sky, then attended The Earth School. A start-up run by a Romey Pittman who is
Founding Principal of New Village Academy, an innovative high school in Annapolis
that empowers students to take charge of their education. The new charter school in
Anne Arundel County will open in Annapolis Mall in Fall 2025.

The exact year is uncertain, but sometime around at 7, Sky had a series of seizures.
She was taken to Children’s Hospital in Washington DC to look into it. With no
solutions offered by doctors, her mom tirelessly researched and came upon some
information in the fine print of one of her son’s video games. It stated that some
people have difficulty with the flashing lights in the games and in some television
programs, especially when sleepy. Sky was no longer allowed to play video games
after 5pm. The seizures stopped. Completely.

In 2001, inspired by lessons introducing the children to the Constitution and
Declaration of Independence, Sky’s mom began to teach about the importance of
being a part of “We the People,” and involvement in the political process. Sky’s
parents became very involved in politics for the purpose of raising the children with a
dedication to the same. Sky, as a child, began volunteering and becoming aware of the
process of elections and voting. From the age of voting, to this day, Sky has been a
‘super voter’ and has hundreds of hours of volunteering under her belt. She hosted a
public volunteer event herself, Care Packages Fur Neighbors. Collecting supplies for
the animals of a shelter in NW Washington and inviting roughly twenty volunteers to
come in and spend loving time with the animals.

Sky’s Myers-Briggs personality profile is ESFP (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling,
Perceiving) Although she was very shy as a child, she flourished socially, sprouting as a
social butterfly when she attended 8th grade at Tasker Middle School in Bowie,
Maryland. This was her first public and formal school experience. Her naturally




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spontaneous spirit grew an              Sky organized this event in 2017. She took the picture.

incredibly large circle of
friends…fast! That friend circle never stopped growing. And that had its ups and its
downs. Sky’s very open and not quick to judge others. It was one of the friends she
met in middle school who she let use her address. That was a big mistake that she is
learning from and paying for.


From 2010 to Today
Sky’s brother graduated from Bowie High School in 201O. Then, Anne Arundel
Community College (Film Studies), and now University of Maryland Global Campus
(Bachelors in Criminal Justice)

Her dad still works tirelessly to support the family and run Insuraty. Starting in 2010,
he served for several years as Chairman of the WSSC (Washington Suburban and
Sanitation Commission) and for the next decade as a Commissioner (Appointed by
two different County Executives, Baker and Alsobrooks). He started and operated
DMVelite for the last 15 years as well. A youth sports organization supporting athletes
in the region.

In high school, Sky’s immense popularity became a distraction. That distraction
slowly convinced her that she wasn’t college material. When she graduated from
Bowie High School in 2012, she immediately fell in love with a young man and they




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planned to be together. But, tragically, he was taken suddenly by a fatal bout with
asthma. That tragedy weighed very, very heavily on Sky and she sought the support of
her whopping friend base to keep her inspired.
It was one of those friends who supported her during that grieving who she let use her
address. That was a big mistake that she is learning from and paying for.


Sky pursued her love for animals and became a Vet Technician.

Sky’s mom, after having raised the kids to high school, started an accessories
business. Producing and manufacturing scarves for men and women. Business trade
names were Divagifts, Inc, doing business as Honeysuckle. In the midst of that
business opening, Michelle was appointed Chair of the Prince George’s County
Inauguration in 2010, hosting an Inaugural Ball for over 2K guests. She then, swapped
the 501c4 she formed to run the Inauguration for a 501c3 Path to Greatness, Inc. And
over ten years engaged over a thousand first-time volunteers in actions that helped the
community. Sky worked tirelessly alongside her mom for years. On Christmases and
other holidays. Whatever it took to serve others.
Last winter, spurred by a spirit to serve, Sky’s mom took a turn at teaching 4th grade
Language Arts and Social Studies at Northview Elementary. She quickly returned to
writing projects and aspires to study art soon.


After high school, Sky worked for Eagle Academy, an elementary
charter school in DC, for a year and then, Path to Greatness. Then,
A.P.A.W. Veterinary Hospital for the last three years.

                         Despite this current situation for Sky, she
                         has the unconditional love and support
                         of her family. Her parents are together.
                         Still, very much in love with plans for a
                         rich life ahead for the whole family.
         2024            They pray continuously, to lift Sky so              2024
                         that she may survive this and move
forward with her life the way she always dreamed. The family is
well aware of Sky’s remorse for poor choices and has found appreciation out of all of
this, for how much she has grown in the past two and a half years. She still loves
friends, but she’s much more discerning about her circle and her life moving forward.




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                                         Other Note

                           •After three years of working as a Vet Technician,
                           Sky was attacked by a problematic 118lb. Dogo
                           Argentino that damaged her right hand in late June
                           2024. She continues to heal. During the healing
                           process, she realized that her right hand is unlikely
                           to regain its full strength and capacity. That news
                           and some apprehension with dealing with dogs
                           now, led her to take a try at college courses. As it
                           turns out, without the distractions she faced in high
                           school, Sky is excelling with goals for straight A’s in
                           her studies in Business Management at Prince
                           George’s Community College right now.




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                                      Sky at home with her rescue horse Hope




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                                           CLG & Associates, LLC

February 24, 2025


The Honorable,



As the former President of the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police and current Owner/CEO of CLG &
Associates LLC, I was devastated to find out that Sky Lawson had been a party to this case. I was even more
 distraught when I was later advised that she had pled guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. I have known Sky anc
 er family now for over fifteen years. I'm writing this letter to offer a glimpse of who I know Sky to be in hopes tha


My teenage son ranted about finding the love of his life. Then, I met Sky and understood why. She was kind,
delightful, funny, charming, intelligent, and cultured. The type of young lady you hope your son brings home to
meet the family. I then met her parents and saw where she got it from. They were open, warm, and giving souls.
Both parents being entrepreneurs, civic minded, and philanthropic. Such great role models, that they encouraged
my son and later me to become more giving with our time and resources. We immediately fell in love with her and
her family. Tragically, my son passed away due to a medical illness. Despite his passing, Sky remains to this day a
part of our family and I would do anything for her.

I've only known Sky to be an upstanding, lovely young lady who volunteers a lot of her time and wants to see only
the best in people and the world. I know that she was raised to follow the law and be an upstanding member of
society. But, like all humans, I also know that people make mistakes. I've talked with Sky, and I believe with all my
heart that she recognizes and regrets the pain this has caused. I am wholeheartedly convinced that there's no chance
of her ever being mixed up with or on the wrong side of the law after this episode. And, while I realize the Federal
Sentencing Guideline requires a mandatory minimum, she recognizes that the court is not bound to that and that
she could be facing significantly more time if you so deem it.

It is my hope that you will find and look favorably upon Sky Lawson. That you will see some redeeming quality in
her recent academic endeavors and her commitment to hard work. I pray that you will be lenient in your sentencing
and allow Sky to show the court through her actions and deeds how bright her future can be despite having had a
misstep.



Sincerely yours,




Ismael Vincent Canales




                    P.O. Box 513 ? Bowie, MD 20718 ? www.clgassocllc.com
                            W: 240-320-2948 ? e: clgassocllc@gmail.com
                                                           - 17421




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  7850 Walker Dr.            Rushern L. Baker III                              w .   2 4 0 - 6 5 0 - 8 7 3 2
    suite 301                                                             rushernbaker@bakerstrategygroup.com
Greenbelt, Md. 20770                  Attorney at Law


February 23, 2025



Dear Honorable Judge

My name is Rushern L. Baker, III, former County Executive for Prince George's County,
Maryland, and I have had the privilege of knowing Sky Lawson for over twenty years. I write to
you today with the utmost respect for this Court and with the sincere hope that you will consider
leniency in her sentencing.

Sky has been an integral part of my life and my community since she was a teenager. When I
first ran for County Executive in 2002, she was one of my youngest and most dedicated
volunteers quiet but determined, always eager to help. As she grew, so did her sense of civic
duty. She took it upon herself to encourage other young people to engage in public service,
inspiring many to participate in political campaigns and community initiatives for the first time.

Beyond politics, Sky has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service. At the nonprofit
Path to Greatness, she worked tirelessly on projects that benefited the most vulnerable members
of our community- organizing toy drives, distributing food to families in need, rehabilitating
shelters, and leading environmental clean-ups. These efforts were not merely acts of obligation;
they were a reflection of her compassionate heart and strong moral character.

While Sky has accepted responsibility for her actions in this matter, I firmly believe that this
situation is not representative of who she truly is. She has expressed deep remorse to me
personally, and understands the seriousness of her choices. I have no doubt that she will use this
experience as a catalyst for growth, striving to make amends and continue serving her
community in meaningful ways.

Your Honor, I respectfully ask that you take into account Sky's longstanding record of integrity,
service, and accountability as you consider her sentence. She is not someone who takes this
moment lightly, and I believe she has the potential to emerge from this experience as an even
stronger and more responsible member of society.




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   7850 Walker Dr.           Rushern L. Baker III                              w. 240-650-8732
      suite 301                                                           rushernbaker@bakerstrategygroup.com
Greenbelt, Md. 20770                  Attorney at Law




 Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide
any further information

Sincerely,
Rushern L. Baker, I




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                                Karen E. Farmer

      February 18, 2025


      Dear Judge Hurson,


      I retired in 2022 from law enforcement after serving as a Probation and Parole
      Officer with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) for
      The District of Columbia. I'm also a life-long friend of Sky Lawson's mother and
      have known Sky Lawson since her birth.

      I've volunteered alongside Sky many times over the years. Sky is a delightful,
      generous and honorable young lady with a spirit for helping others. It's very
      difficult to find myself writing to state that the poor choice Sky made does not
      represent who she is. But, I'm compelled to.

      I know firsthand the tendency to see only her irresponsible choices, but from
      my personal and professional experience, I strongly believe Sky's poor
      decision stemmed from her inability to exercise good judgment during a
      young and developing stage of her life. I believe that was coupled with some
      gullibility when facing a high-risk situation, as well as the inherent pressures of
      being lured by a close and trusted male friend.

      As a Community Supervision Officer, l've felt the pleasures of observing
      individuals thrive and turn the page from lenient sentences. I've also felt that
      dismay when others squandered that golden opportunity. With the benefit of
      knowing Sky personally, it is my professional belief that Sky is the individual
      who will take full advantage of every opportunity given to her in the event of
      lenient sentencing. Sky would present as a model candidate and success story.
       A young woman immediately returning to the life expected of her. Her recent
      strives for academic success alone, hint at the woman she truly is. Sky promises
      to be one of those cases that would forever remind us criminal justice
       practitioners of why we continue to believe in redemption.




                 14501 Governor Sprigg Pl Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
                                    202-422-7496 mobile




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   Ka ven E. Farimer
    Respectfully,

      Karen E. Farmer




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                             Yvonne S. Haywood
                           14306 Delcastle Drive, Bowie MD 20721
                                   301-249-4648 home
                                     301-233-3500 mobile



   February 26, 2025




   To The Honorable Judge Hurson,



   This is the story of someone who didn't get caught. Me.

   I was a college student. Young, adventurous, romantic, and I met a sophisticated
   handsome guy at a party over summer vacation and that was it. We hung out all
   summer. I didn't want to think about why he had no job but lots of money (like a wife
   ignores the odd lipstick on the collar). I liked being with him. His world was thrilling,
   fun, exciting. The first time he had me sign a false name to a credit card receipt he said
   it was his mom's card and he didn't want to have to explain. So I signed. Then it
   became a thing with different names. I didn't ask the questions that I knew I should
   have asked. I didn't want to hear the answers and I convinced myself that I really
   wasn't involved in whatever was going on I was simply doing a small favor for a friend.
   And he was older and cool and suave and yes a little like James Bond. I wanted him to
   think I was too. It was oh so important that he not realize I was not. That went on all
   summer and yes occasionally there were purchases he made as gifts for me. I
   convinced myself it was no big deal. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

   Three years later, I was a student at Yale Law School. Yes, in reality I was and am a
   bookish nerd. There, I truly reflected on how stupid, naive, careless, and gullible I had
   been and how I had exposed my whole life and future to devastation. I also faced the
   cruel fact that my romance was a sham. I was the fall guy. There was nothing tying him
   to the fraud; only my signature. He picked me because I was not hip and cool and I fell
   for it. How could I have been so stupid. Because we're human. We make mistakes. We
   live and learn. I got off easy. I never paid for my mistake. My great niece Sky has not
   been so lucky.




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   I see in her the person I was. Trusting that people you think you know have your best
    interests at heart. Believing that you can have a wide circle of friends and that none are
   frenemies and all are people of good character who are decent and kind. It's a cruel
   lesson to realize that's not life. For the past few years, fighting these charges has been
   so very difficult for Sky and for us. But adversity can cripple or build character. And I
   can say that naive foolish girl has transformed into quite a formidable woman. And
   she is prepared to face the consequences of her actions and meet the future with
   optimism and love of life.



   Sincerely yours,



    YVONNES. HAYWORD
   Yvonne S. Haywood




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April 17, 2025


Dear Honorable Judge Hurson,

I am Dr. Patricia Peynado-Boyce, owner of APAW Veterinary Hospital located in Lanham, Maryland,
and I hereby welcome the opportunity to share in this small way. Having and managing a small,
privately owned business, my team members are very valuable, and I strive daily to appreciate each
of these individuals. They are expected to contribute to their own growth while developing and
delivering great care to our pet patients. Sky Lawson has been one such team member for three
and a half years.

The morning I received a call informing me that Sky would not be at the practice for her shift—due
to the situation and charges now before your court—I must admit, the information was hard to
believe. There was nothing about the accusations that aligned with the Sky I have come to know:
the person who has been a dedicated member of my team, who is appreciated by pet parents, and
who continues to be an asset to our practice.

Following Sky’s job interview, I decided to allow her to come in (unpaid) to observe the different
areas of a veterinary practice. This was an opportunity for her to explore whether this was a career
path she could and would embrace, while my team observed whether she could be a good fit. After
nearly two weeks, her actions and positive attitude led me and other team members to officially
invite her to the team. Sky started out as a boarding guest veterinary assistant. In this role, her
ability to take tasks to completion in an efficient manner was clearly noted. Most important was her
commitment to the care of clients’ pets. This cannot be taught. Sky worked her way up to become
an exam room assistant and is presently a part-time student and a Client Service Representative at
my practice.

In her client service role, Sky has been able to further develop her communication skills, which help
her complete her daily tasks and execute many client service responsibilities. These responsibilities
include, but are not limited to: handling client transactions, collecting outstanding balances,
processing deposits for upcoming procedures, and performing daily financial reconciliation.

All financial activities within our practice are subject to multiple checks: by our office coordinator
(who reviews all cash and check deposits prepared by the client service team), our internal
bookkeeper, and an external accountant contracted through an accounting firm. None of these
parties have ever raised concerns regarding my team’s handling of financial matters.

As a small business owner, I must rely on my client service team to manage client finances with
care and diligence. The success of the practice depends on having a trustworthy, hardworking, and
cooperative team—and Sky is no exception; moreover, she can be seen as a blueprint of what I
want for all incoming client service team members at my practice.




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The veterinary field is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and emotionally
demanding. At the start of her journey, I wondered whether her high-spiritedness could be a
shortcoming. But in turn, after working with Sky in practice for the past three and a half years, I
have come to consider her high spirit one of her strengths.

In June of last year, Sky suffered an unprovoked attack by a canine patient while walking in the
front yard of the practice facility alongside the dog and its owner. While we accept these risks as
occupational hazards, I had never witnessed or experienced a work-related injury of such severity.
The injury ultimately sidelined her for five to six months.

After an extended period out of the practice, receiving medical care and physical therapy, Sky
returned to the practice. Her absence was felt, and her return embraced by her team members,
doctors, and many pet parents. Despite some physical limitations, Sky has adapted by taking on a
valuable role in supporting pet parents—providing information upon request and accurately
documenting details as directed. She continues to develop and grow in these responsibilities.

Sky’s display of resiliency is special and speaks to her character. She is a valued part of our team,
and it is my sincere wish that this young woman continue on her path to be an upstanding person,
even in these challenging times. I remain committed to supporting her growth—both personally and
professionally.

For any questions or clarification, I can be reached at 301-552-3800.

Best regards,




Dr. Patricia Peynado-Boyce




                                                  30


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