Title: Teacher, International Child Advocate
Company: Know More About Drugs Alliance
Location: Latyonsville, Maryland, United States
Mathy Milling-Downing, teacher and child advocate at Know More About Drugs Alliance, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education.
Since 2004, Ms. Downing has dedicated herself to working with the Know More About Drugs Alliance to advocate for stricter FDA labeling and approval rules and more easily accessible patient information guides for dozens of frequently prescribed psychiatric medications. Ms. Downing became a patient and policy advocate following the death of her young daughter due to medication side effects and has gone on to testify before the FDA and Congress three times and share her story in dozens of major news outlets. She was featured in the 2008 documentary “Generation RX,” and has been presented with three international humanitarian awards in recognition of her work as an advocate for patients and youth worldwide.
Ms. Downing has also enjoyed more than 45 years as a teacher and school counselor, drawn to the field as a way to give back and connect with others in the community in a positive way. She began her career in 1976 and joined Montgomery County Public schools in 1988 as a counselor and second-grade classroom teacher. Since 2017, Ms. Downing has worked for Title I in Montgomery County, providing federally funded nonpublic instructional and social support to K-5 students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in adaptive physical education and special education from Catawba College and was awarded a Master’s Equivalency in special education by Appalachian State University in 1988.
In 2000, Ms. Downing earned a second Master of Arts in elementary school counseling at Johns Hopkins University and has pursued six additional teaching and counseling credentials throughout her career. She feels that her counseling background has helped her become a better teacher and to approach her work more equipped to meet each student’s unique needs. Ms. Downing sits on the National Board of the Episcopalian Church, where she coordinates services for five states, and is a member of the board of African Palms, an organization responsible for establishing a school for girls in Tanzania. Ms. Downing credits her success to her passion for education and to her philosophy to “live each day to the fullest, be grateful for everything, and share your talents with others.”
For more information, please visit:
The Know More About Drugs Alliance
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