Building Stronger Communities Since 1967

Sarah has worked for nonprofit organizations for over 25 years, engaging in advocacy, and serving people with disabilities and other marginalized communities. She gained her grassroots advocacy experience with The Arc of Maryland, supporting both families and people with disabilities to speak up and create needed change. Most recently she was the Executive Director of Independence Now, a resource and advocacy center that promotes independent living and equal access for people of all ages with all types of disabilities living in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Leading Independence Now gave Sarah the opportunity to launch new programs, work on housing advocacy at the state and local level as well as continue valuable work in moving people from Nursing Facilities back to the community. Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Sarah spends her free time raising two bold, smart, and social justice-driven teenagers as well as one extremely naughty chocolate lab. She is also very involved with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.

Odeth Berlin joined the organization in 2006 as a receptionist. As the first point of contact for individuals in crisis, she played a vital role in assessing how potential clients could best be served. This early experience laid the foundation for her future leadership within the organization. Over the years, Odeth took on various roles, including Assistant Director of Development and Volunteer Services. In this capacity, she helped plan and organize fundraising events, coordinated volunteer recruitment across all Reach service areas, and managed the Holiday Giving Program. She also represented the organization as a speaker for United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) workforce initiatives. To further enhance her skills, Odeth pursued studies at Montgomery College and Strayer University. In 2013, Odeth was promoted to Program Director of REAP. In this role, she works to keep Rockville families in their homes by providing financial assistance to prevent eviction, utility shut-offs, or to cover the cost of life-saving prescriptions. She also trains and manages a team of volunteer intake coordinators who connect Montgomery County residents with essential health and human services offered by nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Outside of her work at Reach, Odeth is deeply involved in her family life, the local Jamaican community, and her church. She is well-known for her culinary talents—especially her famous jerk chicken—and is often called upon to cook for large gatherings. Each year, she shares this gift with Reach supporters by offering a homemade Jamaican meal as an auction item at the organization’s annual Gala.

With over 16 years of experience advocating for and serving underserved populations in Montgomery County, Tosha Dyson has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable communities. Her work spans the affordable housing sector, homelessness prevention, and nonprofit organizations, where she focused on economic self-sufficiency, empowerment, and workforce development. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Tosha is a proud graduate of Gaithersburg High School and holds a degree in Sociology from Capella University. Her deep personal connection to the community, combined with her professional expertise, allows her to approach her role with a unique understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those she serves. In her current position, Tosha works closely with the Director, Client Services to assure that Reach houses and the properties of Senior Reach clients are safe and well maintained, and residents can contact a responsive staff person who will work to find resources to address their concerns. Her leadership is rooted in a steadfast commitment to Reach's mission, ensuring that all residents have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Jessica has been a supporter of Reach for over 10 years, working as a child tutor in the Language Outreach Program, temporary receptionist, and volunteered at special events. Her previous work experience includes managing and training staff in data entry and retail, as well as providing customer service across a number of industries. Jessica’s ability to get to the heart of an issue and determine the logical steps needed to reach the goal are perfect for handling the diverse tasks of this position that supports all staff members. In addition, as a life-long resident of Montgomery County, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the needs and resources in our community.

Andrea joined Reach in 2013 as Director of Development and moved into her current position in 2022. As Managing Director, she directly supervises the work of the Reach programs: Rockville Emergency Assistance, Housing, Language Outreach, and Senior Reach. She works with program leads to help them visualize and then put into effect changes to best serve our clients' needs. In addition, she covers all Human Resources work for both Reach and MKHC, and manages volunteer recruitment and placement. Part of he HR work includes finding opportunities and encouraging continued learning and growth to benefit both Reach and our staff. Before joining Reach, Andrea had a career in management and administration of restaurants, and in advertising specialties sales. All work experience, in for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations, included concentrations in communications, marketing and management of diverse staff, volunteers, supporters, and the public. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Andrea received her AA in Criminal Justice, Corrections at Montgomery College, and her BS in Management Studies from University of Maryland Global College. She has served on various boards and committees, and spent 10 years as a volunteer helping developmentally different teens and adults build communication skills.

Courtney joined Reach in 2023. Fueled by a passion to serve others, she is a longtime resident of Montgomery County who has spent over a decade serving the local community in various leadership capacities. She is a past chair of the City of Rockville’s Human Rights Commission (HRC). During her five-year tenure, she led the HRC in creating the City’s first Rockville Pride festival and revamping and creating programs that expanded services to residents. Courtney also served on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MD Government Relations Advisory Committee and on their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee. She is a former co-chair of the Physical & Mental Heath Committee of the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Courtney holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a law degree from The George Washington University Law School. Committed to lifelong learning as well as her personal and career growth, Courtney plans to expand her knowledge base by participating in a professional certificate program that focuses on nonproft management and leadership.

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Ali has dedicated over 20 years of his career to advocating for and serving underserved populations across the nation. He has a rich history of working in nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on economic empowerment, education, job training, workforce development, and wellness. A native of Washington, D.C., Ali grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is a proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University, where he majored in Business Management. Ali’s commitment to serving others and his lived experience provide a strong foundation for his role as Director of Client Services, where he provides case management and other services to clients from the Housing and Senior Reach programs. He remains steadfast in his mission to support and empower individuals on their paths to recovery, reintegration, and wellness and now supportive services for seniors.

Cecilia joined the organization in 1993 as an LOP teacher and coordinator of the children’s program. A former high school teacher, she has led Reach’s Language Outreach Program since 2001. In this role, Cecilia and her team teach hundreds of adults each year in English as a Second Language, while also offering homework support, preschool readiness activities, and childcare for participants’ children during class time. Before becoming director, Cecilia held several roles within LOP, including instructor, children’s program coordinator, and co-director. She also served for over eight years on the board of the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL). In recognition of her dedication and impact, in 2023, Cecilia was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award—granted to individuals who have worked in the TESOL field in Maryland for at least 15 years and have made substantial and exemplary contributions to the field. Cecilia holds a BA in Education from Universidad Particular Inca Garcilaso de la Vega in Lima, Peru, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Enrique joined the organization in 2015 as a volunteer in accounting, working 30 hours a week while living in Arlington. After a few months, due to his dedication and skills, he was asked to join as a full-time, paid accounting assistant. At the same time, Enrique was in college, earning his B.S. in Business and Accounting from George Mason University School of Business.Enrique was promoted a number of times, handling more complicated accounting tasks as well as human resources work, until landing in his current position as senior accountant. Previous to joining Reach, Enrique spent many years in the banking industry, from teller through assistant branch manager. He is originally from Bolivia and is fluent in Spanish. When not at work, he is often hiking and camping with friends in the mountains of Virginia or Maryland. Enrique was also part of an invitational Bolivian dance troupe for many years. He became quite adept at wearing heavy costumes in the summer heat while performing intricate and physically taxing steps over and over again for hours along a parade route.

Maeve joined Reach in early 2023, after volunteering to help create a procedures manual for the Development department. As the grants and development manager, she oversees applications, tracking, and reporting for all grant and foundation applications, as well as contributing to other fundraising efforts, including planning events, social media posts, monthly newsletters, and more. She loves the variety of her job and the chance to use different skills each day. A native of Washington, DC, she has lived in Montgomery County since 2019. In her spare time she enjoys crocheting, collecting yarn for crocheting, playing board games, and hiking.

George Ashton III is the Chief Executive Officer & Partner at Candide Group, an impact investment advisor that works with family offices, foundations, and high net worth individuals to create portfolios aligned with their values and vision for change. Prior to this role, George served as President of LISC Fund Management, where he launched high-impact investment initiatives supporting job creation, small business growth, housing, and community revitalization. Under his leadership, LISC introduced several innovative funds and a multi-city community investment accelerator with a combined value exceeding $750 million. Previously, he also co-founded and served as President of Sol Systems, a renewable energy investment firm that deployed over $1 billion in capital. George also spent seven years at Fannie Mae trading mortgage-backed securities and is the founding member of Hope Investment Group, which supports entrepreneurs of color with over $450,000 in committed investments. He holds a BA in Finance and Economics from the College of William & Mary and an MBA from the University of Maryland. George brings deep financial expertise and a strong commitment to equity and community development to his role on the Development Committee.

Judy Ackerman retired as Vice-President and Provost of the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College after a long and varied career in higher education where she also served as a professor of mathematics and dean. Students from the Rockville Campus supported Reach through creating video materials and providing artwork for the Clinic. For many years, Judy served on the board of the Rockville Science Center. She has volunteered with other non-profits including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Oasis.  In retirement, she has had time to pursue her interest in photography and help non-profits tell their story through images of their activities. She has been known to take pictures at Reach events. In addition, Judy is CoPresident of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation. Judy lives with her husband Michael in Bethesda but loves visiting Atlanta and Pittsburgh to see her children and grandchildren.

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Reverend Dr. Brian Odem Bellamy serves as the Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, a vibrant congregation with over 40 ministries focused on community service. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College and holds both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Bellamy earned his Ph.D. in Religious Social Ethics from the University of Exeter in partnership with Hartford Seminary and completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Prior to his current role, he served for 12 years as Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Connecticut and taught for 14 years at the University of New Haven. He is actively involved in civic leadership, currently chairing the Montgomery County Advisory Commission on Policing and serving as a Life Member of the NAACP. Dr. Bellamy lives in Montgomery County with his wife and four children.

Rae Pearl Canizares brings over 40 years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings, beginning with Biblical Studies in rural Philippines in the 1970s. After moving to the United States in 1987, she taught at the Gifted Child Resources Center in Gaithersburg and held roles as a Montessori teacher, Red Cross instructor, TESOL educator, and homeschool teacher. Her community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Rockville Housing Enterprises and volunteering extensively in Montgomery County Public Schools. She has coordinated fundraising efforts, led guidance volunteer programs, and advocated for educational equity. Rae Pearl is also a frequent speaker, organizer, and community advocate, known for her dedication to service and education. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering others through learning and civic engagement.

Pastor Susan Graceson has served Rockville Presbyterian Church since June 2022, bringing with her a rich background in pastoral leadership, education, and social justice advocacy. She has held roles as pastor, associate pastor, worship coordinator, and educator at various churches throughout the region. Her ministry has included leading mission trips and retreats, supporting addiction recovery, and facilitating workshops on healthy boundaries and congregational care. Before entering ordained ministry, Susan worked for 15 years as a writer and editor for the National Endowment for the Humanities. She earned her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and draws on her Appalachian roots and family history in mining safety to inform her compassionate leadership. Susan and her husband, Herb, enjoy music, travel, walks with their dog Stevie Nicks, and spending time with her two young adult sons.

Debra Jacobs has been an active supporter and volunteer at Reach for over seven years, serving on both the Faith Advisory Committee and the Gala Committee. She represents Temple Beth Ami (TBA), where she has been a dedicated member for more than two decades. At TBA, she co-chairs the Community of Action, a civic engagement group focused on voter education and registration, and is stepping into a leadership role overseeing the congregation’s community service and social action initiatives. A former litigator with Schwalb, Donnenfeld, Bray & Silbert, Debra now works at Spider Strategies, a software firm specializing in strategic performance management. Her current role blends administrative, operational, and financial responsibilities, aligning with her passion for organizational development. Debra and her husband, Robert, have raised their children, Hannah and Jake, in Montgomery County, where the family remains committed to supporting Reach’s mission.

Lou Kallas is the Board Treasurer and a member of both the Executive and Finance Committees at Reach. Originally from northern New Jersey, he moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Georgetown University and has remained in the area ever since. Lou and his wife, Pat, raised their two children in Bethesda and are active members of Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church and other community organizations. Together, they owned and operated a business in Rockville, Maryland since 1989. Now semi-retired, Lou and Pat enjoy traveling in their RV with their dog, a lifestyle they embraced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both are dedicated volunteers, helping maintain the grounds at Rockland House.

Jan May is a retired lawyer with a background in both law and management. Jan previously served on the CMR Board during the time Mansfield Kaseman was the Executive Director. He currently serves on Reach’s Faith Advisory Committee. Jan has lived in the city of Rockville for over 30 years. After graduating from law school, he became the only staff attorney at a non-profit start-up called Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) in Washington, D.C., which provides legal assistance to low- and moderate-income older people. It is an organization affiliated with AARP.  Jan later became LCE’s Managing Attorney and in the last two decades of his career, he served as the Executive Director. Jan has written and published over 130 articles on non-profit management and trained hundreds of new executive directors of legal aid programs nationally. He also occasionally does some non-profit consulting. Jane and his wife have contributed financially to CR for many years. Jan is a long-time member of Rockville United Church and an avid squash player.

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Dr. Frank J. Nice is a pharmacist, public health expert, and internationally recognized consultant on medications and breastfeeding. He retired after 43 years of government service, including 30 years with the U.S. Public Health Service and nearly three decades at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Nice holds degrees in pharmacy, pharmacy administration, and public administration, and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications on medication use during breastfeeding. He is the founder and president of Nice Breastfeeding LLC and Dr. Nice Products LLC, and has led over 70 medical missions to Haiti. His humanitarian work includes founding a school and orphanage that now serves 550 students, with dozens continuing on to university studies in healthcare and public service. Dr. Nice’s lifelong commitment to health equity and education continues to inspire communities both locally and abroad.

Suzanne is a Montgomery County native and has spent her career as a lawyer, having almost 40 years of experience in general business, employment, and transactional law. For the first 10 years of her career, Suzanne worked with large firms in Washington, D.C. where she handled complex business transactions as well as joint ventures, corporate and contract matters.  Subsequently, Suzanne moved her practice to Montgomery County, Maryland and for the last 10 years has been a principal with Miles & Stockbridge P.C. in Rockville. Suzanne became involved with Community Reach in 2004 as a volunteer and pro bono general counsel. She and her husband are now semi-retired and living in Venice, FL. Suzanne has remained as the organization’s pro bono general counsel and has been able to get some of her colleagues at Miles & Stockbridge to help out with specialized legal needs on a pro bono basis as well. Her personal interests include fitness, fine wine, the outdoors, travel, and studying Spanish.

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Aman Singh, CPA, CGMA, brings over 20 years of public accounting experience with a strong emphasis on audit services. He has worked extensively with government contractors, professional services firms, technology companies, and not-for-profit organizations. His expertise spans cash management, internal controls, operational improvements, employee benefit plans, and compliance with government auditing standards and the OMB’s Uniform Guidance. Aman also provides business advisory services in tax planning, financial analysis, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Originally from Zambia, he began his career managing the finance department of a NASDAQ-listed multinational company before relocating to the U.S. Outside of work, Aman volunteers with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and enjoys spending time with his two young sons.

James Skinner is a retired healthcare advocate and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in community-based mental health. He has contributed to numerous federally funded research and training initiatives through SAMHSA, NINR, and CMHS, and has presented nationally and internationally on mental health, HIV/AIDS, and cultural competence. Jim began his career in Southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on children’s services before transitioning to adult care during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, where he served as the first paid Buddy System Coordinator in Philadelphia. At age 40, he earned a BSN from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and has since served on several advisory boards, including the Pitt Men’s Study and the Chicago Task Force on LGBTQ Aging. Most recently, he provided therapy at Green Ridge Behavioral Health and remains active in professional organizations such as NASW and the American Society on Aging. Jim is a Life Member of the Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association.

Nancy Sushinsky is the former Executive Director of Rainbow Place Shelter, a hypothermia shelter for women in Rockville, Maryland. In this role, she oversaw both administrative and clinical operations, providing crisis intervention and counseling while managing staff and organizational finances. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Nancy has also worked with clients at Cornerstone Montgomery and Interfaith Works, supporting individuals transitioning to stable housing. She has served on the City of Rockville’s Human Services Commission and is known for her commitment to community-based social services. Nancy played a key role in representing Rainbow Place in the broader community and strengthening its board governance. She and her husband, George, raised their family in Rockville, where she remains an active community member.

Professor Erik Swanson is an educator, artist, and academic leader who has served Montgomery College since 2008. As Director of the Institute for Part-Time Faculty Engagement and Support, he has revitalized faculty development, managed institute operations, and supported over 1,000 part-time faculty across four campuses. Previously, he chaired the Department of Media Arts & Technologies, coordinated the digital animation program, and taught animation. His leadership includes roles on the Academic Services Council and the Montgomery County Collaboration Board’s Arts Advisory Committee. Recognized for his excellence, he has received multiple awards, including the NISOD Award of Excellence and Outstanding Faculty Service honors. Professor Swanson holds a BFA from Temple University and an MFA in 3D Modeling and Animation from the Art Academy University in San Francisco.