Penn-Mar

Penn-Mar’s Kathy Rogers Named One of Maryland Top 100 Women For 2nd Time

ggorham — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:34:40 +0000

– Maryland Daily Record’s Annual Awards Recognize State’s Most Impactful Women Leaders –

April 10, 2026

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is honored to share that Kathy Rogers, executive director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, has been named one of The Daily Record’s 2026 Maryland Top 100 Women. This is the second time Rogers has won the award, the first time happening in 2024.

“I am truly humbled to be named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for the second time,” says Rogers. “Leadership is most meaningful when it is used to lift others up, a philosophy that sits at the very heart of our mission at Penn-Mar. I am proud to represent our team and continue this journey of service alongside other inspiring women.”

In her role as Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, Rogers supports the work of Penn-Mar Human Services by securing the financial resources needed to provide innovative and high-quality supports for people with an IDD, and she has been instrumental in leading The Penn-Mar Foundation’s dramatic economic growth in the past decade. In 2016, the Foundation had $4 million in funds. Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity sparked by the $7.5 million Building Bold Futures campaign, which Rogers helped to design and lead, contributions to the General and Michael James Pitts Endowments, and strategic investment performance, the Foundation proudly manage more than $20 million.

This growth has elevated the Foundation from a vital safety net to a true strategic partner, enabling transformative investments that align directly with Penn-Mar Human Services’ long-term plan. “For the last 10 years, Kathy has been an indispensable member of our team, and I have had the distinct honor of collaborating with her on some of our biggest moments,” says Penn-Mar Human Services CEO Greg Miller. “Over this time, my admiration for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative vision has only deepened. Kathy exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism—through her strategic management, profound community influence, and inspiring role as a mentor and guide to her colleagues and emerging leaders across our organization.”

Rogers has over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, public relations, philanthropy, advocacy, and community development for national organizations across Washington, D.C. and greater Maryland. Rogers joined Penn-Mar in 2016 as the group’s chief development officer, after a decade with the American Diabetes Association. Outside of Penn-Mar, Rogers was

appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on a State Advisory Council. She also serves on several local non-profit boards, including the Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and is a graduate of the GBC LEADERship Class of 2010.

Since 1996, The Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women has recognized high-achieving Maryland women making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Winners are selected by past Top 100 Women and business leaders based on professional and community involvement, corporate and nonprofit board memberships, and mentoring experience, among many other categories and qualifications.

The press can speak with Rogers or get additional info by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Crystal Rich’s Journey: From Family Caregiver to Empowering DSP

ggorham — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:44:09 +0000

Crystal Rich brings her drive and heart to help people grow and live more independently.

Crystal Rich assumed responsibility early in life for the daily care of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the value of her experience, she began considering how others might benefit from her insights.

After finding traditional school “boring,” she completed the GED High School Equivalency test and graduated at 17 from Carroll County Public Schools. From there she resumed her part-time job at a fast-food restaurant while she figured what to do with her “crazy drive,” as she puts it.

Crystal launched her professional journey in hospice care before transitioning, at age 19, to an Assisted Living Home. There, she earned her Medical Technician Certification and spent nearly two decades working in home care.

Alongside her healthcare career, Crystal obtained a Pennsylvania license to practice as a hair stylist and cosmetologist, though she viewed salon work primarily as a personal hobby while continuing to seek more stable opportunities for her family.

In November 2025, Crystal joined Penn-Mar as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at its Westminster Supported Living unit where she is part of a team that supports six people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 25 to 70, facilitating their transition to independent living.

When she arrived for her job interview, the position she initially applied for was filled. Fortunately, her current position had just become available. “I feel like this was all meant to be,” she said. “I had no idea when I accepted the job all that it would entail but once I got here, I hit the ground running. Every day I learn as much from the people I support as they learn from me!”

Most of the people Crystal supports came from homes where they lived with family members and parents who, as they aged, began exploring other options for transitioning their loved ones with IDD into independent living.

Penn-Mar’s Supported Living Program provides tailored learning experiences and guidance to help people with disabilities pursue their safe, happy, and healthy independent living objectives.

“This is a very unique program that was developed for developed for people with IDD who are ready for more independence but still need support in their day-to-day lives,” Crystal said.

She noted that things are so different — and better — today for people with IDD. Crystal sees that progress every day. More people are getting out into their communities, volunteering, and working through Penn-Mar’s employment programs.

Crystal describes her daily responsibilities in Supported Living as “constructive chaos.” She meets with the members of her group at their homes and basically goes with the flow depending on their needs for the day which may involve medical appointments, unforeseen illnesses, or volunteering and employment commitments.

A significant component of her role involves teaching essential life skills such as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Once foundational skills are achieved, they move on to financial topics like responsible spending and bill management. “We want them to be free-spirited and open-minded about learning and making solid decisions,” said Crystal.

Crystal’s “crazy drive” ended up leading her to her true career destination.

In April, Crystal will travel to Clearwater, Florida to accept her associate degree from Ultimate Medical Academy. She is also preparing to participate in Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders Program to earn her NADSP E-Badge Academy certification.

“People with IDD are amazing and so much more than their disabilities,” said Crystal. “I’m excited to watch the people I support grow in their independence and experience more of what life has to offer. I love being part of that every day.”

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Four Years of Fashion Inclusivity: Penn-Mar Human Services and Jemicy School Disability-Inclusive Fashion Show Returns for 4th Year

ggorham — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:44:47 +0000

– “70’s Chic” Will Be the Theme of This Year’s Annual Event Now Open to the Public –

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will welcome family, friends, and, for the first time, the general public to the fourth-annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show, on April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Jemicy School, located at 11202 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills.

This year’s fashion theme will transport guests back to the age of rhinestone cowboys with a focus on “70’s chic” fashions created by several Jemicy students, designed specifically for the unique needs of 18 people supported by Penn-Mar, who will also model the clothing in the runway show.

Since the event’s beginning in 2022, Jemicy students have been creating original clothing pieces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each Penn-Mar model, prioritizing both comfort and ease of use. During the runway show, models will highlight the accessible aspects of the student’s designs, all of which blend functionality with style. For many people with an IDD, the simple act of getting dressed can be a daily hurdle. By incorporating magnetic closures, sensory-friendly fabrics, and seated-cut silhouettes, these student designers are providing more than just clothing—they are providing dignity and autonomy.

“This show continues to be a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing how fashion can be for everyone,” says Penn-Mar Human Services’ CEO Greg Miller. “The designs created by the talented students at Jemicy School highlight the power of design to bring both confidence and comfort to the people we support. This event proves that fashion can be both functional and beautiful for all, while teaching the next generation of creators that true innovation begins with empathy.”

Jemicy School is a Maryland-based, college preparatory independent school that has been educating students ages 5-18 with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences for over 50 years. The school tailors its approach to fit the unique learning styles of each student, much like the way individuals with IDD navigate and adapt to daily life. Similarly, Penn-Mar empowers individuals to reach their personal goals and thrive in a world that often overlooks the need for inclusive solutions that address their specific needs.

The press is encouraged to attend the fashion show, but if they are unable to come to the runway event itself, the runway show will also be streamed live on Penn-Mar’s Facebook page.

The press is encouraged to attend but must RSVP by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com. Photos and video of the event will also be made available.

About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support over 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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From a Film Festival Debut to “Rhinestone Chic” Runway Designs

ggorham — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:03:04 +0000

The Jemicy School and Penn-Mar continue their Fashion Show collaboration.

A Jemicy student designer and a Penn-Mar model pose together.

Last October, students from The Jemicy School in Owings Mills traveled to New York for the debut of their documentary, “Fashion with a Purpose,” at the largest annual high school film festival, All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF).

The documentary, produced by Jemicy’s film department, highlighted inclusion through the unique perspectives of students with language-based learning differences. It follows Penn-Mar models with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they share their clothing preferences, are fitted for adaptive clothing, then step onto the runway alongside the Jemicy students who helped create those designs.

Five Penn-Mar models featured in the film were even able to visit New York City for the very first time to attend the documentary screening. They traveled with Jennifer Hisey, Penn-Mar’s Community Supports Day Program Manager, and three other Penn-Mar team members.

The trip started off smoothly, but an unexpected turn changed everything.

“Unfortunately, we missed almost the entire screening because protests in Times Square caused street closures. Although we arrived in the city on time and could see the parking garage ahead, it took us nearly two hours to park the van,” Jennifer said.

Because of the delays, the Penn-Mar models made it into the theater with only minutes to spare.

They thought they had missed everything, but little did they know, they arrived at the perfect time. The music in the film shifted just as they entered the theater. On screen, Penn-Mar models were walking with confidence in adaptive designs tailored to their needs. At that exact same time in real life, those very same models walked down the aisle of the theater.

A Penn-Mar model stands while Jemicy designers take measurements on her outfit.

As the models made their way to their seats, a quiet rumble moved through the audience. One of the models looked up at the screen and called out, “That’s me!”

“It was so impactful,” said August DiMucci, Jemicy art teacher, who attended alongside the student filmmakers. “That’s when it hit all of us. It just hit all of our hearts and made us teary-eyed.”

After the screening, the groups reconnected downstairs. There were hugs, photos, and a lot of catching up. For some, it had been more than a year since they had last seen one another.

“The loving reaction from the students was an amazing moment for the people we support,” said Jennifer. “The ones who saw themselves on the big screen were so excited. They felt like movie stars! It was a beautiful moment for all of us and one that we would have missed had we arrived on time as planned.”

This year’s annual Penn-Mar x Jemicy Inclusive Fashion Show is coming up quickly. It’s scheduled for April 10 at the Jemicy Upper School Auditorium, where 14 Penn-Mar models will be walking the runway in personalized adaptive clothing styled by 12 amazingly talented Jemicy School fashion designers.

The 2026 collection embraces the theme “rhinestone chic,” reflecting many models’ interest in Western-style clothing. The lineup will feature rhinestone accents, floral prints, fringed jackets, cowboy hats and belts, and lots of recycled denim donated by the Jemicy community.

New this year – the Fashion Show is open to the public as a free event. If you can’t attend in person, the show will also be live streamed on Penn-Mar’s Facebook Live. We can’t wait to see you there, whether that’s in-person or digitally!

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Be the Reason Someone Gives: Become a Champion

ggorham — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:57:01 +0000

Champions turn everyday moments into powerful reasons for others to give.

By Tina Chan Sweenie
Penn-Mar Associate Director of Development and Volunteer and Donor Engagement

Give Local York is coming up, and this is one of the easiest ways to make an impact in just one day. Hundreds of local non-profits have raised millions and advanced their impact through the Give Local York (GLY) 24-hours of community-driven giving.

The 2025 campaign alone involved nearly 13,000 people from across south central Pennsylvania who, in only 24-hours, raised $5.58 million for local causes that strengthen the community.

Penn-Mar will be participating in the 2026 event for the eighth consecutive year. This year’s event is held from 7 pm on April 30 to 7 pm on May 1.

We’re looking for Champions to help share Penn-Mar’s mission during Give Local York. As a Champion, your job will be to spread the word about Penn-Mar by creating your own Penn-Mar/Give Local York fundraising page with photos and a fundraising goal and connecting with 10 or more people from your networks to share what Penn-Mar means to you. Don’t worry if you don’t have any fundraising experience — we’ll equip you with everything you need!

By sharing your story, you will help others understand the difference Penn-Mar makes every day to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and why it matters so much to give back.

You’ll get the chance to work with Penn-Mar’s corporate Champions, individual supporters, and all of the employees at Nexterus, a New Freedom company that has selected Penn-Mar Human Services as its Charity of the Year.

To inspire you to become a Champion, here are a few reasons why our current Champions have already signed up:

“What inspires me about Penn-Mar is their purpose and dedication to provide every type of support to their residents. I chose to become a Champion to be involved in supporting Penn-Mar and their mission to be there for their residents.”

— Lesley Redmond, Bank of America

“Working directly with the individuals we support has shown me how powerful it is when people are given the opportunity to live courageously, pursue their goals, and be valued as full members of their communities. When our community invests in Penn-Mar, they’re investing directly in people — people with dreams, talents, and stories worth celebrating, just like you and me. Being a Champion lets me amplify that message and share the pride I feel in the mission we all work toward”

— Alexa Wheeler, Penn-Mar team member

“Becoming a Champion for Penn-Mar represents an opportunity to support a respected local organization driven by a genuine passion for service and dedication to its clients and the broader community. The organization embodies a “small-town,” family-oriented spirit that fosters a welcoming and safe environment, empowering clients and their families to build confidence, independence, and a true sense of belonging.”

— Jorgen Post, Post Supply

“I chose to become a Champion because Penn-Mar’s mission reflects the kind of community I want to be part of — one where everyone has the opportunity and is empowered to live their best lives. Their commitment to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling lives is inspiring.”

— Charmaine Nyman, Barley Snyder

“When it came time to choose our Charity of the Year, we realized it didn’t get much more “local” than our neighbors on Far Hills Drive. We first met Bill and Ashley while visiting a coffee truck in the Nexterus parking lot; hearing Bill’s story quickly inspired many members of our team. That connection ultimately led us to select Penn-Mar as our adopted charity for 2026. As a Champion supporter, we’re proud to partner with Penn-Mar in empowering individuals to live courageously and pursue their best lives.”

—Nexterus

We’d be thrilled to have more Champions on board for the Give Local York campaign. To get started, please send tinachansweenie@penn-mar.org your answers to the following questions so we can highlight your involvement on our social media channels and in our newsletters:

First and last name (as you would like it to appear in print)

Why you chose to become a Champion – what inspires you about Penn-Mar and our mission?

Any personal story or example that shows the impact of our organization

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Penn-Mar Gala Unites Local Community

ggorham — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:48:24 +0000

Annual fundraiser featured game-changing matching gift challenge.

By Kari Ebeling
Penn-Mar Director of Development and Special Events

Kari Ebeling and Greg Kahlert stand together at the Gala.

With more than three decades of experience producing large‑scale fundraising events, I’ve learned that every gala has its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own set of challenges. Stepping into my first solo Penn-Mar Gala this year, what stood out most was not the complexity of the work, but the way this organization, and the community around it, shows up when it matters most.

Penn-Mar’s 34th Annual Gala, held March 7th at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre, stands as the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts. Thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, the enthusiasm of loyal friends and supporters, and the energy of 500 sold‑out guests, the evening once again felt like a homecoming. Together, we raised more than $800,000 in support of our mission, a result that reflects what is possible when this community comes together with purpose.

With the need for philanthropic investment growing across the nonprofit sector, one of my goals each year is to keep the Gala feeling fresh while not losing sight of why we gather in the first place. This year, our production team focused on reinforcing Penn-Mar’s mission through consistent verbal and visual storytelling, so guests could feel who we are from the moment they walked into the ballroom.

Jenn Hobbs (L) and Kari Ebeling (R) smile and pose together in front of a Gala backdrop.

Lighted personalized photo centerpieces, a moving pre‑program photo montage, and the participation of the people we support in our Special Appeal video kept the focus on real lives and real stories. Those moments reminded everyone in the room why Penn-Mar’s work matters.

There were many standout moments for me this year.

Our sponsor family grew significantly, increasing from 22 sponsors in 2025 to 31 this year, a testament to the community’s belief in our mission.

We were especially honored to present Penn-Mar’s 2026 Distinguished Humanitarian Award to The Kahlert Foundation in recognition of its longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for people and families.

The Foundation also inspired the room that evening through a generous $200,000 matching challenge during the Special Appeal, encouraging guests to give in support of Penn-Mar’s mission. With their match, the appeal ultimately raised $450,000, supporting the renovation of our new Penn-Mar West Day Program location in Carroll County.

The Kahlert Foundation’s partnership continues to make a meaningful difference, including support for our Career Ladders program, which provides training and advancement opportunities for our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the dedicated team members who make our work possible every day.

Kari Ebeling and Bill Wagaman, a person supported by Penn-Mar, smile and pose together at the Gala.

Volunteerism was also celebrated. We presented Northrop Grumman’s Sykesville team with the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award for their hands‑on work enhancing Penn-Mar residences, from power washing and trimming trees to carefully tending garden beds. Their service is a reminder that support comes in many forms, and every act makes a difference.

And of course, a heartfelt thank‑you goes to Michael Adcock, who served as our MC and kept the program running seamlessly. Many know him as our dynamic auctioneer, whose talents have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Penn-Mar over the years.

As I reflect, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. This event succeeds because of the people behind it: the sponsors, volunteers, donors, staff, and guests who believe in what Penn-Mar stands for. And, true to form, as the last guests departed, our team was already dreaming, planning, and imagining how to make next year even better.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, donor, staff member, and guest who helped make this year’s Gala a celebration of courage and community. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next!

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We’re Here: Then, Now, Always

ggorham — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:15:08 +0000

Recognizing the lasting presence, progress, and promise of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) selected “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always” as the theme for this year’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Building on last year’s campaign, the message reminds us that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have always been part of our communities and always will be. By connecting the past, present, and future, the theme highlights a simple but important truth.

While the lives of people with IDD have significantly improved since 1987 when then President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed the designated month, millions still face barriers every day that make it harder to access the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to flourish.

National data gathered by peer organization AbleLight reflects these ongoing challenges:

Some 710,000 people with IDD are on waiting lists for Home and Community Based Services (US Congress).

Less than 1 in 5 adults with IDD have paid employment in their communities (National Core Indicators).

Less than 3 in 10 adults with IDD participate in community groups or activities (National Core Indicators).

The work our team members do every day at Penn-Mar is critically important to serving a need. I often remind them that someone born today with IDD will require our support services 21 years from now. Since 1981, we have been ready and more than able to answer this need.

Penn-Mar’s services over the years have evolved from “taking care” of people with disabilities to providing them with person-centered support that allows them to live courageous lives of their choosing.

In our early days we were often removing people with IDD from horrible living situations to a much better environment, but we were still the ones “calling the shots.” Today, the people we support call the shots. We empower them to make good decisions by providing education, experiences, and exposure to opportunities that help them to choose and achieve the life of purpose they deserve.

Long ago we closed our Sheltered Workshop program and have embraced an “Employment First” mentality to help people with IDD pursue skills training, paid employment and career advancement.

Our Day Programs have branched out with a multitude of community-based offerings, ranging from restaurant, shopping and museum trips; to nature walks and fitness center workouts; to church attendance and volunteer engagement.

At Penn-Mar, “the future is now” as we have increasingly streamlined our services with assistive technology (AT) tools, Smart Home designs and equipment, and a transformative multi-purpose space at our new Washington Heights building.

Our mission at Penn-Mar is to promote courageous living and leadership for everyone connected to our organization. We do this by continually looking for innovative ways to make our services even better. When our strategic planning process begins next month, our board will be addressing more exciting changes for the future.

Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of NACDD sees National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month as “a reminder that people with IDD are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year.”

Amen to that!

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Thinking Outside the Big Box

ggorham — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:26:48 +0000

After 30 years in retail, Daniella Amos found renewed purpose supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Daniella Amos

After three decades working in the retail field, Daniella Amos started to feel like she was ready to take a leap and explore different careers that excited her and gave her purpose.

In the 18 years she spent with BJ’s Wholesale Club managing two store locations and 12 years with Lowes, her responsibilities ranged from customer service to inventory control. In the appliance and paint departments she supervised, moving heavy equipment and 20-gallon paint cans were regular requirements of the job.

People were always telling Daniella what a “sweetheart” she was. Her customers loved her and would often stop her on the street or at a local event to tell her what “a kind and giving heart she had.”

One day she was approached by a man who was shopping in the paint department at Lowes. He watched how she helped a customer and asked her if she had ever thought about counseling children. “We could use someone like you in the Baltimore County School District,” he said.

While she had never thought of working in support services, she knew that the physical demands of her current job were starting to take a toll, not to mention the stress to continually increase sales, open new credit card accounts, and resolve customer complaints involving anything from damaged products to expired coupons.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

It must have been fate that while scrolling her Facebook feed, she saw an ad for Penn-Mar Human Services hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). “Something pulled me in,” she said.

Daniella was hired in April 2022, and her supervisor Rhonda Morano said, “From day one, Daniella immersed herself in her work and quickly demonstrated strong commitment and capability.”

Daniella admitted that when she first considered the DSP position, she thought “support” meant doing everything for people. She soon learned that Penn-Mar’s person-centered approach gives people with IDD a voice to articulate their own wants and needs.

“Our job is to give them the support and independence necessary to achieve their dreams,” she said.

Daniella began her career in the Penn-Mar Central Day Program as a DSP group staff before transitioning into one of the Community Direct Support (CDS) groups. Currently, she supports four individuals in the community each day, consistently seeking meaningful, engaging experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Rhonda praises Daniella for her flexibility and dedication, noting that in addition to her regular 40 hour week in the Day Program, she has stepped in to support 11 residential homes as a substitute.

During her first year at Penn-Mar, Daniella felt “blessed” to be selected to attend the DSP Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Conference where she took advantage of the “eye opening” training workshops and informal discussions with fellow DSPs from Penn-Mar and other human services organizations.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

She is a 2024 Professional Development Program graduate and a Leaders in Our Midst award recipient. She is also currently enrolled in the Career Ladders Program to enhance her learning and to eventually mentor the next generation of Penn-Mar DSPs.

Daniella says that her community trips with the people she supports to places like the African American Museum and Negro Baseball League Museum have even connected her to her own culture. And her participation with Penn-Mar’s advocacy group has increased her understanding of the many advancements that have been made over the years to promote equality and inclusivity for people with IDD.

“I definitely found the right career,” Daniella said. “I want to help everyone feel their worth. It takes a strong person to do what DSPs do, to find ways to overcome challenges and form meaningful relationships. In many ways, my retail experience prepared me for this, and there’s no question I have gotten more out of my career here at Penn-Mar than what I signed up for.”

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Team Member Spotlight: Teresa O’Brien

ggorham — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:08:56 +0000

Each month, we highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.

We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.

So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!

What is your job title?
Support Team Manager with Penn-Mar West in Westminster, MD

How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
I will be with the organization for 38 years in September 2026.

How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
I began working with Change, Inc in 1988. In 2020, Change, Inc became a part of Penn-Mar. While working for Change, Inc in the early 90s, I collaborated with Penn-Mar on work contracts.

What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
I have been supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since I was 12 years old. At that time, I worked summer camps for the Arc of Carroll County. I also babysat for a man who had a developmental disability. He is the main reason I decided to learn about the field. While attending college, I worked for the Arc in their residential program. All of these experiences in direct support gave me understanding how to best support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and manage caseload duties.

What does your work entail?
My work entails supporting people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life by meeting the expectation of Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) while still maintaining a community based person-centered program. I support DSPs to make sure they understand what a meaningful day should look like for the person they are supporting and ensure they have the resources they need to support a group of four individuals each day. One of those resources involves maintaining company vehicles by scheduling repairs and digging vehicles out of the snow. I make connections in the community to create volunteer opportunities, inclusion in community events, and environments to implement other meaningful activities. I develop and maintain relationships with families and other residential agencies. And so much more…

What’s an average day like for you?
I start my day early, reviewing my calendars. Those who know me, know that I use about three calendars. I just need to organize this way to keep from missing anything. I move to reading emails… I usually have emails to address from residential staff or families from the evening before. According to the day, I move on to the priority list. As I write this, today was approving timecards, filling in the comment section on those timecards, and completing billing which is approving daily logs. I like to make comments in the daily log to the DSPs on what they could add in future logs or share my appreciation for how support was provided. Today, I have a few 1:1 sessions. I do enjoy these sessions even when a DSP might not have much to share with me. This gives me opportunity to ask them questions to spark ideas they may want to implement with the people they support. Of course, there is a meeting or two (or three!) It is currently the season when many annual Person Centered Plannings (PCPs) are due for the caseload I support. I have two amazing Senior Direct Support Professionals (SDSPs) who help with this piece. It is in my role to support them to develop the skills needed to complete this task and prepare them for their next role hopefully within Penn-Mar.

What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job?
Managing a program that is 100 percent community-based requires you to be able to problem solve and pivot in the direction that the wind blows… sometimes literally. What do you do when you have a great day planned at the park and it rains? What do you do when the county buildings are closed for a holiday, but services continue? Managers who work in Community Development Services (CDS) full-time need to juggle many balls in the air. And we do it well!

In another life, your career path is….
In another life, I would like to increase my courage and be more like Olivia Benson from Law & Order. She is a character who supports the Special Victims Unit. She supports people with some unimaginable and horrifying situations. I would like to be as brave as she is to become someone’s shield and support system.

Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
I want to be a part of a team who supports people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life. The person with IDD that I babysat early in my life at one point moved to Virgina in mid 1980s. My parents took me to visit him, and we went to McDonald’s for lunch. One of the customers at McDonald’s asked my mother how she was allowed to bring him in the McDonald’s? She told my mother that she worked in a group home and they were not allowed to take the people with IDDs out in the community. This comment always stuck with me. I want to support people to experience as much as they can.

What is one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
People with IDD have a lot of interesting things to say. Be patient and listen.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” by St. Mother Teresa

Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
Fun fact: One time in middle school, I snuck in the science lab and freed a live frog that was scheduled to be dissected by my class that afternoon.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit…
I would love to see Itay. I have been invited a few times but unfortunately the timing wasn’t right.

In your spare time, you’ll be found…
Outside!!! Walking the reservoir by my home. Working in the flowerbeds, swinging on my bench swing.

A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc you love:
When time allows, I do enjoy reading. I just finished an interesting book, Sociopath A memoir by Patric Gagne, PHD. I also enjoy watching the earlier seasons of The Walking Dead.

Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself:
This question reminds me that I need to make time for some fun. My last big trip was to Costa Rica in 2023. Ten nights sleeping in eight different places. We only had reservations for a rental car and the first two nights of the trip. The rest was up to my boys to find an Airbnb… thank goodness they spoke Spanish. What a trip!!

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Turning Personal Goals into Real Supports

ggorham — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:38:09 +0000

Cindy Rohrbaugh’s Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) assessment helped turn her goals for independence into a plan.

Cindy Rohrbaugh poses with her father, Glenn.

Since 2014, Cindy Rohrbaugh, 45, has lived with two Life Sharing families. The Life Sharing program at Penn-Mar’s Pennsylvania residential program provides an alternative to traditional group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), where they can instead live with a qualified family or individual.

Raised by her late mother and grandparents, Cindy first came to Penn-Mar in 2005 when she moved into a community home. A routine request for her birth certificate revealed the name of her birth father, Glenn, who was living in a Penn-Mar residential home and working in what was then Penn-Mar’s workshop Day Program.

“I grew up without a dad in my life, but I was still curious to know him,” Cindy said. They reunited at her Penn-Mar home, an encounter that left them both utterly “speechless.” Glenn, who is now in his 70s, works in competitive, community-integrated employment, receives support services from Penn-Mar, and enjoys spending time with Cindy. They’re both grateful for the miracle that brought them together.

Cindy’s journey with Penn-Mar has provided her with residential choice, close friendships, long-standing employment opportunities, and community inclusion through its innovative person-centered approach to support services.

Penn-Mar conducts an annual Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) assessment for its residents to help identify their goals and measure progress toward achieving them. The process helps uncover what truly matters in a person’s life: their passions, relationships, health, safety, and personal rights. Through a structured interview, the assessment also identifies the supports needed to help them reach those outcomes.

Cindy Rohrbaugh poses at one of her part-time jobs, working at Saubel’s Bakery in Shrewsbury.

Overall, Cindy feels that things are going very well in her life at Penn-Mar. She has formed strong relationships with her Life Sharing family, team members, and friends. Her life has also been enriched by meaningful employment opportunities with the help of Jeannine O’Mahony, Penn-Mar’s PA Employment Support Manager.

“For the past 17 years, Cindy has been successfully employed part-time at Saubel’s Grocery Store in Shrewsbury. She also works several days a week for Chartwell’s Food Service’s contract with the Dallastown School District cafeteria, and she picks up additional shifts at Saubel’s when school is closed,” Jeannine said.

In her POMs assessment, Cindy specifically expressed two priority areas she wanted to address: a desire to improve her use of her environment and to participate more in the community.

“Cindy values independence,” said Natalie Finnegan, Community Support Manager. “She wants to be able to take advantage of all the resources in the community that interest her. This was an opportunity for us to start thinking outside the box.”

Transportation can be a hurdle to overcome for people with disabilities who have medical appointments, work, and social commitments. Penn-Mar provides transportation on weekdays to its day programs, workplaces, and homes. But Cindy must source other transportation to fill prescriptions, keep up with her doctor’s appointments, and take advantage of community events.

She has learned to problem-solve in most of these situations, but her POMs assessment revealed that this was an area of high importance to her that needed further discussion and input from Penn-Mar. She is now working with her team to investigate using Uber as a different means to help her be more independent.

From left to right: Natalie Finnegan, Cindy Rohrbaugh, and Jeannine O’Mahony.

Cindy appreciated her support team’s patience while going through the POMs assessment and felt it opened her eyes to other possibilities that she could consider with the help of person-centered supports. Recently, Cindy and Natalie reviewed the assessment again to identify what work was still needed to meet her goals.

“Penn-Mar is always looking for opportunities to improve and enhance our services,” Natalie said. “The results of Cindy’s assessment made perfect sense. It validated her need for independence and demonstrated why it is so important for us to create an individualized plan for her and all the people we support at Penn-Mar to reach their goals and build the life they want.”

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