Lisa Alfred, Operations & Finance Manager

Lisa Alfred has over 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector where she’s provided innovative operations, financial management, human resources, and logistics. Throughout her career, she has provided financial and administrative oversight that generates internal efficiencies, develops staff capacity, builds grassroots support, and advances mission objectives.  Lisa was born and raised in New Orleans, and attended the University of New Orleans, and the University of Denver.  Before joining Autism Society of Maryland, Lisa led the operation’s teams with organizations as diverse as the national Fight for $15 Campaign, Prince George’s County’s Joe’s Movement Emporium, and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC.

 

 

Beth Benevides, Special Education Consultant, Howard County

Email: info@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466

Beth is a longtime policy and educational advocate for individuals and families affected by autism and related disabilities.  She serves as a consultant for AUSOM, providing 1:1 special education consultation to parents of children with any disability in Howard County as part of our annual Community Service Partnership (CSP) Grant through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services.  She is a Past President of AUSOM and is Associate Director of Autism Programs at the Hussman Foundation.  Beth serves on a number of statewide workgroups devoted to programs, education, civil rights and policy affecting those with autism.  She is an advisory member of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute, an appointed member of the Maryland Department of Disabilities Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates steering committee; and co-chair of the commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities in Howard county.  She is a certified special education advocate and member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)  Beth is mom to a 25-year-old son with autism.

 

Jessica Deadwyler, Resource Coordinator – Anne Arundel County

Email: Jessica.Deadwyler@autismsocietymd.org

Phone:  410-290-3466, x7682

As a former special educator and a parent of an Autistic Child, Jessica has spends much of her time researching resources and networking with families. Her son is in secondary school and she finds that much has changed since his diagnosis. Jessica’s experience as a parent and educator have given her an advantage when providing resources to the community. She has learned that no individual’s abilities are the same, and each family should be nurtured according to their needs. As a parent, she empathizes with families who are new to the journey. Though initially tendinous and intimidating, the pathway through navigating Autism as a family is rewarding.

Beth Ann Hancock, Special Education Consultant, Anne Arundel County

Beth Ann is a non-attorney advocate and founder of Charting the Course with a passion for ensuring all students receive appropriate educational and behavioral support in Maryland public schools.  She serves as a consultant for AUSOM, providing 1:1 special education consultation to parents of children with disabilities in Anne Arundel County as part of our annual Community Support Grant (CSG) through the Anne Arundel County Executive’s Office. Prior to graduating COPAA’s Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT 2.0) and supervised practicum, she served as a Certified Family Peer Specialist for over 4 years with the Maryland Coalition of Families.  She began her special education system involvement, study, and training in 2008 when her autistic son experienced difficulty adjusting to the demands of the classroom. She has since served as a SECAC Co-Chair and is a contributing member of several community disability advocacy groups. Beth Ann also helped champion the passing of various key Maryland education bills including the restriction on school suspensions for children in grades 2 and below, as well as the banning of seclusion practices in Maryland public schools.

Linda Hoyt, Program Manager & Employment Specialist, Autism Hiring Program

Email: Linda.Hoyt@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 443-518-7699, x7699

Linda Hoyt comes to Maryland from the Midwest.  Having lived here for 25+ years, she now calls Maryland home and loves Old Bay and Berger cookies like any native! She worked as an Occupational Therapist in acute and rehabilitative settings but, in recent year, her my work focus has been with neurodiverse individuals and businesses focusing on their mutual workplace successes.  She has partnered with Project SEARCH in Howard and Montgomery Counties along with local businesses to match non-traditional talent to fill their workplace needs. She is excited be a part of the work place success for many neurodiverse individuals in a variety of work environments. Each individual’s story is unique, yet through use of assessment, instruction, adaptation, modification and coaching support, the successes have been mutual for individuals and businesses. Being a part of Autism Society of Maryland’s Autism Hiring Program has allowed these successes to reach more individuals and businesses and has provided them with the tools and support to succeed.

 

Liza Kibler, Administrative Assistant

Email: Liza.Kibler@autismsocidetymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466, x7679

Liza is a former military spouse who loved to volunteer during her husband service in the military. Networking and supporting military spouse were part of her life during the military life. She hails from Malaysia and attained her degree majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business Management. Being a military spouse for 13 years has taught her to be resilient with changes during their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and while her husband was deployed. She has vast experience with sales and marketing focusing on CRM, lead sales, campaign and event management; and managing international roaming partner during her work in IT and Telecommunication industry. Liza and her family decided to make Maryland their home since her husband retired from the military. Liza is an advocate for her son who is in a spectrum, and she always have passion to help individuals and families who has the same challenges. Liza loves to DIY old furniture and enjoy gardening.

 

Kelly Kryspin, Family Navigator & Autism Hiring Program Curriculum Coordinator

Email: Kelly.Kryspin@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466, x7683

Kelly recently joined our AUSOM staff, but has been working in partnership with the agency since 2020 facilitating the curriculum and peer group meetings for the Autism Hiring Program. She has 10 plus years’ experience in the disability field, ranging from direct support, case management and facilitating support groups. Additionally, Kelly has an older brother with Autism who has been a large influence in the compassion and kindness she brings to each of these roles. Kelly is originally from New Jersey and moved down to Maryland in 2019. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degree in Social Work from Marywood University. Prior to joining the staff, Kelly had the opportunity to work at two different Center’s for Independent Living (CIL’s) over the past 8 years where she learned a great deal about the Independent Living philosophy. She values a strengths-based approach in assisting others and feels it is important for individuals to be viewed as the expert when it comes to informed decision making and navigating their own lives.

 

 

Susanne Mason – Deputy Director

Email: Susanne.Mason@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466, x7678

Susanne joined the AUSOM staff in June 2019 and served as its Resource Manager and Event Coordinator until being appointed Deputy Director in October 2022.  In new her role, Susanne is responsible for overseeing and developing Information & Referral services for the organization and providing support in the areas of Programming, Development, and Volunteers in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Susanne continues her volunteer service with organizations affiliated with the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center. Since 2017, she has provided administrative and marketing leadership for the OMI Marketing Committee of The Meeting House and the OMI Art Committee of The Meeting House Gallery. From 2007 to 2018, she served in various capacities to develop the education program at Columbia United Christian Church. Prior to her non-profit endeavors, Susanne had the privilege of conducting neurophysiology research at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine and served as adjunct faculty in the Health Sciences Division at Howard Community College.

 

Catalina Ramos, Spanish Language Resource Coordinator

Email: Catalina.Ramos@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466, x7681

I was born in Bogota, Colombia and came to the United States in 1996. I love spending time with my family, taking walks in nature, reading educational books and watching suspense and thriller movies. Life has shown me how important it is to find a support system in order to navigate through the many surprises that life may bring. Therefore, that is why one of my biggest desires has been helping those who are experiencing a new challenge or are in need of some guidance. I have been fortunate to be the mother of two young girls and a son who was diagnosed with autism in 2016. Thankfully, my family and I have received so much help for our son using the local resources. I am excited to work with Autism Society of Maryland and become part of this supportive community.

 

Dana Riley, Bookkeeper

Email: Dana.Riley@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466

Dana provides general bookkeeping services for AUSOM that include everything from payroll, financial reports and budget preparation, to coordinating the tax preparation and financial reviews.

 

Melissa Rosenberg – Executive Director

Email: Melissa.Rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org

Phone: 410-290-3466, x7677

Melissa joined the AUSOM staff in December 2016, a nonprofit specialist with over 25 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, community outreach and arts management. She works with the AUSOM Board of Directors, volunteers and community partners to move the organization forward and offer additional opportunities for meaningful employment, independent living, friendships, arts experiences, social interactions, respect, inclusion and acceptance. Melissa received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Community Services Howard County, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, Howard County Local Children’s Board, and Maryland’s Autism Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs.

“It is an honor and a privilege to work each day within the Autism community to support and uplift these amazing individuals, family members and professionals who reside in our community.”