The Coordinating Center Names 2021 Compassionate Leadership Nominees and Winner.

Written by

Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce the 2021 Compassionate Leadership Award nominees and recipient. The Compassionate Leadership award was created in 2019 and established by The Center’s Board of Directors in honor of Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, former President/CEO of The Center for 26 years (with The Center for 35 years).

The Compassionate Leadership Award recognizes an extraordinary coworker not only for their outstanding commitment to the mission and values of The Center, but in the characteristics of compassionate leadership both at The Center and in their daily life.

The six nominees for this year are Laura Wagner, Sara Fewster, Priscilla Lisik, Ruja Luitel, Karen Twigg, and Erin Schantz. Nominees and the winner were announced by a special guest Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, at The Center’s virtual Coworker Appreciation event on October 13th, which is held annually in recognition of National Case Management Week and in honor of all coworkers who work tirelessly to support The Center’s mission.

“We are pleased to announce that this year’s winner is Priscilla Lissik, Program Director, Homeless Support Services. Priscilla has been with The Center for 16 years and has been instrumental in growing The Center’s Housing Initiative Program in Montgomery County. Under leadership The Center has become the organization to turn to for some of Montgomery County’s most medically vulnerable individuals. Priscilla and her team were steadfast in continuing face-to-face visits with clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President/CEO, The Coordinating Center.

Ms. Lissik is currently a mentor in The Center’s Guiding Professionals to Success (GPS) mentoring program and recently participated in Montgomery County’s Continuum of Care Leadership Development Program – Lead for Impact in 2020. Ms. Lissik is a Board Member for Montgomery County Health Partners and is currently under consideration for a commissioner position on the Interagency Commission for Homelessness.

“Priscilla has always embodied the mission and values of The Coordinating Center. She has always showed compassion for both the clients and the coworkers, while allowing them to be autonomous. The clients are the center of Priscilla’s focus, and she has always advocated for the most vulnerable individuals, which only made it natural that she be leading the program for homeless individuals. While she has been a strong advocate for clients since the day she started, she has really focused on leading her team over the past few years and has made tremendous growth,” said Sharyn King, BSN, RN, CCM, Senior Vice President, Population Health, Care Management and Service Coordination.

About all of the nominees:

Lara Wagner RN, CPN, CCM, Clinical Care Coordinator in REM, has been with The Center for four years. “Laura has been assisting in the orientation of new Clinical Coordinators in REM by voluntarily conducting the REM Assessment training. This training is very instrumental, as the REM Assessment is the initial step in the work done with clients that will ultimately help to establish the case management plan and collaborative goals,” spoke Monica Dada LCSW-C, CCM, Team Manager/REM. Laura is active in her community, particularly with her children’s school and athletic pursuits. During the COVID‐19 pandemic when additional nursing support was potentially needed for administering vaccines to the public, Laura was eager to volunteer.

Sara Fewster, Human Resource Coordinator, has been with The Center for two years. Sara demonstrates compassionate leadership by always putting the needs and interests of others first. “Sara has designed creative approaches to engaging coworkers. For example, Sara was personally aware of the struggles and frustrations of parenting young children and working remotely this past year. She created, facilitated, monitored, and developed content for the Parent Discussion Group which met biweekly for nearly the entire first year our staff worked remotely with unanticipated and intermittent daycare and school closures due to COVID exposures and illness,” said Carol Duvall, Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

Ruju Luitel, Director of Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management, has been with The Center for more than four years. Ruja was instrumental in developing The Center’s Business Intelligence System, saving The Center thousands of dollars, studying on her own time to research the capabilities and developed the system in partnership with her coworker, Lane Williams. “Her leadership style has not only transformed the manner in which coworkers perceive quality measurement and performance improvement, but also has elicited a global buy-in within The Center which is propelling us to be a stronger organization that is data driven and impact aware,” said Colby Bearch MA-M, MA-SF, BA, RN, CDONA, Chief Operating Officer, The Coordinating Center. In addition to Ruja’s self‐directed learning, Ruja is investigating doctoral study and has also committed to complete her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt this year. Ruja participates in external volunteer activities to support The Center’s mission and values, including but not limited to the Montgomery County Homeless Population Count and has volunteered at the Polar Plunge.

Erin Schantz, Program Manager, Coordination of Community Services (CCS), has been employed with The Coordinating Center for 11 years and has been promoted, at least two times. “Erin encapsulates the title of servant leader. Firstly, she is ably qualified to do what she currently does, and she uses this academic acumen and other giftings, to model everything that she expects of a coworker. Erin is gentle, focused, soft spoken and competent,” stated Pamula Mills, Ph.D., Director, Coordination of Community Services. Erin was instrumental in getting the CCS/DDA program off the ground. Using her compassion and experience in the Autism Waiver to deliver an exceptional model of care for clients benefiting from Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) program and waivers. Erin is committed to learning and professional development and has participated in The Center’s leadership program and is currently in the Guiding Professional for Success, GPS program. Erin is involved in activities with other parents with young children, organizing camping trips. She is heavily involved in the school system, for professional and personal growth.

Karen Twigg MSM-HCA, BSN, RN, CMCN, Vice President of Population Health and Community Health, has been with The Center for two Years and was recently promoted from Assistant Vice President to Vice President. Karen has presented and received recognition for her development of innovative programs targeting avoidable readmission reduction, improving provision of quality care, and aligning patient advocacy with fiscal accountability. Ms. Twigg is involved in various healthcare‐related associations and Boards. She currently serves as Secretary, of the Board of Directors for Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc., the Board Member and Finance Committee Chair for the Maryland DC Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (MD DC SHRM) Board and serves on the Education Committee for Maryland Chapter American Case Management Association and the Education and the legislative Committee for the Maryland Rural Health Association.

Fay Alexander MHR, CCHW, Community Health Worker, VIPhysicians&Kids says, “Karen offers encouragement when needed, she pushes (in a good way!) people to grow and think in other ways, and she supports the needs of her team members and the goals that they have for themselves. If criticism is needed, it is always done in a constructive way and it doesn’t feel like criticism.”

###

About the Coordinating Center
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides care coordination services for more than 10,000 children and adults with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families. The mission of The Center is to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and meaningful community life. Visit www.coordinatingcenter.org for more information.

The Coordinating Center Appoints New Board Members

Written by

New Board Members

Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce the appointment of four new Board Members. “I am thrilled to announce that Norma McCowin, Janhavi Kirtane, Marla Farley and Irina Koyfman, four dynamic and accomplished women have joined our Board of Directors. Their three-year term begins today!” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President and CEO of The Center.

Irina Koyfman, DNP, NP-C, RN, Founder and CEO of Affinity Expert, is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of executive experience. Ms. Koyfman will serve as on The Center’s Board of Directors as its new Clinical Representative. Norma McCowin, MBA, PMP, Senior Director of Program Delivery for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., has over 25+ years of experience acting as an executive sponsor and program manager in key government and consumer-based not-for-profit and healthcare entities. Janhavi Kirtane, MBA, Founder and President of VJ Health, is a mission-driven and versatile healthcare services leader with 20+ years of experience in strategy and operations across sectors. Marla Facey is an Ordained Minister of the Gospel, a Retired Military Veteran, and a show host for two podcasts with iHeart Radio, focused on Scripture and self-help. With 20 years’ experience working with children with developmental, social, and physical delays through the foster care system and as a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, Ms. Facey will serve as The Center’s newest Parent Representative.

“Irina, Norma and Janhavi bring significant health care experience, having worked in both public and private sectors to improve population health. I’m confident that with their knowledge and Marla’s parent and veteran perspective that we will expand The Center’s footprint and further our mission, to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health and meaningful community life,” said Dr. Titus-Howard.

Dr. Irina Koyfman previously ran her own health care business (DME, Medical Spa, Home Health Agency) and worked for large corporations, such as CareFirst and Optum, prior to launching her own health care consulting company.

Dr. Koyfman has a personal connection to The Center, having had a family member was recently a client of The Center. With her passion for health care and coworker retention, Dr. Koyfman recently did some pro bono work for The Center on coworker retention. “I’m excited to serve as a board member at The Center. I feel that my experience in care coordination, patient-centered medical home, employee recruitment and retention, community and chronic care, as well as clinical experience as an adult Nurse Practitioner can bring innovation and “out- of – the –box” thinking to The Center,” says Dr. Koyfman.

Dr. Koyfman, is a member of the International Society for Emotional Intelligence National Coordinators, a board member for the Baltimore County Community College Board and the Life and Breath Foundation Board. In addition, she serves as Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board (CAB) and John’s Hopkins Dementia study titled: “PLAN” since 2020. Dr. Koyfman received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Master’s of Nurse Practitioner from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

Norma McCowin has worked in healthcare operations, information technology, research and development, and construction throughout her tenure. As Senior Director of Program Delivery for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., she is responsible for delivering state-of-the-art technology solutions and organizational transformation.

Mrs. McCowin was introduced to The Center through Associated Black Charities, Board Pipeline, Young Leadership Program. “I am excited to serve as a board member of The Coordinating Center and will leverage my experience to further the vision of achieving optimal quality health, affordable housing, and meaningful community life for the members we serve,” says Mrs. McCowin. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West

Previously, Mrs. McCowin worked for the American Red Cross as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Missouri Illinois Blood Services Region, where she was accountable for day-to-day operations and project management. Mrs. McCowin has her MBA from the Robert H. School of Business at the University of Maryland and Bachelor’s in Biology from Hampton University.

Janhavi Kirtane was most recently General Manager for CareMore Health in Washington DC, a provider of primary care and behavioral health services for vulnerable adults enrolled in Medicaid. In 2021, Ms. Kirtane established VJ Health as a strategic advisory firm to support organizations and innovators who imagine a more modern, aligned, and compassionate healthcare system.

Ms. Kirtane was one of the founders of the Chartis Group, one of the nation’s largest independent healthcare advisory firm, with a unique breadth and depth of capabilities to meet healthcare’s most pressing issues. While at Chartis Group, Ms. Kirtane grew the company from 5 to 60 employees. The Center’s Board Chair, James Karpook states that Ms. Kirtane is “brilliant and passionate about healthcare and building partnerships between health systems and community organizations to support high-risk, vulnerable and underserved populations.” Ms. Kirtane worked with Mr. Karpook at the Chartis Group from 2005-2009.

Presently, Ms. Kirtane is a National Advisory Group member with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize, a volunteer with the Waynewood Elementary School Diversity and Inclusion Action Group, a volunteer at Durga Hindu Temple of Northern Virginia as a Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Harvard Club of Washington DC, Interview Committee. Ms. Kirtane received her BA in Economics from Harvard College and her MBA at The Wharton School, University of PA.

Marla Facey has worked with children with developmental, social, and physical delays for the past 20 years through the States of Washington, Texas, and Maryland’s Foster Care Systems. Since 1993, Ms. Facey has provided foster home services for over 23 children. While residing in Washington, Ms. Facey volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian Ad Litem for the Children in Foster Care. In Maryland, Mrs. Facey volunteers at the Church at Daily Bread and as an Ambassador for Maryland State of the Come on In, Inc., both of which support the homeless.

Mrs. Facey began her career as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) and later joined the United States Army, where she experienced many difficult missions stateside and overseas, to include a war veteran in Iraq. Mrs. Facey also served as a full-time Veteran’s Employee in Seattle Washington. Ms. Facey has her bachelor’s degree in Human Services Management with emphasis on youth and family services, followed by a doctorate in Christian Counseling and Communications, which she obtained while simultaneously serving as a licensed foster parent with her husband. In 2020, Ms. Facey won the Extraordinary People Writer of the Year in 2020 for writing and publishing three books that are sold on Amazon.

Dr. Titus-Howard says, “Marla is the parent of an amazing young lady, Jada who is 15 years old with Down Syndrome and developmental delays. Marla is such a delight and a passionate person, and it is no doubt where Jada gets her amazing personality, from “her Momma!” Ms. Facey has four biological children and seven biological grandchildren and a host of children and grandchildren that call her Nana or Auntie Marla.

###

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides care coordination services for more than 10,000 children and adults with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families. The mission of The Center is to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and meaningful community life. Visit www.coordinatingcenter.org for more information.

 

The Coordinating Center Appoints New Officers of the Board

Written by

Board Officers

Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce the appointment of four new Board Officers to The Center’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. James Karpook, incoming Chair of the Board, has served on The Center’s Board of Directors since 2011 and is currently a Principal at The Chartis Group, the nation’s largest healthcare advisory firm, and a leader in the firm’s Performance Practice. Carole Taylor, MBA, incoming Vice Chair, has served on The Center’s Board of Directors since 2015 and is presently Senior Vice President, Technology and Operations at The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. Carole is an IT leader with 20+ years’ experience managing all aspects of technology. Hillery Tsumba, incoming Secretary, has served on The Center’s Board of Directors since 2015 and is Director of Organizational Strategy at the Primary Care Coalition, responsible for the human resources, government relations, fundraising and business development, and communications functions within the organization. Scott Reifsnyder, incoming Treasurer, has served on The Center’s Board of Directors since 2020 and is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Nexterus, Inc., a fast growing, privately held supply chain engineering and technology company.

“We are so very fortunate to have James, Carole, Hillery and Scott on our Board,” said Teresa Titus Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President and CEO of The Center. “Each one of them provides our board with a unique background and perspective and I look forward to growing The Center with their expertise and guidance,” said Dr. Titus-Howard.

Mr. James Karpook has over 30 years of experience providing a wide range of advisory services to executive and physician leadership of hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, and provider organizations. Before joining The Chartis Group, Mr. Karpook was a Senior Partner with CSC and its predecessor, APM Management Consultants. Mr. Karpook is a recognized leader in the areas of operational and clinical performance improvement in hospitals and health systems and The Coordinating Center Appoints New Officers of the Board has authored several papers on performance transformation. He has presented on this topic at ACHE, the AHA Leadership Summit, AONE, the Pediatric Collaborative for Value-Based Care, OR Manager and NCHE. Mr. Karpook received his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia University in New York City.

Ms. Carole Taylor specializes in project management, technology adoption, databases/business intelligence, strategic planning, budgeting, and management. Ms. Taylor has a Bachelor of Science from Towson University, and an MBA from University of Baltimore. She states, “I have a lot of experience with children with disabilities in my personal life and have friends who are clients of The Center. I feel very connected to The Center, because of its mission and commitment to the community as a nonprofit. I’ve spent my career dedicated to helping not for profit organizations succeed.” Ms. Taylor is currently an officer for the Parents Association Board for Gateway School and is a volunteer for Cub Scout Pack 577.

Ms. Hillery Tsumba supports organizational growth and advances the mission of the Primary Care Coalition by working closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and senior executives to align operational activities with the strategic plan. Ms. Tsumba is a mission driven executive committed to strengthening organizations and the communities they serve. Interested in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development. Ms. Tsumba is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, has a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and African Studies from Hampshire College.

Mr. Scott Reifsnyder is a finance professional who has spent over 17 years as a mid-market CFO leading all facets of finance, accounting, human resources, legal and administration. He has a strong track record of setting fiscal policy, controlling costs, strategic planning for growth, budgeting, investment management and benefits administration. Mr. Reifsnyder has served on many Boards (both nonprofit and for profit) and has led Finance Committees over his 30-year career. Mr. Reifsnyder graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Washington Adventist University.

###

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides care coordination services for more than 10,000 children and adults with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families. The mission of The Center is to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and meaningful community life. Visit www.coordinatingcenter.org for more information.

 

VIPhysicians&Kids Expansion to Rural Maryland

Written by

Promoting Health Equity in Rural Maryland by expanding medical homes for children and youth with special health care needs.

Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce that is one of the 35 organizations selected by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) to receive grant funding this year. CHRC funding has enabled The Coordinating Center to expand VIPhysicians&Kids, its medical home and care coordination services program for children and youth with special health care needs, to rural Maryland.

“We know from our partner the Maryland Rural Health Association (MRHA), a nonprofit dedicated to education and advocacy for optimal health and wellness of rural communities, that there are significant gaps in health care access in rural Maryland, with the largest gap being pediatric specialists. This places a tremendous burden on the family to seek services outside of their community, with many children and youth being placed on wait lists,” said Karen Twigg, VP, Population Health and Director, VIPhysicians&Kids at The Coordinating Center. VIPhysicians&Kids will address these disparities by supporting families through the navigation and access of services, resources, and supports. “Critical to our success in Allegany and Caroline counties is our partnership with MRHA, who is helping us with outreach to rural health care centers and community-based services, including school-based health centers. I’m delighted to announce that we are in the process of onboarding Children’s Medical Group in Cumberland and the Choptank Community Health System on the Eastern Shore and plan to begin supporting their patients mid-August,” said Ms. Twigg.

“The CHRC is delighted to support the expansion of the VIPhysicians&Kids at The Coordinating Center,” commented Mark Luckner, CHRC Executive Director. “The program will expand access to much-needed pediatric specialty health services for at-risk and vulnerable children in rural jurisdictions throughout Maryland.”

ABOUT MARYLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCE COMMISSION
The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) was created by the Maryland General Assembly in 2005 to expand access to health care services in underserved communities in
Maryland. The CHRC is an independent commission operating within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), whose 11 members are appointed by the Governor. Since its inception, the CHRC has awarded 347 grants totaling $85.9 million, supporting programs in every jurisdiction of the state. These programs have collectively served more than 504,000 Marylanders, and grants awarded by the CHRC have enabled grantees to leverage $31.8 million in additional federal and private/non-profit resources.

ABOUT THE COORDINATING CENTER
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides care coordination services for more than 10,000 children and adults with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families. The mission of The Center is to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and meaningful community life Visit www.coordinatingcenter.org for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Media: Renée Dain, SVP, Strategic Partnerships; 410-987-1048, ext. 2350 or rdain@coordinatingcenter.org.
Program: Karen Twigg, VP, Population Health and Director, VIPhysicians&Kids; 410-987-1048 ext. 3590 or ktwigg@coordinatingcenter.org.

From Awareness to Acceptance: Autism Acceptance Month

Written by

In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first-ever annual National Autistic Children’s week, which later became known as Autism Acceptance Month, a nation wide effort to promote awareness and understanding for people with Autism. This year, the Autism Society of America, the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April 2021 with its “Celebrate Differences” campaign, as they join with other local, state, and national disability organizations to shift focus from awareness to acceptance.

This shift comes in response to the autism community feeling that acceptance is a growing need within the community as autistic individuals continue to face challenges when looking for employment, housing, and affordable health care.
The goal for Autism Acceptance Month per the Autism Society of America, is to “further increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms and opportunities through: information and referrals, events, printable and digital resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences.”

By shifting the focus, the goal is to promote acceptance and celebration of autistic people (many of whom prefer identity-first language to people-first language). According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s article on Autism Acceptance Month, “Autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and we can all create a world which values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds.” By focusing on acceptance, the goal is to improve support and opportunities across all aspects of life, including education, employment, and health care.

While every day is a celebration of autism for The Coordinating Center’s Autism Waiver Services Team, this month, the team will be meeting to discuss the importance of this shift, as well as to review perspectives from autistic persons about symbols, language, and inclusivity.

By Sheri Weissman
Director Autism Waiver Services
The Coordinating Center

Becoming START Certified

Written by

The START program model was established in 1988 by Dr. Joan B. Beasley and her team to provide community-based crisis intervention for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs. START is a comprehensive model of service supports that optimizes independence, treatment and community living. The model is person-centered, solutions-focused approach that employs positive psychology and other evidence-based practices.

In November 2020, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) announced its plans to implement a START pilot in the Central Region. The pilot aims to provide the development and implementation of a community based tertiary care crisis intervention for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health care needs. Training and technical support to be provided by the Center for START Services.

In January 2021, The Coordinating Center was selected by the DDA to participate in the 12-month pilot. The Center has three Supports Planners who are currently participating in six hours of START training per week with The Center for START Services. “We are delighted to be a part of this innovative pilot as there is a significant need for cross systems crisis prevention and intervention planning. Participation in START will enable The Center to better serve our constituents with IDD and behavioral health care needs,” said Dr. Pamula Mills, Director, Coordination of Community Services (CCS) at The Center.

CenterFlix Gala Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Written by

The Coordinating Center is pleased to announce that this year’s CenterFlix Gala Fundraiser will be held virtually on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CenterFlix will feature inspirational client stories, a live/silent auction, and optional catering. Join us from the comfort of your own home, as we celebrate the lives of people with disabilities and complex medical and social needs.

CenterFlix proceeds benefit The Center’s Family Resource Fund, which is used as a last resort when no other funding is available to support critical needs (i.e., rapid rehousing, home modifications and medical items not fully funded by Medicaid) and other items that can help improve a person’s quality of life (i.e., respite, summer camp, adaptive equipment and assistive technology).

To date we have raised a total of $82,000, which we could not have done without the help of all of our generous sponsors and donors. Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors:

To learn more about how to be apart our event and to purchase tickets please visit our website at the link below.

https://www.coordinatingcenter.org/centerflix/centerflix-2020-tickets/

Khuzaima Pirbhai CPA, MBA, FCCA, named Chief Financial Officer of The Coordinating Center

Written by

Millersville, Maryland—The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs, is excited to announce Khuzaima Pirbhai, CPA, MBA, FCCA, as its next Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Pirbhai joins The Center with 25+ years’ experience in accounting, finance, and management. Prior to joining The Center, he served as Laureate Education Inc.’s Executive Director of Strategic Finance, where he completed Strategic Acquisitions and Divestitures in excess of $7B and helped execute Laureate’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2017. During Mr. Pirbhai’s tenure at Laureate, he managed the budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning process, capital investment (Capital Expenditures and Mergers and Acquisitions) decision making process from development through board approval. Mr. Pirbhai established various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and analytics to support Laureate’s C-Suite and Board in decision making. Prior to Laureate, Mr. Pirbhai was the Director of Corporate Accounting at Autogrill Inc, where he led various technology implementation and process improvement projects. Throughout Mr. Pirbhai’s career, he has been fortunate to work for global companies like Best Western, KPMG and Ernst & Young. Mr. Pirbhai resides in Ellicott City Maryland, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

The Coordinating Center announces Pamula Mills, PhD, as its Director, Coordination of Community Services (CCS), a program of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Written by

Millersville – Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce that The Center is accepting referrals from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) Coordination of Community Services (CCS) Program in the Central and Southern Region of Maryland. The DDA is the primary State agency that funds community-based services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the CCS program enables participants and their families to gain access to critical resources and Medicaid Waiver services that encourage self-sufficiency, health and safety and real community participation.

Pamula Mills, PhD. joins The Coordinating Center as its new Director, Coordination of Community Services. Dr. Mills is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about mental health and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to coming to The Center, Dr. Mills was the Program Director of a nonprofit, Valentine Community Services in Washington, DC, responsible for the management of supported living, day habitation, and companion services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Mills is skilled in program development and execution, quality oversight, training, and compliance.

“We are thrilled to join the DDA community in providing CCS services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Coordinating Center is deeply committed to conflict-free case management services, person- and family-centered care, and its mission, which is to partner with our clients and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health and meaningful community life,” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President/CEO of The Coordinating Center.

The Coordinating Center is now licensed as a provider of Coordination of Community Services (CCS) for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Written by

Millersville – Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce that The Center is now accepting referrals from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) Coordination of Community Services (CCS) Program in the Central and Southern Region of Maryland. The DDA is the primary State agency that funds community-based services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the CCS program enables participants and their families to gain access to critical resources and Medicaid Waiver services that encourage self-sufficiency, health and safety and real community participation.

“We are thrilled to join the DDA community in providing CCS services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Coordinating Center is deeply committed to conflict-free case management services, person- and family-centered care, and its mission, which is to partner with our clients and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health and meaningful community life,” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President/CEO of The Coordinating Center.