Aaron Atkinson, MSW serves as President and CEO of People Encouraging People (PEP), a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to promoting recovery, resilience, and independence for individuals seeking mental health support who have disabilities or otherwise disadvantaged.
At PEP, Aaron leads organizational strategy and operations in partnership with the Board of Directors, advancing the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. Prior to joining PEP in 2025, he served as CEO of The Arc Western Montana, where he led the organization’s rebrand from the Missoula Developmental Service Corporation (MDSC).
Aaron spent more than 21 years with The Arc Baltimore, serving in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Assistant Executive Director of Community Living. In that position, he oversaw a $20 million budget and services supporting more than 300 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I am honored and energized to join the Board of Directors of Maryland Inclusive Housing,” said Atkinson. “Accessible, affordable, and inclusive housing is a pathway to belonging, self-determination, and opportunity. I am excited to support this important mission and help advance a future where every person can thrive in a home and community of their choosing.”
“Aaron brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to community living,” said MIH Executive Director Tim Wiens. “I am excited about the experience and energy he will bring to the MIH Board.”
Atkinson earned a bachelor’s degree from Prescott College and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
Board Members
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Rachel London
Board Secretary
She is the Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, a statewide public policy and advocacy organization working to advance the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. Rachel has been with the Council for over 12 years, serving as the Director of Children & Family Policy and Deputy Director prior to becoming Executive Director. Rachel earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree from the University of Maryland. After law school, she was a staff attorney at…
Ande Kolp
Ande is the Executive Director of The Arc Maryland. Her career includes over 25 years of experience supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families. Prior to coming to The Arc Maryland in 2017, she was the Executive Director for Compass, Inc., a private non-profit organization specializing in Residential and Employment Services for people with co-occurring Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions living in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, and Charles Counties. Ande has served in different administrative capacities…
Clarissa Mitchell
An experienced leadership strategist who started her thirty-year career in the disability sector as a college recruit. Following her first position as a Direct Support Professional, she amassed leadership experience by leading Quality Assurance Departments at both the Kennedy Institute, Division of Catholic Charities and Ardmore Enterprises. Following her time in Quality Assurance, Clarissa become the Deputy Director of EPIC before promotion to its Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, as a member of the first inaugural class of the Non-Profit Roundtable…
Stephanie Terry
Has 35+ years as an expert Realtor, is also a Builder, Modular Home Specialist andProject Manager in Maryland, DC and nearby areas. Ms. Terry providesspecialized professional, responsive and attentive real estate services, whichinclude Commercial, Residential, land acquisition, real estate consulting, coachingand project management courses for fix & flip projects. As a staff member at theRealinvestors Academy, Stephanie teaches The Rehab 4 Success Course, whichshe created in 2009 and continues to develop the course as constructionelements evolve; including the application of…
Daphni Steffin
Daphni Steffin joined the MIH Board in July of 2022. Her career in the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) field began in 2006 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore as a student director of Best Buddies at Salisbury University. During her 10 years at The Arc Baltimore, Daphni initiated an Assistive Technology program and connected more than 500 people with various assistive technologies to support more independent living, learning, and working. She went on to serve as Chief Product Officer at iCareManager…
Allan Sheahen
Immediate Past President
He has worked in the ID/DD field of for 24 years with over 22 years at SCI. He has worked in several different capacities including enclave supervisor, case manager, quality assurance manager, and central region director.
Tracy Wright
Tracy Wright joined the MIH Board on July 1, 2023. She currently serves as the director of training at People On the Go. She is also the Life Enrichment Consultant for By Their Side Maryland, an advisory committee member and a trainer for Expectations Matter, My Life My Choice. Tracy formerly served as the voting advocate for Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) and as a lead trainer for People On the Go. After graduating from Maryland Partners in Policymaking, Tracy worked…
Michael Ferron, J.D.
Michael Ferron, J.D. joined the board on July 1, 2023 and will chair the Board’s Governance Committee. He is a lawyer and housing advocate with more than a decade of experience in real estate and public service. His professional and research interests focus on the intersection of race, housing and poverty. In 2022, Michael and his family moved to Prince George’s County from Indianapolis. Promoting total equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities is nothing new for Michael. Since…
Chris Knoerlein
Board Vice President
Chris Knoerlein joined the Board on July 1, 2023. He is the Director of Development and Communications for The Arc Baltimore, an MIH partner and agency that supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Before his 17 years there, he started his career as a residential treatment counselor at Catholic Charities’ Villa Maria for young boys with severe emotional disabilities. He was the Maryland Chapter President of the American…
Nick Burton
Board President
On July 1, Nick Burton, CEO of N. Burton Consulting LLC, became a new member of the Maryland Inclusive Housing Board of Directors. Nick has more than 24 years of experience working in the field of IDD, focusing on programmatic design, implementation and evaluation. They believe in the value of person-centered planning to ensure all people with disabilities can build a life that is important to them. Nick is committed to equity, equality, social justice and ensuring that people have…
Rick Callahan
Compass, Inc. Executive Director Rick Callahan will become a new member of the Maryland Inclusive Housing Board of Directors on July 1, 2024. Rick leads Compass, Inc. in its mission to offer comprehensive support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Rick is responsible for directing strategic initiatives, which encompass many services such as housing, community living, family support, employment services, and behavioral support. Compass is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and incorporating emerging technology to support people with IDD…
Ron Taylor
Board Treasurer
On July 1, Athelas Institute, Inc. CFO Ron Taylor began his new post as Board Treasurer of Maryland Inclusive Housing. As CFO of Athelas Institute, Inc., Ron serves an organization providing support services to adults with intellectual and developmental differences in the Washington/ Baltimore region. Prior to this current role, Ron spent 20 years consulting with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and CBRE, providing accounting and advisory services to global Fortune 100 companies in various business sectors. Additionally, Ron has also served as the Director…
Aaron Atkinson, LSW
Aaron Atkinson, MSW serves as President and CEO of People Encouraging People (PEP), a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to promoting recovery, resilience, and independence for individuals seeking mental health support who have disabilities or otherwise disadvantaged. At PEP, Aaron leads organizational strategy and operations in partnership with the Board of Directors, advancing the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. Prior to joining PEP in 2025, he served as CEO of The Arc Western Montana, where he led the organization’s rebrand from the…
Brian Silvea
Silvea joined the MIH Board after first connecting with the organization as a client. With MIH’s assistance, Brian secured affordable, accessible housing through Howard County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit program in 2024 and now lives independently in Laurel. An active disability advocate, Brian testified before state lawmakers during Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration budget hearings earlier this year, sharing how stable housing has transformed his life. “MIH helped me find a place of my own,” said Silvea. “As a member of…