2024-2025 Board of Directors

Michael Allen, is the Chief Executive Officer of Therapeutic Connections, where is responsible for the day-to-day operations. He manages all intakes, markets and networks with referral sources, and manages all the billing and fiscal responsibilities.

Mr. Allen came to Baltimore in 1998 after graduating to start his career in the social work field. He initially worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Community Psychiatry Department as a Case Manager servicing homeless adults with behavioral health diagnosis. While at Johns Hopkins he applied for and was accepted into the University of Maryland School of Social Work (MACRO) where he completed his field placement at the University of Maryland Hospital, Shock Trauma Center. Mr. Allen became the Lead Social Worker at Shock Trauma Center in the Violence Intervention Program working with victims of interpersonal violence. 

Seeking a different social work experience, Mr. Allen ventured into an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where he worked as an Account Manager providing training, support and consultation services to small businesses, local, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Mr. Allen was recruited to then work at the US Department of Health and Human Services as a consultant with Federal Occupational Health administration providing workplace health and wellness services for federal agencies.

Wanting independence and the opportunity for unlimited experiences, Mr. Allen created MAZCAN Enterprises, LLC, a training and consulting business that provides clinical, workplace, health and wellness, and continuing education training. Mr. Allen was been able to build a customer base of corporations, universities and human service organizations locally and nationally. He later established Therapeutic Connections LLC to provide behavioral health services for adults and children in Howard County in 2016.

Rooted in Care: Social Work Alumnus' Journey to Nurturing Families and Futures
Join UMB Pulse Podcast hosts Charles Schelle, MS, and Dana Rampolla as they interview Michael Allen, MSW '03

Kathryn Zimmerman spent 20 years in a prior career as a healthcare administrator, with Adventist HealthCare in Montgomery County, MD. She loved having the opportunity to provide care to her community, but had what she calls “clinician envy.” Kathryn was drawn to the area of mental health, and believed that becoming a therapist was her true calling. She considers it an honor and privilege to be in an important conversation with clients about what really matters in their lives, and could not think of anything else she would rather be doing. Supporting clients in this way has become her daily motivation.

In 2020, Kathryn earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She has maintained her commitment to serving others in her Montgomery County community. While earning her MSW, Kathryn served as an outreach volunteer for the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program. Her first field placement was with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services, and her advanced field work as a DBT intern with Embark Behavioral Health in Cabin John, MD. She currently works as a therapist with Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) in Rockville, MD. Kathryn’s practice primarily focuses on providing individual therapy to adolescents and young adults. She also does family therapy, parent coaching, and co-facilitates a therapy group for teenage girls. Kathryn is a huge proponent of group therapy, which will continue to be a part of her practice. Her clients represents a wide range of cultural histories, socioeconomic backgrounds, and mental health challenges. Kathryn has been with JSSA for five months and due to the pandemic has been seeing her clients virtually. Although Kathryn is looking forward to meeting clients face-to-face, to her surprise, a virtual setting can support meaningful client connections and provide excellent telehealth care.

Kathryn currently serves as a member of the School of Social Work’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she is the first Shady Grove campus graduate

Shanda is a licensed Social Worker with clinical expertise who is committed to advancing vulnerable and oppressed communities. She has provided services to vulnerable individuals for over 20 years. She currently works as a Regional Community Life Director for The Community Builders -- a nationally recognized non - profit developer that owns, develops and manages affordable housing communities. In this role, Shanda is responsible for operational excellence in the Mid - Atlantic Region (MD, NY, DC, VA, and PA) and works to ensure the communities within her region move toward: economic mobility, community cohesion, reach generational milestones and have access to healthy housing, and family centered care and services. Shanda also has an extensive history in permanent supportive housing, homeless youth, foster care, and aging services.

Shanda is invested in supporting current and future Social Workers as they embark on their social work journeys. She is currently a Field Instructor for the University of MD School of Social Work where she has received the 2022 Field Instructor of the year award and also coaches Social Work students across the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Brittany Brendel, LCSW-C, graduated from University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2013, with a concentration in Clinical Social Work, Families and Children. While pursuing her MSW, Brittany was trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Strengthening Families Coping Resources (SFCR), and dedicated her time to learning the complexities of child welfare and intimate partner violence.

After graduation, Brittany worked as a school-based therapist in Baltimore City, before transitioning to her role as a Child Protective Services Social Worker with Baltimore County Department of Social Services, where she was trained in ChildFirst Forensic Interviewing. Brittany continues to work at Baltimore County DSS as a Family Preservation Supervisor.

Throughout her time with DSS, Brittany has advocated for both client and social worker rights. In 2017, she, along with two colleagues, spearheaded a successful statewide incentive to increase the pay of licensed child welfare social workers employed by the State of Maryland. In 2018, Brittany was awarded the Customer Service Excellence Award which is DHS recognition of employees who consistently perform their duties with competence, integrity and compassion. Also in 2018, Brittany received the Baltimore County Field Instructor of the Year award for her exemplary mentorship and instruction of a graduate-level social work intern. Further, she was selected for the DHS Leadership Development Initiative in 2023, and was awarded the Emerging Leader award upon completion of the program.

Brittany also works with The Sante Group - Baltimore County Crisis Response, in the 911 Call Center, as a call center clinician. The program is one of just a few similar programs in the country. Brittany’s role is to provide mental health assistance to Baltimore County residents who are seeking 911 assistance, in an attempt to divert police response from clients in a mental health crisis. When unable to divert police response, Brittany helps de-escalate the situation before emergency services arrive, so the situation is more calm and has less potential for tragic outcomes.

Throughout her social work career, Brittany plans to remain dedicated to continuously advocating for both clients and social workers.

Lauren Capel, LCSW-C is a zealous and influential leader with proven ability to make positive change within individuals and organizations. She is the Senior Director of Outpatient Mental Health Services at WIN Family Health. She is also co-owner of Keys of Hope Consultants LLC, a consulting agency that provides training, offers organizational and professional development, and strategic direction for organizational goals. Lauren is a well-rounded licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years’ experience in the field. She has expertise in providing trauma therapy and has provided an array of services to children, adults and families. She also is a strategic and clinical administrator. Lauren is an agent of change for individuals and an advocate for empowerment in communities and organizations. She coaches and mentors other clinicians in the field and is passionate about personal and professional development. In conjunction to her work functions and duties, Lauren is a field instructor for Master’s level

students and a board member of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Alumni Association. She is a trainer and speaker, where she is often asked to speak on issues related to trauma and mental wellness. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Management from Howard University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She resides in Baltimore, MD with her husband and two children.

Ozzie Elie, a graduate of University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2006 is President & CEO of O.R.E & Associates and serves as a Director for Marine & Family Programs supporting Military Families.   After graduating with an MSW and obtaining his LCSW-C, Ozzie went on to obtain additional Master Degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Healthcare Administration (MHA), and is certified as a Master Additions Counselor.  He is currently working towards is PhD in Psychology, which is expected to be conferred in 2023.

As a clinical Social Worker, Ozzie worked for the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center, where he was nominated for Social Worker of the Year.  Following his passion for helping others and his strong desire to support Military personnel and their families, Ozzie began working as the Deputy Service Chief for in-patient Behavioral Health and the Traumatic Brain Injury Unit at Walther Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  While working for the Naval Support Activity in Bethesda, Ozzie won Civilian of the Year for his work as the Director for the Navy’s Fleet and Family Programs. It was his work with military families and his passion for helping others that inspired him to take on leadership roles in the community. Ozzie served a youth mentor, and community activist while serving on the Board of Directors for a community-based organization.  

Mr. Fielding has worked in the human services field for over 25 years. He is a Baltimore native and a product of the Baltimore City Public School System. Fielding attended Morgan State University, where he declared a major in Social Work because it connected him to his passion for helping others. Mr. Fielding attained his bachelor’s degree in social work from Morgan State University in 2003. With an exceptional GPA, Mr. Fielding was eligible for the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s accelerated master’s degree program. Mr. Fielding enrolled in the accelerated program and attained his master’s in social work degree with a concentration in children and families in one year.

Mr. Fielding is currently the Co-founder and Program Director of Leading By Example, a mental health services and family strengthening institute that was founded in 2009. Leading By Example is a derivative of Mr. Fielding's passion for helping others and his ambition for business and leadership. Leading by Example provides a plethora of mental health and family-strengthening services to adults and youth in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Leading By Example has over 100 staff members and three offices, which are in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County. In addition, Leading By Example has two residential treatment facilities in Baltimore City.

Lisa Gudavich is a Program Director at St. Vincent’s Villa, where she has administrative and clinical oversight for the Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment program providing trauma informed assessments and treatment for children and their families. She has served as a field instructor for social work students through UMB SSW since the late 90’s.

Mrs. Gudavich came to Maryland after growing up in Western New York and then majoring in psychology at Bucknell University. Upon obtaining her MSW, she served first as unit therapist in their specialized girls’ sexual abuse treatment unit at St. Vincent’s Center as well as an outpatient therapist for several years through Catholic Charities. Subsequently, she held several management positions related to programming at St. Vincent’s Center (now St. Vincent’s Villa) such as Unit Director, Clinical Director, and providing oversight of the Child Safe Program, which delivered child abuse prevention programming to students to non-public schools in the Baltimore area.

Malaysia Harrell is a spiritual transformation coach, veteran, keynote speaker, and author who helps people find freedom and fulfillment. She is a distinguished leader whose dedication to public health has left an indelible mark on the United States Public Health Service and the United States Air Force. She had the honor of serving as the Special Assistant to the Surgeon General of the United States as well as the Director of Addictions Medicine for the Department of Defense. Malaysia was also appointed by the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and detailed to coordinate the White House Cross-Agency Priority Goals/Interagency Task Force initiatives to improve mental health outcomes for 9.6 million beneficiaries. She represented

the DoD as a member of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Treatment Committee and the Interagency Coordinated Council for Underage Drinking. CAPT Harrell's tenure at the White House further underscored her impact on public health policy.

After retiring after over 20 years of service, Malaysia Harrell embarked on a profound journey of healing and empowerment. Drawing from her personal experiences and deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Malaysia founded Blissful Life Consulting LLC. Her vision is to empower individuals and communities through transformative mindset coaching and holistic wellness practices. As a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified clinical social worker, Malaysia blends clinical expertise, spiritual wisdom and intuitive guidance to help women overcome their past trauma, heal their hurts and define their vision for their lives. With a mission to foster authenticity and resilience, Blissful Life Consulting is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools to lead fulfilling lives.

Malaysia Harrell, LCSW-C, LICSW, BCD, graduated from University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2002.

Claire Meltzer is a dedicated professional with a passion for making a positive impact. She embarked on her academic journey at Hofstra University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health. Building on her foundation, Claire pursued her master’s degree in Macro Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. With a profound understanding of program development and an unwavering focus on philanthropy, Claire harnesses her skills and expertise to catalyze transformative initiatives. Her professional background includes impactful roles at The American Heart Association and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, where she honed her ability to effect meaningful change through philanthropy. Claire's dedication to making a difference is ingrained in her very essence. Her favorite quote, "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together," encapsulates her belief in the power of collective action and collaboration. With this guiding principle, Claire continues to champion collaborative efforts aimed at fostering lasting, far-reaching impact.

Stephanie Johnson Pettaway, Adoption Consultant at Adoption Exchange Cooperation, began her career in public welfare in 1975 when she was hired in child welfare in the adoption unit at the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Stephanie has worked with children and birth, adoptive, foster and kin families through the adoption process. In 1982, Stephanie became a lead worker and supervisor of the treatment foster care and adoption program in Baltimore County Department of Social Services. This experience increased her knowledge of not only child welfare but also adoption.

In 1987, Stephanie was hired by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Social Services Administration as a licensing specialist. In this role she licensed and monitored child placing agencies as well as residential programs throughout Maryland.

Subsequently, Stephanie was promoted to Adoption Specialist, Adoption Manager and then to the Director of the Office of Child Welfare Policy and Practice, from which she retired June 30, 2008. During her tenure, Stephanie worked with the Association of Administrators Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and served on the Boards and as President of the Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance and National Association of State Adoption Programs.

She supervised the staff of the Maryland Adoption Resource Exchange and the adoption search contact and reunion programs. She has worked with the Maryland One Church, One Child Program from its inception. Stephanie was a member of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) adoption advisory committee and the Multicultural Advisory Committee for the National Resource Center for Adoption. Stephanie has been an approved consultant for the National Resource Center for Adoption and the National Resource Center for Diligent Recruitment at AdoptUSKids.

In January 2009, Stephanie joined AdoptUsKids as the National Recruitment Campaign Fulfillment Director. This is a great compliment to the work she has done over the years. It allows her to utilize all her previous experiences to work with persons from the states, territories and tribes as they work to place children in the forever families.

Stephanie is a very active church and community volunteer. Stephanie serves in her church in many positions. She is a certified Lay Servant and Lay Leader. She is also active in the following:

Presidents Committee, Morgan State University Fine Drawings Department 1997 - present, currently serving as Chair of the Committee

Harlem Park Metropolitan Community Development Association, Chair Board of Directors; 2017-present

Light Health and Wellness Comprehension Services and Child Care Program, member 2016, Secretary of Board of Directors, 2016-2019, Vice Chair 2019- present

University of Maryland School of Social Work Alumni Association Board, November 2019- present

Clinical Therapist for the CARE for Newcomers Program
Lutheran Social Services of the North Capital Area

Barbara Pulgar, LCSW-C, is a Clinical Therapist for the CARE for Newcomers Program at Lutheran Social Services of the North Capital Area.  Ms. Pulgar graduated from the University of MD School of Social Work in 2005 with a dual concentration: Children and Family-Clinical and Management and Community Organizing.  She has worked with children and adults providing bi-lingual mental health services in direct practice and for many years, in management since graduation.  She worked as a clinician and later as a Director of CORE Services at YMCA Youth and Family Services in Montgomery County, MD.  Later, she moved to Montgomery County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Silver Spring, MD where she provided therapy to uninsured children and adolescents in the area. In her current role, she is providing trauma informed care to asylum seekers involved in a monitoring program with ICE. 

Alan Shugart, retired, graduated from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Community Planning in Social Administration in 1976 after moving from Detroit in 1974.

Alan began his State of Maryland career at the Department of Human Resources working on the CETA program before joining the Department of Health and working in management and leadership positions for 26 years in Medicaid Systems and Operations. Selective accomplishments included directing the system implementations of State Medicaid program policy changes including mandatory managed care (HealthChoice) program and Medicaid Children’s Health Program expansion. He also directed the implementation of the required national standards for healthcare (HIPAA). Alan served nationally on the National Medicaid EDI Healthcare (NMEH) workgroup leadership team, the Medicaid Directors representative to CMS HCPCS workgroup and on the CMS Systems Technical Advisory Group as well as presenting at national Medicaid Enterprise System and HIPAA conferences.

Alan then went to work at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) where he worked in the Division of State Systems on improving State Medicaid Enterprise Systems and implementing HIPAA standards, Medicare Modernization Act and Medicare Coordination of Benefits.

Alan finished his career in the private sector working to replace and improve the Maryland Medicaid System and Operations and improving the company’s Medicaid Enterprise Systems solutions. Alan earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Alan lives in Timonium with his wife.

Nichole M. Wallace is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Nichole is a graduate of Coppin State University and the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Nichole is both a Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical and a Board Approved Supervisor by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Having over 30 years of experience working with family and children via direct care, training, and consultation services, Nichole is currently a Supervisory Program Specialist for the Health and Human Service’s Office of Refugee Resettlement in Washington, DC. In addition, she serves as the Clinical Supervisor for The Renaissance Center in Gwynn Oak, Maryland.

An advocate at heart, Nichole specializes in restoration, recovery, and reconciliation for those impacted by trauma associated with child maltreatment, domestic violence, and divorce and separation. She is also well trained in the areas of human trafficking and LGBQT. In 2021, she launched Rooted In Promise L.L.C. Rooted In Promise offers trauma-based training and consultation services for those seeking restoration from life’s adversities. She is also a featured writer in Straightening Her Crown Anthology.

Nichole considers all that she does as an opportunity to be the hands and feet that are used to equip others for change.