Staff

Rick Callahan, Executive Director 
rcallahan@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406

Rick joins Compass with 25 years senior leadership experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Prior to Compass, Rick was the Chief Operating Officer of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc-CCR), a private not for profit with an annual budget in excess of 40 million annually.  While at The Arc-CCR, Rick assisted in increasing the agency’s budget from 3 million to 42 million and as well as increasing the number of individuals served to close to 900 individuals annually.

As the Chief Operating Officer, he developed a partnership with Project SEARCH, a nationwide business led program in which Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS), the local public school system, and employment service providers collaborate to work with a local business to create real life work opportunities for individuals with I/DD. This partnership led to the development of the only Project Search sites in Anne Arundel County.  He also led the development of an adult based business led employment program called Helping Individuals Reach Employment Destinations (HIRED). Rick rebranded Chesapeake Neighbors (CN), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Arc-CCR. CN’s mission is to provide safe, affordable and quality homes to people of low income.

Rick is a graduate of three different Leadership programs; Leadership Anne Arundel, The Leadership Institute through The University of Delaware and The National Council of Executives Council through The Arc of the United States.  Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies with a Psychology minor from Penn State University.  He was recognized as The Division of Rehabilitative Services Innovator of the Year, The Arc of Anne Arundel County Outstanding Employee of the Year and The Arc of Maryland Outstanding Employee of the Year.  Rick has also been a member of Maryland Association of Community Service Public Policy, Employment First-Leadership, Rate Study Technical Work Group, Personal Support Work Group and Tier Standards Finance Committee.

Sue Cooper, Director of Finance 
scooper@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406 ext. 1133

Sue joined Compass in January 2016 as the Director of Finance.  She previously worked as Director of Finance at Opportunity Builders, Inc., another agency serving the developmentally disabled.

In addition, Sue has over 25 years of experience in financial and strategic consulting, working primarily with non-profit healthcare providers including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health hospitals and rehabilitation agencies. Past employers include KPMG and McBee Associates.

Sue holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from The Johns Hopkins University.

Jenoyce Lester, RN, 
Director of Health Services
jlester@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406 ext. 1118

Jenoyce has been with the agency since 2004 serving as Director of Health Services and a Delegating Nurse/Case Manager.  She previously worked as the Nurse Manager at Devereux Children’s Center in Washington, DC from 1999-2004, and has a broad range of experience from Med Surgical to Psychiatric Nursing.

Jenoyce is passionate about working in this community and enjoys supporting Individuals with Disabilities. Jenoyce holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Wilmington University.

Joan Whitney, Director of Human Resources
jwhitney@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406 ext. 1116

Joan has been the Director of Human Resources at Compass since 2009. She has over 30 years of
experience working for organizations that support individuals with disabilities. Starting out early in her career as a direct support staff she has also held positions in case management program management and administration.

Joan previously worked for United Cerebral Palsy of Washington DC (UCP) for 17 years. Her many roles there included serving as an Activities Coordinator, Director of Day Services and for six years as Director of Human Services.

Prior to working at UCP, Joan worked  for Georgetown University Child Development Ctr., Forest Haven project where she worked as a Case Manager and Administrator and assisted with outplacement and transition of adults with developmental disabilities to live in the community. Joan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Oberlin College.

Jessica Abrams, Co-Director of Community Living 
jabrams@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406

Compass is proud to announce the promotion of Jessica Abrams to Co-Director of Community Living. As Co-Director of Community Living, Jessica will work closely with Aina Horton to lead the residential services department. Jessica will ensure that individuals are accomplishing their personal goals and moving towards independence in their residential settings.

Jessica joined Compass in November 2007.  At that time, she served as a Program Coordinator, until she was promoted to a Program Administrator and most recently Interim Director of Community Living.  Over the years, Jessica has taken the opportunity to improve the quality of life for so many of our individuals. She is very much appreciated by the individuals’ whose lives she has touched. Jessica has displayed exemplary leadership and organizational skills throughout her career at Compass.

In addition to her work at Compass, Jessica has volunteered at Laurel Soup Kitchen and has participated in various volunteer activities through her church.  Jessica has over 10 years of experience in Case Management and has proven to be a strong leader and someone who is passionate about advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Jessica graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland with her Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

Aina Horton, Co-Director of Community Living 
ahorton@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406

It is with great pride that Compass announces the promotion of Aina Horton to Co-Director of Community Living. As Co-Director of Community Living, Aina will work closely with Jessica Abrams to lead the residential services department. Aina will ensure that individuals are accomplishing their personal goals and moving towards independence in their residential settings.

Aina has been with Compass, Inc. since 2011 when she started as a Residential Counselor and was quickly promoted to Program Coordinator. From 2012-2013 Aina trained new hires on core trainings. In August 2016, she was promoted to Program Administrator.

With 8 years of experience working with individuals with I/DD and mental health diagnoses Aina is brining tremendous knowledge to the position. Her previous experience includes working as a Case Worker/Manager in the field of Nonprofit and mental health.
Aina has a strong commitment to serving the needs of the disadvantaged population and is passionate about supporting them in meeting their goals and dreams.

Aina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino and a Master of Social Work from University of Maryland.

Ronnie Haskins, Director of Employment & Community Services
rhaskins@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406

Ronnie joined Compass, Inc. in January 2018 as the Director of Employment and Community Services. He previously worked for the Arc of Prince Georges County as Program Director, and helped lead their transformation from facility based to community based services. Ronnie has nearly 20 years of experience serving the intellectual and developmentally disabled population and has worked in a variety of capacities.

Ronnie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from George Mason University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Bowie State University. Ronnie enjoys coaching basketball, mentoring male students throughout the DMV area, and spending time with his family.

Deva Cherukury, Director of Communications and Development
dcherukury@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406 ext. 1108                                             

Deva Cherukury has always called the DMV area home. She studied Hearing and Speech Science at the University of Maryland, College Park and it was there that she cultivated a passion for helping individuals with developmental disabilities.  For years, she served families of the Maryland Autism Waiver and later worked with dually diagnosed individuals. Deva began working at Compass in 2015 as a Behavior Support Coordinator and was promoted to Behavior Support Administrator in 2016. Deva’s commitment to making a difference has led her to the world of Quality and Advancement.  In her free time, Deva enjoys Sunday morning hikes, teaching the youth at her church, and spending time with her family.  She also sponsors an amazing young lady in Uganda and hopes to meet her one day!

Jeff Althoff, Director of Quality Advancement
jalthoff@compassmaryland.org
301-625-2406 ext. 1113

Jeffrey “Jeff” Althoff has a long history supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His experiences provide him with a strong comprehension of high caliber leadership and communication from a person-centered approach. As Director of Quality Advancement, Jeff partners with program leaders in providing and managing Compass’ vision for advancement of progressive and meaningful supports as well as ensuring that Compass’ standards of care comply with DDA guidelines, COMAR regulations, federal, state and local laws.

Over the past decade, Jeff has held roles as Director of Human Resources and Director of Community Living at The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. In the decade prior, he began a life-long commitment as a foster parent to three siblings with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His early career also reflects the diversity of experiences he provides with roles as a Roommate, Behavior Specialist, Director of both residential and day services, as well as trainer and strategic planning consultant for provider agencies.

Jeff has been recognized for outstanding direct service to individuals with developmental disabilities by the Maryland Community Residential Services Coalition and successfully completed the Next Generation Leadership Symposium as part of the President of the United States’ Committee on Mental Retardation. He has demonstrated community leadership through his role as a Capital District Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International and as a Four Rivers District Boy Scout Scoutmaster of the Year award winner. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Baltimore and was a Graduate Assistant there for two years while completing 36 credit hours toward a Master of Public Administration degree.