Leadership and Boards
The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC) is supported by several groups of dedicated and highly-qualified people including over 200 skilled and caring teachers, therapists, psychologists, tutors, employment specialists, job coaches, administrators, and support staff. TLC’s staff work collaboratively to meet the multifaceted needs of our clients; we have a strong, caring team and our staff work tirelessly to make sure goals are achieved and progress is made. We utilize effective and proven techniques, with modern equipment, in an up-to-date and thoughtfully-planned facility. Welcome to TLC, a family of services where caring comes first.
Senior Leadership
The Senior Leadership Team consists of the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Program Directors for The Katherine Thomas Lower/Middle and High School Programs, and the Director of Clinical Programs. The role of the Senior Leadership Team is to oversee and make decisions for the organization, addressing strategic, operational, and any other issues that may impact organizational functioning. The team provides input to the Executive Director for organizational decision-making.
Patricia Ritter, PhD
Executive Director
Dr. Pat Ritter is the Executive Director of TLC–The Treatment and Learning Centers in Rockville, MD, whose mission is to improve lives and expand possibilities for individuals with disabilities throughout the lifespan. During her time at TLC, she has held various positions within the organization. She is a speech-language pathologist who began her tenure at TLC as the Director of Outpatient Speech and served as the Assistant Executive Director for 18 years before being appointed Executive Director in 2009.
During her tenure at TLC, Dr. Ritter has served as a vital member of the leadership decision-making team. Her key achievements at the organization include the development of the philosophy and model for The Katherine Thomas School (KTS), a special education school which she started in 1995. Dr. Ritter established highly regarded early childhood programs for neurodiverse children with sensory processing, language and developmental delays based on development models for early intervention. Over her career at TLC, Dr. Ritter has been an innovator for many programs that meet the evolving needs of the community.
Dr. Ritter is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She was honored by the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) with its Inspiring Dreams, Changing Lives Award. She was recognized with a “Women Making History Award” by the Montgomery County Commission for Women. She currently is a member of the MANSEF Board of Directors and served as president from 2013 to 2015. She is a graduate of the Leadership Montgomery Class of 2008. She has been on numerous professional and community boards and a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities to be fully included in the community.
Suellyn Sherwood, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Suellyn Sherwood has over 30 years of auditing and accounting experience in non-profit organizations as well as corporate and healthcare sectors. This multi-faceted work has taken place throughout the greater DC metro area and is marked by a sequential growth in management and accounting responsibility. Ms. Sherwood’s extensive experience has facilitated smooth progress into her role as Chief Financial Officer at The Treatment and Learning Centers.
Suellyn Sherwood earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Business Administration at Thiel College, in Greenville, Pennsylvania. She further attained her State of Maryland License as a Certified Public Accountant in May of 1989.
Rhona Schwartz, MA
Director, High School Program, The Katherine Thomas School
As an administrator and a classroom teacher, Ms. Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning disabilities. Ms. Schwartz has led the KTS High School Program and the development of its curriculum since its inception in 2004. Throughout her career, Ms. Schwartz has nurtured collaborative relationships with funding sources, institutions of higher education, and other community organizations and agencies to maintain a high-quality program.
Prior to joining KTS, Ms. Schwartz was the assistant head and director of tutoring at a special education private high school. Mrs. Schwartz earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.
Nicole Abera, PhD
Director, Lower and Middle School Programs, The Katherine Thomas School
Dr. Abera has worked with children with disabilities in various capacities since 2001. Prior to joining the KTS team, she spent several years teaching children with autism and language-based learning disabilities in public and private settings, developing curriculum, coaching teachers, overseeing special education and related services for a large public charter school district, and playing an instrumental role in opening a learning center for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities in Washington, DC. Dr. Abera is also an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at the University of Maryland at College Park, a Peer Reviewer for the Global Education Review, and a Fulbright Fellow in Ethiopia. Over the years, Dr. Abera has worked closely with families and school teams to create robust plans to meet students’ individual needs and has been dedicated to supporting school staff to teach students in the most effective ways.
Dr. Abera holds a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Maryland with a Master of Arts in International Training and Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders.
Brigid Baker, OTR/L
Director of Clinical Programs
Brigid brings over 20 years of occupational therapy experience to TLC. She has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, fine and visual motor delays, and sensory processing disorder. Ms. Baker has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient centers, schools, early intervention centers, and private practice. Ms. Baker has been in leadership positions for over 15 years, developing successful and innovative programs in the community. She is committed to providing training and support for families and teachers.
Ms. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. She is certified in Sensory Integration Theory and Treatment and in the administration of Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). Brigid is also certified in Therapeutic Listening Program and the Interactive Metronome.
President’s Message
It is an honor to serve as the 41st President of the Board of Trustees for The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC). I am excited to continue the important work of this leading-edge organization as we expand opportunities and improve the quality of life for individuals with different abilities across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.
TLC’s mission is deeply personal to so many of us. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication and compassion of our staff, volunteers, leadership, and broader community. Their commitment makes it possible for individuals of all abilities to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our journey from a church basement in 1950 to now serving over 2,000 individuals each year across three locations is a testament to our resilience, innovation, and community support. I would like to recognize and thank my predecessor, Sarah Garnett, for her exceptional leadership and helping solidify TLC’s role as a trusted and expert resource for families throughout the region.
As we look ahead, I am focused on ensuring that TLC remains responsive and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of our community. We will continue to foster collaboration, advocate for inclusion, and invest in the people and programs necessary to achieve our mission.
TLC’s success is made possible by a vibrant network of board members, staff, donors, volunteers, and partners—all of whom share a passion for making a positive impact. I am grateful to be part of this community of care, and I thank you for your continued support.
Together, we will ensure that TLC continues to thrive and deliver exceptional therapy, education, and employment services that empower individuals with different abilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
With gratitude,
Michael Chow
TLC President
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
Board of Trustees
The current Board of Trustees continues the legacy of leadership set forth by TLC’s first Board of Trustees in 1950 and the individuals who have followed over the past 70 plus years. The Board provides ongoing guidance and has helped TLC navigate significant transitions through the years to effectively respond to the growing and changing needs of our community.
Officers
Michael Chow
President
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
Julie Fernandes
Vice President
Rockefeller Family Fund
Joshua Phillips
Treasurer
Founders Bank
Bruce Arvand
Secretary
IBSS Corporation
Geoffrey S. Platnick
General Counsel
Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C.
Sarah Garnett
Past President
Guidehouse LLP
Patricia A. Ritter, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Board Member Emeritus
Barry Scher
Policy Solutions, Motley Scher Truitt, LLC
J. Richard Ward
Rockville Fuel and Feed
Trustees
Bruce Arvand
IBSS Corporation
David Bergman
Arnold & Porter (Retired)
Michael Chow
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Jessica Clear
Community Volunteer
Guy Copperthite
Transwestern
Julie Fernandes
Rockefeller Family Fund
Samantha Fraelich – Rohe
IntegriGen Wealth Management
Sarah Garnett
Guidehouse LLP
Peter Greif
Community Volunteer
Temitayo David Olanbiwonnu
Morgan Stanley
Joshua Phillips
Founders Bank
Geoffrey S. Platnick
Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C.
Corey Reinke
CohnReznick
Barbara Sable
Nexus Professional Risk, LLC
David Schek
Work Comp Staffing Solutions
Advisory Councils
Medical Advisory Council
This volunteer group of local physicians supports TLC with guidance on medical issues. We are honored to have the input and direction of this fine group as we develop new treatment options and services and analyze community needs.
- Karin M. Belsito, M.D., D.M.D. — Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Jeff Bernstein, M.D. — Pediatrician
- Liza Burns, M.D. — Pediatrician
- Lance Clawson, M.D. — Psychiatrist
- Giorgio Kulp, M.D., F.A.A.P. — Pediatrician
- Sonal Patel, M.D. — Pediatric Neurologist/Epileptologist
- Christine Saba, M.D. — Pediatrician
- Dan Shapiro, M.D. — Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician
- Paul Weiner, M.D. — Pediatrician
Consumer Advisory Council
Our Consumer Advisory Council is comprised of individuals and families who have experienced TLC services. This group provides feedback and suggestions that enhance our services.
- Michele Brammer
- Jess Cromeek
- Patrice Datovech
- Donalyn Gorham
- Ilana Jolson
- Lanre Oshodi
- Christy Phillips
- Monica Reaves
- Neleen Rubin
- Jennifer Shannon
- Willis Zhang
Business Advisory Council
The Business Advisory Council provides counsel to TLC’s Outcomes Service. Its members are employers or other individuals who have a commitment to employ individuals with disabilities. Its members work directly with the Executive Director and Outcomes Leadership Team.
- Zana Allen, Skookum
- Erika Bailey, CVS Manager, Workforce Initiatives
- Stacey Butler, CVS Health Regional Learning Center Manager/Workforce Initiatives
- Narbeli Galindo, Business Community Engagement Manager, Diversity and Inclusion – Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation
- Kaia Lenhart, GMMB
- Ashley Middleton, GMMB
- Andrew Pearson, Enterprise Mobility
- Dean Porter, Alliance/Mosaic Inc.
- David Schek, Work Comp Staffing Solutions
- Amy Swartz, University of Maryland, College Park