Maryland Coalition of Family's Board of Directors
Maryland Coalition of Families is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of at least 51% parents or caregivers of individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or problem gambling challenges. We are honored to have such a diverse, committed, and compassionate group of professionals supporting the organization through their board service.
The Maryland Coalition of Families is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors and help shape the future of family peer support in our state.
Laura Kimmel
Vice President
Laura is a strong leader who is passionate about ensuring that all Marylanders have equitable access to behavioral healthcare. By sharing her own mental health journey and experience as a parent navigating the public school system to make sure her child's needs are met, Laura works tirelessly to reduce stigma and have conversations that connect individuals to the right resources. She amplifies diverse voices from across the state in support of critical legislation related to behavioral health resulting in progress and protections for Maryland families. Laura worked for decades in the restaurant and hospitality industry and owns a local family business in product distribution.
"MCF is important to me because although my family's journey feels isolating at times, I know I am not alone. MCF has connected me to important resources to advocate for my child."
Mark A. Lancaster
Member
Mark A. Lancaster, Esq., General Counsel at Grassroots Analytics, Inc., a progressive technology company in Washington, DC, and Principal of Lancaster Law, LLC, a progressive legal consulting firm in Washington, DC, oversees a broad spectrum of legal domains including corporate law, labor and employment law, corporate governance, litigation, internal audit, mergers and acquisitions, corporate compliance, and regulatory compliance. Mark's professional background includes extensive experience providing real-time legal counsel to companies and organizations nationally and internationally and as a civil litigator, and as a civil rights advocate. All of which he faithfully brings to bear today for each of his clients.
He has direct experience advising federal, state, local candidates, campaigns, and state parties on state and federal campaign finance and election laws. He also advised non-profit organizations on formation, corporate governance issues, securing and maintaining tax-exempt status as either a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(4) from his time as an Associate with Sandler Reiff, a boutique political law firm in Washington, DC that focuses on advising clients involved in the business of politics. He continues to provide legal advice on a range of day-to-day personnel matters, such as employment agreements and policies, and counsels clients on harassment, disciplinary actions, labor management relations, workplace investigations, wrongful terminations, and employment discrimination issues.
Mark holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law (2013); and a B.S. from Morgan State University's Honors Program (2009).
Mark is licensed to practice law in Maryland (2013) and the District of Columbia (2019) and before the United States District Court of Maryland (2021) and United States District Court of the District of Columbia (2021).
"MCF is important to me because families in Maryland deserve the best."
Katherine Hunt
Member
Katherine Hunt is passionate about changing policies and practices to ensure equitable access to quality learning opportunities for all students. She is committed to reducing barriers to success of all kinds for families and communities. A Baltimore resident and mother of three young children, Katherine has dedicated her career as a strategist and communicator to efforts that support thriving and equitable school systems and that make education data more meaningful and actionable for families, educators, and policymakers. She is a partner at Collaborative Communications where she specializes in communications and consulting that advances education and learning for all. Katherine earned a bachelor of science degree in Culture and Politics from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. She also is an alumna of the Institute for Education Leadership’s Education Policy Fellowship program and Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research Strategic Data Project program for developing education data leaders.
"MCF provides essential and humane services and guidance that can fill dangerous gaps for families. The lived experience of family peer support specialists not only touches the lives of all the families MCF serves, it informs ongoing learning and critical advocacy to better support our communities."
Arlene Cabrera
Member
Arlene Cabrera is an Organizational Change Management leader with over 15 years of experience driving enterprise-wide initiatives. She is known for architecting and operationalizing multi-year change strategies that align with strategic priorities, foster leadership involvement, and build organizational resilience.
Arlene brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, coaching, and data-driven storytelling to empower leaders and teams through complex transformation. Her work has shaped talent strategies and delivered programs that elevate employee experience, strengthen learning and development, and increase workforce engagement.
Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Arlene believes every individual holds unique value and should be supported in unlocking their full potential. She is a trusted advisor and hands-on practitioner who inspires inclusive, purpose-driven cultures.
Arlene holds a Master’s in Organization Development and Change from Penn State University and certifications in Coaching (Human Capital Institute), Organization Development Consulting (Penn State), and Change Management (Prosci).
"Caring for loved ones with mental health, gambling, or substance abuse challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating without support. MCF is not only empowering families by sharing knowledge, resources, and guidance from Family Peer Support Specialists who have walked similar paths, it’s pouring hope and love into the community at the same time."
Kayla Innerfield
Member
Kayla Innerfield is an experienced leader with a passion for supporting families and children through advocacy, education, and connection. Drawing from her professional background in merchandising and strategic partnerships, and her personal experience as a parent navigating the school system and complex healthcare needs, Kayla brings a collaborative and compassionate perspective to the Maryland Coalition of Families board. During her recent career pause, she has focused on strengthening systems within her own family—cultivating communication, balance, and resilience—while deepening her understanding of behavioral health and pursuing growth that supports the well-being of others.
"Serving on the MCF board is deeply meaningful to me because it was the power of peer connection and support that guided me through my own family’s journey, and I want to help other families experience that same sense of understanding and empowerment."
Terry Cornish
Member
Terry Cornish is the Co-Founder and Chief Program Administrator of DMC Empowering Health Services, LLC and Make Every Moment Count, LLC. Terry matriculated through Edmondson Westside Senior High School receiving honors and continued her studies at Coppin State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal justice. Determined to reach higher, she attended graduate school Coppin State University and received her Master’s Degree in Human Services. Terry has a great passion for child and adolescent development and has made it her life’s mission to assist others with maximizing their potential. She has dedicated most of her adult life to serving the underserved and underprivileged population, which her passion comes from her personal experiences with mental health and substance abuse as a child. Terry is the true definition of resilient! Despite any obstacles or trials she’s faced, she has always pushed through for others with a smile on her face. Terry’s goal is to uplift, inspire, encourage, educate, and motivate as many people as she can in her daily travels and makes great efforts to brighten up the lives of others. Terry is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. She dedicates her time to others by participating in community service events with her organizations throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Her motto is “trust the process that God has us going through and believe that with prayer and dedication we will thrive.”
"I am passionate about supporting caregivers, who are often left out of the conversation surrounding care during and after traumatic life experiences or major life transitions. Caregivers are frequently viewed as the "strong" person—the one expected to hold everything together—without being given the space or permission to acknowledge when they are not okay.
That is why I wanted to be part of a team that recognizes caring for others should never come at the expense of caring for yourself. Supporting someone's well-being does not mean neglecting your own mental health. I believe caregivers deserve the same compassion, resources, and emotional support they so selflessly provide to others."
