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."
Marco Fernandez
Treasurer
Marco Fernandes, CPA, is a Principal in the Audit & Assurance practice at Sikich with nearly 20 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations and other mission-driven entities. He provides audit, accounting, and advisory services to organizations throughout the Washington metropolitan area, helping clients strengthen financial reporting, governance, internal controls, and operational effectiveness. Marco specializes in serving nonprofit organizations and works closely with boards, executive leadership teams, and finance committees to support transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Virginia. Marco earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and General Business from the University of Maryland, College Park.
"I serve on the MCF Board because every family deserves access to support, resources, and advocacy when facing mental health, substance use, or other behavioral health challenges. As a CPA and nonprofit advisor, I am honored to contribute my financial and governance experience to help strengthen MCF's mission and expand its impact for families across Maryland."
Kayla Innerfield
Secretary
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."
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."
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."
Prriti Narain
Member
Prriti Narain is a global human resources and transformation executive with more than 25 years of experience leading organizational change, talent strategy, leadership development, and culture across organizations including Google, MedStar Health, UNICEF, AkzoNobel, GSK, GE, and American Express. As a Maryland resident and parent, Prriti is committed to strengthening systems that help families feel heard, supported, and empowered. She holds an MBA from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management in Pune, India, and is an alumna of the Women on Boards executive education program at Harvard Business School.
“MCF is important to me because families should not have to navigate complex systems alone. I am honored to contribute my experience in leadership, organizational change, and governance to help strengthen MCF’s impact for families across Maryland.”
Ashley Seeley
Member
Ashley Seeley is an education professional and strategic leader who is passionate about listening to communities, driving academic excellence, and cultivating equitable, supportive environments where families can thrive. Currently serving as the Director of Academic Outcomes at Pearson, Ashley holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership and leverages her extensive background as a former classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, and product solutions director to partner directly with schools in achieving their academic outcomes.
Ashley brings significant non-profit governance experience to the Maryland Coalition of Families board, having previously served as the President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for OUT MetroWest, an organization dedicated to creating supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Known for her steady, thoughtful leadership style, she excels at navigating organizational change, balancing budgets, and ensuring that stakeholder voices and equitable culture remain at the center of strategic decisions.
“Throughout my career in education, I have seen firsthand how deeply a child's success is tied to the well-being and support of their entire family. MCF’s model of peer-led support provides the exact kind of empathy and practical guidance families need during overwhelming times, and I am thrilled to lend my strategic experience to help grow that vital impact.”
Ryan Beber
Member
Ryan Beber has dedicated more than a decade to education, serving students from pre-kindergarten through the university level. His career in private and independent schools has included teaching mathematics and Spanish, leading an international school as Director, and currently serving as Director of Finance and Operations at Saint Andrew's United Methodist Day School in Edgewater, Maryland. Throughout his career, Ryan has been committed to supporting students and families, helping connect those in need with resources while fostering learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. He holds two bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and educational leadership.
In addition to his work in education, Ryan has served in law enforcement, where he has responded to critical situations and worked closely with individuals and families during times of crisis. Drawing on experience in both education and public service, he brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership, combining operational expertise with a deep commitment to serving others. Ryan is passionate about strengthening organizations, supporting communities, and creating systems that enable students, families, and mission-driven institutions to thrive.
"Whether in the classroom or responding to a family in crisis as a law enforcement officer, I have learned that people need compassion as much as they need solutions. MCF ensures families never have to face behavioral health challenges alone, and I am honored to support an organization that brings hope, guidance, and advocacy to communities across Maryland."
