My wife Barbara and I have been active in disability advocacy since our son Will was born with Down syndrome 23 years ago. We also have a daughter Bekkah whograduated from UMBC. We procrastinated on estate planning for years because we could not figure out who would be Will's advocate and care coordinator after we're gone. I think it's a problem nearly all families of people with disabilities have. So we were very happy to learn thatBy Their Sidecan fill that gap. I would like to helpBy Their Sideprosper, and to help other families learn about whatBy Their Sidecan do for them.

Background: I am a physicist with degrees from Harvard and University of California. I have worked for nearly forty years at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C., where I am currently one of a small number of senior scientists. I have managed a number of large programs, but I get my biggest thrill from working hands-on on basic science problems. I have served as chair of the Division of Plasma Physics of the American Physical Society, the national professional association in our field. I have served for many years on the board, as an officer, and as education chair of the Arc of Prince George's County. I am also a board member and Outreach Coordinator for Prince George's County Special Olympics. I am a lifelong tennis player and exercise enthusiast, and late in life I learned to play golf so I could play with Will; we both love it now. I'm an opera lover too.

As the mother of two daughters with severe disabilities and not wanting to leave the burden of watching over them to any family member when my husband and/or myself are no longer able to, I decided to get involved with the MTRC, now known as By Their Side. What better way to do that than to join the Board of Directors? It gives me great satisfaction helping where I can and doing my part to ensure this organization will be here when my girls need them.

Background: BA degree in Business Management from UMBC. Have worked 25 years with DoD as a Computer Scientist specializing in web development. Served on the Arc of AA Co. and the Arc of Maryland's Board of Directors, then joined the MTRC's Board. Served on the MTRC's Board for nine years and as Secretary for the past four. Married for 31 years to Joe. Hobbies are Arts and Crafts, Scrapbooking and Traveling.

Marsha first learned about MTRC, now known as By Their Side, when the agency she worked for was retained to do some assessments. She was so moved by the need for the services and impressed with the work and mission of the MTRC that a few years later (after she had left the agency) she joined the Board. She is now a psychotherapist with a private practice in Lutherville.

Background: Prior to her career as a psychotherapist, Marsha served as the Washington Vice President for a major U.S. corporation. In that capacity, she served on the Board of a non-profit organization, chaired several committees, and served on a number and variety of coalitions and organizations, large and small. Her prior organizational experience is coupled with her history of staffing and heading an office serving multiple divisions of a corporation and familiarizing her with budgeting and personnel issues as well.

Pat joined the Board in November 2008. She is President of Premium Energy Solutions and lives in the Crofton area. Pat is a member of the board of Chesapeake Neighbors Arc of Anne Arundel County. With her experience in Power Point presentations, Pat has chosen to join the board’s Public Relations Committee to help spread the word about our program.

Craig joined the Board in November 2008. He is with Summit Financial Services and previously was a program manager at an adult day program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Craig joined the board’s Finance Committee to help with decisions that will assure continued future services. Craig lives with his wife and children in Sykesville.

I joined the Board many years ago to plan for the life of my handicapped daughter, Christine. In the past I was very active in BARC.

Background: Retired in 1990 as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Harford Community College. One of my areas of expertise was training caregivers for the aged and handicapped.

I joinedthe Boardbecause in my law practice I regularly work with families with loved ones with special needs. I want to better understand the issues families face when planning for the future for family members with developmental disabilities.

Background: Colleen received her BS degree with Academic Honors from University of Maryland, College Park. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from The Catholic University of America. She is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar, the Estate and Trusts and Elder Law Sections of the Maryland Bar, and she was recently appointed to the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Mrs. Prosser is married to award-winning artist, Les Prosser, Jr. She has one son, Jake. The family enjoys camping. Colleen also enjoys the Arts and has a fondness for British culture.

I joined theBoard since I have two bothers who are developmentally disabled, and feel that I need to know what is available as service for them if something should happen to me.

Background. I have a master degree in Special Education from Rowan University (NJ). My undergraduate degree is in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education. I have worked in both the public and private school systems for special education, over the past 20 years. I recently have moved back to the Baltimore area to monitor my brothers programs, both day and residential.

Mark joined the Board in April 2009. Mark recently retired as a Vice President of Special Olympics, International and now actively volunteers for By Their Side and several other non-profits. Mark was on the faculty of the University Maryland, Dental School for 33 years and is Professor Emeritus. He and his wife, Marcia, live in Pikesville. We quickly put Mark to work on the board’s Membership Development and Education Committees. He and Martin were instrumental in getting By Their Side information to families at the Special Olympics in June.