Meet the Team
The Leadership Team
at Opportunities, Inc.
Robert Baynard
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Baynard
Chief Executive Officer
Rob is an experienced professional in the field of Developmental Disabilities Services. For over 17 years, he has continued to work tirelessly to help communities recognize the importance of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and to ensure widespread inclusivity. Rob has worked in direct support services, case management, quality assurance, and program oversight across the state of Maryland. In the last ten years, he has focused on services within the counties of Prince George and Montgomery. Currently, Rob serves as a Board member of the Maryland Association of Community Services. He Chairs the Prince George’s Provider Council, co-Chairs the Transition Workgroup of Montgomery County, and previously held an executive appointment to the Howard County Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities.
“Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring so much value to the communities where they live, and it is my hope to work to increase the community's awareness of this. I believe that everyone should be included and given opportunities to build skills and achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Here at Opportunities, Inc. I believe we are working to help the community recognize the impact that people with disabilities have.”
Netsanet Firew
Chief Finance Officer
Netsanet Firew
Chief Finance Officer
Netsanet is an experienced Accounting and Finance professional of over 10 years and has a strong background as Staff Accountant. Netsanet’s deep knowledge of both areas has allowed her to expertly support our organization’s objectives for almost three years.“Knowing that I am doing my part to help the people we serve is what I enjoy most about working at Opportunities Inc. Over the years, I have grown to love not just what I do, but also the company I proudly work for.”
Daphni Steffin
Chief Operating Officer
Daphni Steffin
Chief Operating Officer
Daphni Steffin joined the Opportunities Inc. leadership team in September 2023. Prior to that, she served as the organization's LTSS transition consultant, supporting the development of new service delivery models and business practices. She brings 16 years of experience in the Maryland IDD world, with a focus on program development, innovation, and technology. During her 10 years at The Arc Baltimore, Daphni initiated an Assistive Technology program and connected more than 500 people with different kinds of assistive technology to live, work and learn more independently. Most recently, Daphni held the position of Chief Product Officer at iCareManager (iCM), a software vendor for providers of long-term supports, where she led efforts to integrate with Maryland’s LTSS system and expanded the company’s size and reach across the nation. Daphni is certified in Assistive Technology through California State University. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Salisbury University, where she majored in Political Science & Philosophy, and led a chapter of Best Buddies. She has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and was awarded the Maryland Daily Record’s Leading Women Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH), and chairs the MIH Standing Committee.“I’ve enjoyed working closely with the Opportunities Inc. leadership team to support the agency’s LTSS go-live, and cannot wait to see what we are able to achieve together in the future! As Senior Director of Business Development, I am excited to help the organization grow. I bring an incredible passion about making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD), and strengthening the incredible organizations that support them, as well as a commitment to empowering people with IDD to live as independently and fully as possible.”
Erin Fig
Director of Quality Assurance and Training
Erin Fig
Director of Quality Assurance and Training
Erin holds a Masters of Art from GWU in Art Therapy, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist in the state of Maryland and a Board Certified Art Therapist. Previously, Erin worked as a Teaching Assistant for the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Austin, Texas for two years. She worked with children who were visually impaired or blind and diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was this experience that helped to solidify her career path. Erin’s background in Art Therapy has allowed her to create meaningful relationships with the people she serves by leveraging alternate forms of communication and using different mediums to connect and get a small glimpse into their world. Erin joined Opportunities Inc. over 10 years ago.“I enjoy the human to human connection that is integral to our work. It reminds me of what is most important in life and is very grounding. I also enjoy challenges and the ability to think creatively. This comes into play when designing services that will best support someone to achieve their goals.”
Kristin Nelson
Director of Agency Initiatives
Kristin Nelson
Director of Agency Initiatives
Kristin started working to improve the lives of adults with developmental disabilities in 2006. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from McDaniel College in 2010 and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2014. Kristin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and is a member of the Board of Directors for a Nonprofit her family started in 2017 which supports recovery centers, churches, people in recovery and their families. At Opportunities Inc. Kristin works to ensure all Human Resource needs are met. She oversees our agency’s Quality Assurance and staff training - to guarantee full compliance with all regulations set by the State of Maryland. In addition, Kristin engages in development projects with consultants to identify grants and processes for fundraising.“Kristin joined Opportunities Inc. in 2015 and her passion for helping others is a driving force.”
Beverly Powell
Director of Programs in Prince George's County
Beverly Powell
Director of Programs in Prince George’s County
Beverly has extensive knowledge and almost 30 years of experience working with various populations in the human services industry. She earned her degree from Bowie State University in Maryland after seeing the lack of resources and support for those in need. Beverly worked for more than 7 years as a fraud investigator for the State of Maryland’s Office of Inspector General and 7 years overseeing the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program protecting abused and neglected children and was one of few recipients of the Servant Leader Award across the 50 states. She also provided direct supports to adolescents, substance abusers, juvenile delinquents, sex offenders, teen mothers, and the homeless before joining the team at Opportunities, Inc in 2007 to work with and support those with I/DD.It is the relationship between two people that is most important. With that comes trust, respect, and responsibility. Without that, we have nothing. Max Lucado said it best – “Serve each other with love. The whole law is made complete in this one command.
Katharine Saulsbury
Director of Programs in Montgomery County
Katharine Saulsbury
Director of Programs in Montgomery County
Katharine obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and first ventured into the field of Human Services in 2013. She initially supported people in their recovery from substance abuse and collaborated with local recovery homes. In 2017, she began working in the IDD field. Throughout her tenure at Opportunities, Inc., Katharine has fulfilled various roles, including serving as a community staff member in Employment and Meaningful Day services, working as a case manager, and currently holding the position of Director of Programs for Montgomery County. These diverse experiences have significantly contributed to shaping Katharine's vision for how Opportunities, Inc. can impact the lives of the people we support. Katharine truly values the connections that she is able to make and finds deep fulfillment in the work she does day in and day out.
“Assisting people in recognizing their worth and experiencing the satisfaction of attaining their goals holds great significance for me. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to lead lives filled with passion, and I am thankful to be a part of positive change.”
Cassandra Coates
Director of Employment Services
Cassandra Coates
Director of Employment Services
Cassandra has over 37 years of experience serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). She began as an overnight counselor in residential care, then transitioned to a Day Program where she focused on building social and life skills. Eventually, she became an Employment Specialist, helping people find and maintain meaningful employment.
In 2003, Cassandra joined Opportunities, Inc. (Formerly ROI) as an Employment Specialist, continuing her work in facilitating employment. She also guided individuals transitioning from Day Programs to employment. Her dedication led to her promotion to Employment Services Manager in 2020, where she oversaw the entire Employment Services Department.
In 2024, Cassandra reached her pinnacle achievement, becoming the Director of Employment Services. This promotion highlights her commitment to serving individuals with IDD and advancing the organization's mission of inclusion and empowerment.
"My lifelong aim has been to provide wholehearted care, offer assistance wherever possible, and consistently exceed expectations for those deserving. It's my aspiration that this dedication shapes my lasting legacy."
OUR GOVERNING BODY
The Board of Directors
Tom Purcell, Secretary
Retired
David Fierst
Retired
Andrew Butler
Service Participant, NIH
Elizabeth Nardin
Special Education Teacher, MCPS
David Gundlach
National Institute of Science and Technology
Dylan Lewis
Head of Programing, The Motley Fool
Our Mission
Advocate for, empower and support full inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Vision
We envision inclusive communities where all are empowered to reach their full potential.