Ande Kolp | Executive Director
For over three decades, Ande Kolp has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in various positions within Maryland and Iowa. Ande holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa and a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a Concentration in Severe Disabilities from The Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining The Arc Maryland, she was the executive director for Compass, Inc.; a private non-profit organization, specializing in residential and employment supports for people with co-occurring I/DD and mental health conditions.
Luc Chausse |Director of Communications and Engagement
Luc Chausse spearheads communications initiatives for the organization and ensures technical quality control across the organization. Luc also manages statewide advocacy events like DD Day at the Legislature, Calendar Day, and The Arc Maryland’s Annual Convention. During Maryland’s Legislative Session, Luc supports Public Policy and Governmental Affairs initiatives to ensure our Grassroots Network is well versed on the latest updates in Annapolis. Luc also serves as The Arc Maryland’s contact for local chapters of The Arc across the state, co-facilitating MCE Leadership: The Arc, our premier Executive Leadership Training program. Luc graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2018, and has since been a member of The Arc Maryland.
Sharon Dols |Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships
Sharon Dols has worked for 15 years with Middle and High School students, developing dynamic outreach and social justice programs with a primary focus in service ministry. Her most recent position was at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn. Prior to making a lifestyle change to the non-profit sector, Sharon served in professional marketing and event planning roles in various Business-to-Business markets. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences from The University of Connecticut at Storrs.
Mat Rice | Director of Public Policy
Mat Rice has over a decade of experience working for disability advocacy organizations, including Shared Support Maryland and People On the Go of Maryland. He is a 2007 graduate of the Maryland School for the Blind and Parkville High School. Mat is now a staple in Annapolis, focusing his efforts on state legislation and public policy affecting the lives of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is the current chair of the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Quality Advisory Council, a board member of Maryland Works Inc., and a former board member of the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS). Outside of his lifelong self-advocacy, Mat enjoys public speaking, science-fiction, and various other pursuits.
Coni Nepomuceno | Project Manager
Coni Nepomuceno co-facilitates the Partners in Policymaking program along with other key programs for the Arc Maryland and events like DD Day at the Legislature. Coni serves as the Co-Chair for the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for Montgomery County Public Schools. Prior to joining The Arc Maryland, Coni served as a Parent Educator for The Parent’s Place of Maryland. Coni is a mom to two small children, one of whom is on the Autism spectrum. Coni turned the challenges of having a special needs child into triumph when she discovered her true passion for disability advocacy and has made it her life’s mission to advocate and help those living with disabilities and the families who support them.
Natalie Dohner |Project Manager
Natalie Dohner has a passion for supporting people with disabilities and their families as they navigate adult services after high school. Natalie co-facilitates the Partners in Policymaking program and plays an important role in our “Together We’re Better” inclusive schools initiative, sustainability activities, and special events. In her most last role as the Project SEARCH Manager at The Arc of Howard County, Natalie supported young adults with IDD along the path from school to work. Before working with transition-aged youth, she taught early learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a specialized program through the Howard County Public School System. She also spent many years facilitating The Arc of Howard County’s self-advocacy group, People Power. Natalie serves as a board member for the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Maryland chapter and advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.