Ande Kolp is the Executive Director of The Arc Maryland. Over three decades, Ande 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.
Arylon Brooks is the Director of Programs for The Arc Maryland. He has over a decade of experience working to advance the lives of others. His experience with non-profit organizations includes the Arc Northern Chesapeake Region and Service Coordination. Arylon specializes in case management and coordinating special projects. Arylon has been an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as their families for several years while participating in various events throughout Maryland. Arylon is a graduate of Frostburg State University and Strayer University.
Luc Chausse is the Director of Advocacy and Outreach for The Arc Maryland. Luc has been part of The Arc Maryland Team for just under three years, spearheading communications initiatives for the organization and ensuring technical quality control. He has a hand in the creation of email alerts, social media, and communications during the Maryland Legislative Session. Additionally, Luc is at the front line for The Arc Maryland’s events such as Legislative Calendar Day, DD Day at the Legislature, and their Annual Convention. Luc graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, where he focused his studies in marketing and management. He brings his energetic spirit to The Arc Maryland team, where he works towards a long and successful career in non-profits.
Sharon Dols is the Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships for The Arc Maryland. She 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 is the Director of Public Policy for The Arc Maryland. Mat 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.