Our Team

Meet Our Compassionate & Expert Team

At Springboard Community Services, our compassionate and expert team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families across central Maryland. With specialists in behavioral health, case management, and housing services, we’re committed to meeting the unique needs of each client. Whether offering individual therapy, crisis intervention, or community outreach, our skilled professionals are here to empower and uplift, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need for long-term success and well-being.

Leadership

F.T. Burden, Chief Executive Officer

F.T. joined Springboard Community Services as the Chief Executive Officer in September of 2015. SCS is a 175-year-old private nonprofit that provides behavioral health, case management, and housing services to more than 10,000 individuals and families annually. SCS nationally accredited by CARF and licensed as an outpatient mental health center in Baltimore, City, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howar,d and Anne Arundel Counties. F.T.’s chief duties include leading fund and partnership development, cultivating the board of directors, and establishing the agency’s strategic direction and vision. Since joining SCS, he has led the organization through national accreditation and state licensing, launched a new sustainable earned income business model and expanded organizational partnerships, and developed an expanded family violence facility and shelter.

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F.T. has a passion for improving the well-being of vulnerable children, families, and the elderly through the provision of counseling, case management, and other support services to individuals and families in need.  He is committed to strengthening the position of SCS in the markets it currently serves while leading a talented professional staff to expand into new markets.  He demonstrates strong personal integrity and strategic leadership, with a proven track record in fundraising and resource development.  F.T. is skilled at forming and maintaining relationships with other nonprofit, business, and public sector leaders and responding to shifting community needs. His strong financial management and business acumen have increased access to services for many and have resulted in a quadrupling of the annual operating budget and organizational assets.

Prior to joining SCS, F.T. served as the President and CEO of AIDS Interfaith Residential Services/Empire Homes of Maryland for 15 years. AIRS/EHM provides supportive housing to individuals, families, and youth who are homeless and unstably housed. In his role, F.T. developed and managed hundreds of scattered site and congregate units across Baltimore City and County. Recent projects include Restoration Garden’s I &II and the Lillian Jones Apartments. F.T. has served on the boards of the Community Housing Association, Baltimore Homeless Youth Initiative, Journey Home, Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, and Chase Brexton Health Centers. He is currently serving as the Co-Lead for the Youth Homelessness Committee of the Mayor’s Children’s Cabinet and serving as a provider of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project grant.  He holds degrees and certifications from Southern Methodist University, Johns Hopkins University, and Harvard University.

 

Surbhi Seth, Chief Financial Officer

Surbhi Seth is the Chief Financial Officer at SCS, where she manages all aspects of the organizations’ financial, IT and HR operations. Prior to joining SCS in January 2019, Surbhi spent over ten years working in the not-for-profit social service sector. Surbhi has demonstrated experience in budgeting, analytical skills, strategic planning, accounting and grant management. Outside of work, Surbhi loves to travel, experiment in the kitchen and enjoys little art projects like pottery, beading and sketching.

Elise Bowman, Chief Strategy & Development Officer

Elise Bowman is a dedicated public health leader who joined Springboard in January 2025. Previously, she held key roles at the Baltimore City Health Department, where she led initiatives to advance health equity. Nationally, Elise has collaborated with health systems to design and implement programs addressing the social determinants of health. With a foundation in community mental health, she remains deeply committed to promoting equitable access to health resources.

Elana Bouldin, Chief Program Officer

Elana Bouldin joined the Springboard team after working in both clinical and administrative capacities at a local inpatient health system for the last seven years. She is a social worker by education but has found her niche in quality and compliance. Elana believes in a collaborative approach and that in order to provide quality care, all hands must be on deck. She has learned that her most effective way of advocating for our vulnerable populations is through analyzing and modifying systems and processes that directly or indirectly affect the provision of services.

Matthew Oliver, Director of Information Technology

Matthew Oliver is the Director of Information Technology at Springboard Community Services, where he has proudly served for 27 years. Matthew is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient IT support for both the staff who serve clients and the employees who support them. Outside of work, he enjoys playing pool, restoring old cars, and cheering on the Ravens and Orioles. Matthew is also a proud cat owner with two furry companions.

Dr. Adebowale Popoola, Medical Director

Dr. Adebowale Popoola has been the Medical Director of Springboard Community Services since 2020, leading mental health services across four Maryland counties. With prior roles at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown-affiliated Adventist Behavioral Health, he also runs his private practice, Healthcare Living for Families. Dr. Popoola is dedicated to improving lives through mental health care.

Nicole Jackman, Senior Director of Client Services

Nicole Jackman is the Senior Director of Client Services and has been with Springboard for six and half years. She brings over 20 years of experience that includes direct clinical care, training, and leadership. Nicole has a passion for supporting staff while developing effective programs that result in high-quality care for our communities.

Natasha Peterson, Director of Client Services – Baltimore City

Natasha Peterson has served as the Director of Client Services for the Baltimore City office since May 2021, where she oversees and supports the programs for behavioral health, case management, Foster Grandparents, housing, and youth services. As a licensed mental health clinician and board approved supervisor, she has dedicated her career to directly helping and advocating for underserved and marginalized individuals and communities.

Olivia Smith, Director of Client Services – Harford County

Olivia Woodward has Director of Client Services for 4 years, managing and supporting the behavioral health and case management programs in both clinical and administrative capacities. She has over 8 years of experience in the mental health field as a community-based therapist working with diverse populations of children and families that have experienced a variety of mental health challenges. She has a passion for leadership and is committed to supporting staff to ensure effective systems and client-centered care.

E. Ursula Young, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program

E. Ursula Young is the Director of Springboard’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) with over 25 years of experience addressing health disparities, disabilities, substance misuse, re-entry issues, child abuse/neglect, and psychiatric disabilities. For the past seven years, she has worked with psychiatric rehabilitation teams in Baltimore City and surrounding counties. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Ms. Young coordinates and manages services that empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and integration into the community.

TBD, Director of Client Services – Howard County

Learn more about this career opportunity here.

TBD, Director of Youth Services

Learn more about this career opportunity here.

Therapists & Intake Specialists

Tasha Byrd

Before earning her Master’s in Social Work, Tasha worked for over five years as a Re-entry Case Manager with the Carroll County Health Department, supporting forensically involved individuals with serious mental health and substance use disorders. She also co-chaired the Carroll County Suicide Prevention Coalition, advocating for community awareness and policy changes to prevent suicide. Tasha joined Springboard as a clinical intern during her Master’s program and became a full-time team member after earning her LMSW from Walden University in August 2023. While her primary focus has been working with priority population adults, Tasha also has experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients navigate crises and heal from trauma. In her free time, Tasha enjoys spending time with her children, loved ones, and her English Mastiff, Riggs.

Jocelyn Christian

Jocelyn Christian, LGPC is a dedicated Behavioral Health Clinician with a passion for helping individuals overcome personal challenges and improve their mental health and well-being.

Before joining our clinical team, Jocelyn worked as a Family Violence Case Manager at Springboard Community Services, where she supported survivors of intimate partner violence. This experience further honed her ability to create a safe, compassionate space for clients dealing with trauma.

Jocelyn takes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, art, play, and other therapeutic modalities to foster healing and self-discovery. 

Melissa Cougnet

Missy Cougnet is an LCPC at Springboard Community Services and has been a therapist there for nearly 4 years.  She has a background in substance abuse counseling and now specializes in treating children with problematic sexual behavior and individuals needing to process trauma.  In addition to seeing clients at SCS, Missy works part time as the therapist on staff at the CCAIC.  Missy is committed to her role in providing individual behavioral health services to those who are in need. 

Jake Dugan

Jacob Dugan is a graduate of University of Maryland, Baltimore’s School of Social Work. They hold LMSW licensure and utilize a trauma-informed, holistic, and collaborative approach to help clients meet their service goals. They have vast experience working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ populations, and works to assist clients with understanding, exploring, and valuing their unique identity.

Deanna Ferrell

Deanna Ferrell, MSW, LCSW-C has been providing behavioral/mental health services for over 35 years and has over 15 years of experience with Springboard Community Services specializing in trauma treatment. Deanna has worked in a variety of settings serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has experience in helping individuals and families cope with mood disorders, grief and loss, attention deficit disorders, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and behavioral challenges in addition to helping clients manage trauma responses.  Deanna uses a person centered approach, encouraging and supporting clients in identifying their strengths and developing strategies for using these strengths to achieve their goals.

Ilene Gallner Toller

Ilene S. Gallner Toller is a licensed clinical social worker/trauma therapist with over 40 years of experience.  She utilizes a client centered, strengths based approach to therapy.  She has training in EMDR, IFS, mindfulness and various expressive/somatic therapies. Continued learning and helping others is a passion. Ilene works part time at Springboard Community Services and has been with the agency for over 30 years. 

Haley Goyette

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Katrina Green

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Kelly Grimes-Acosta

Together, we can identify and create the change you need at this time in your life.

I help teens, adults, couples, and families build self-esteem and problem-solving skills. In individual therapy, I support clients in exploring their struggles and finding solutions.

I build meaningful connections through person-centered counseling. Together, we’ll identify your goals. I’m here to help you overcome obstacles in a safe space.

Franki Hooks

Franki Hooks, LGPC, is a Behavioral Health Clinician committed to helping people navigate life’s challenges and gain insight into their situations. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Franki integrates this powerful modality with psychodynamic interventions to support personal growth and transformation. By creating a support and nonjudgmental environment, Franki helps clients explore the root causes of their challenges, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work toward lasting change.

Cassandra Kimball

Cassandra Kimball is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 24 years of experience providing therapeutic support. She earned her education at Bowie State and Towson Universities and has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship concerns, and emotional regulation. Outside of her work, Cassandra enjoys traveling, is a selective eater, has a fondness for stingrays, and is currently learning how to draw. She is committed to helping clients find balance and resilience in their lives.

Sarah Kvech

Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from McDaniel College and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She uses an eclectic approach when working with clients to ensure that the individualized treatment meets the needs of each client. Sarah has also been trained in the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) and uses this brief evidence-based modality to work with children and families dealing with the effects of trauma. Sarah hopes to one day live in Europe and open an animal shelter. She has a passion for helping animals and loves spending time with her cat and two dogs.

Folasade Owolabi

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Jessica Rehrey

Jessica Rehrey is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and has been in the field of mental health counseling since 2010. Jessica received her CAC-AD in addiction counseling and became fully licensed as a licensed professional counselor in August 2016. Jessica has worked in different settings including hospital, outpatient mental health, and inpatient recovery centers. Jessica uses various therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person centered in her practice. She works with a wide range of individuals with her specialty being assisting teenagers in general and people who have dual diagnosis with mental health and substance addiction.

Jessica Sautter

Jessica Sautter is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Jessica is also Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and an EMDR trained therapist. Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Arizona in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Counseling, with an emphasis on Community Counseling, from the University of Phoenix. With more than 12 years of counseling experience, Jessica has acquired extensive knowledge in assisting children, adolescents, and adults with issues related to anxiety, mood, and trauma-related disorders. She also has extensive experience working with older and disabled adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Margaret Schmidt 

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Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith is the Behavioral Health Clinician at Springboard Community Services. Ashley is a social worker with over twenty years of educational, administrative, and human behavior experience. She provides comprehensive support for those facing diverse challenges and is committed to promoting resilience and advocating for their needs. She strives to enhance the well-being of individuals through an anti-racist and equitable lens.

Amanada Thompson

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Join Our Board of Directors

Springboard Community Services is actively seeking committed and compassionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. Our board members play a critical role in advocating for our mission, guiding our work, and ensuring we have the resources to continue serving those in need. We meet six times per year, and we’re looking for members with a focus on advocacy, who are eager to contribute to a committee, and who can bring fresh perspectives to our dedicated, inclusive team.

Interested? Submit a letter of interest and your resume to info@SCSmd.org. You can also contact our CEO, F.T. Burden, at 410-366-1980 for more information.

Have a Question?

Contact info@scsmd.org or
Call 410.366.1980

Board of Directors

Angela Dale, President

Angela H. Dale, Board President, is a writer and poet, with a focus on works for children. She is a graduate of Yale University and provided editorial consulting to non-profits for several decades before returning to her own writing. She is grateful to have served on the SCS Governing Board since 2013.

Kathy Poehler, Vice President

Kathy Poehler is retired from UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center where she served as the Vice President of Human Resources. Kathy holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and worked in Human Resources leadership for non-profit organizations for over 35 years. In her spare time she volunteers and is honored to be a member of SCS Board.

Charles Bacharach, Secretary

Chuck is Chair of the Employment Law practice at Gordon Feinblatt, LLC. He represents clients in a wide array of employment matters, including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wage claims, contract disputes, wrongful discharge, false claims act, defamation, and negligent misrepresentation actions. Chuck has served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for over a decade and brings years of human resources experience to the organization .

Bill Bennett, Assistant Secretary

Bill Bennett, Assistant Secreatary, has served on the governing board of SCS for over 15 years. Bill recently joined Brightview Senior Living as Vice President of Finance. His career has developed around the intersection of healthcare, real estate and finance, and he has held positions at Capital Funding Group, LaSalle Investment Management and Alex. Brown & Sons. Bill is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University.

Larry Pickett, Treasurer

Larry Pickett, Treasurer, has spent his 30+ year career in public accounting and banking. He is a graduate of Towson University, a CPA, remains active as a coach in track & field, and enjoys the outdoors. He is fortunate to have served on the SCS Board and Finance Committee for over 20 years.

Jorge Acevedo, Assistant Treasurer 

Jorge Acevedo, Assistant Treasurer, is the Senior Vice President, Innovation & Strategy – Constellation. His expertise in development and leadership provides a wealth of knowledge and support for the growth of Springboard Community Services.

John Allen

John A. Allen, a recent addition to the Board of Directors, is Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer for City First Bank, the largest minority-controlled bank in the U.S. With over 30 years of executive banking experience, John is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving on community-focused boards like DC Special Olympics and leading DEI initiatives. He is also the author of Built from Broken Pieces, a motivational book on resilience and overcoming life’s challenges.

Derrick Blackwell

Derrick Blackwell, Director, Management Accounting, Salon Americas & Salon USA at Kao USA, Inc. – As a new board member, Derrick’s leadership in financial management and accounting brings strategic financial oversight and operational expertise to the board. He is passionate about giving back to his community and championing the Central Maryland region.

Chris Dahl

Christopher Dahl has served on the Board of Directors since 2024. Chris is a Shareholder and litigation attorney in the Baltimore Office of Baker Donelson. Before law school, Chris had a public service background, serving for two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer supporting area nonprofits. Chris brings both of these skill sets and experiences to support Springboard’s mission.

Richard Gamper

Richard Gamper is a Partner and serves as the head of messaging at Brown Advisory. The messaging team supports the entirety of the firm’s internal and external content production and distribution efforts, and is responsible for managing the firm’s brand. Prior to this role, Richard served as an analyst for the chief executive officer and supported the firm’s strategic planning efforts. Richard also serves on the Board of Parks & People, Inc. and the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship Regional Selection Committee. His leadership on the SCS Marketing Committee supports Springboard in overall outreach efforts.

William Gerring

William Gering has been involved with Springboard Community Services (SCS) since the 1990s, starting on the Carroll County Advisory Board. In 2010, after joining M&T Bank, he assumed the organization’s board position, serving until his retirement from M&T’s trust division in 2020. Now semi-retired as an attorney, William remains dedicated to supporting SCS and its mission.

Joseph Hovermill

Joe Hovermill has served on the Board of Directors for nearly a decade and chairs the Finance Committee. A principal at Miles & Stockbridge P.C., he was the firm’s President and CEO for ten years. Joe also acts as director for History Associates, Inc. & serves on boards for Baltimore’s Downtown Partnership, and the Maryland Carey School of Law’s Board of Visitors. An active member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roland Park, he will serve as Treasurer on the vestry this year.

Alex Liberatore

Alex Liberatore joined the Board of Directors in 2023, contributing his financial and strategic expertise to the organization. He serves as Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager at CFG Bank, where he manages one of the bank’s largest portfolios and fosters strong client relationships. Alex also volunteers as Treasurer for St. John Lutheran Church, overseeing the budget and financial communications. He is passionate about supporting community-focused initiatives and promoting financial empowerment.

Keyshawn Moncrieffe, PhD

Keyshawn Moncrieffe joins the board with extensive experience in higher education administration. She holds certifications in research administration, compliance, and project management.

Keyshawn is dedicated to empowering systematically disadvantaged minorities and individuals with disabilities. She currently serves on the advisory board for the League of Disabled People and the board of directors at the Sankofa Children’s Museum.

Cheryl Moses

Cheryl Moses is a mental health professional with over 15 years of experience providing care to underserved populations. She specializes in crisis intervention, therapeutic counseling, and program development, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Cheryl has partnered with organizations like First Fruit Farms to bring resources to underserved communities and advocates for affordable housing solutions for low-income families.

Dr. M’bare N’Gom, PhD

M’baré N’gom has served on the Springboard Community Services Board of Directors since 2022. He is a professor and teacher specializing in Spanish, Latin American, and Francophone studies, as well as African and Latin American cinema. His passion for diversity, dedication to his work and serving his community brings a meaningful perspective to the board.

D.W. Wells Obrecht

D.W. Wells Obrecht is the owner of Obrecht Commercial Real Estate and a dedicated member of the Springboard Community Services Board of Directors since 1998. His passion for serving the community is evident through his long-standing commitment to supporting the organization’s mission. With decades of experience and leadership, Wells has played a vital role in advancing initiatives that uplift individuals and families in need.

Derrick Ollinger

Derrick Ollinger previously managed supply chain departments in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. After a decade of interest in personal finance and investing, Derrick retired and founded a money coaching business called Clear Mind Money, LLC. This appeals to his passion of teaching young professionals financial literacy, retirement planning, and investing, and doing it at an affordable one-time price. Further, he donates his service to those below a certain income threshold.

Brad Schwimmer

Bradley Schwimmer currently serves on the Board of Directors where he provides insight into program development. He is the current Training Director at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital for the psychology department. He is passionate about access to care and training future generations of psychologists.

Tammy Turner

Tammy Turner is the immediate Past President and General Counsel for Prince George’s County Public Schools. She has been a valued member of the Springboard Community Services Board of Directors since 2016, bringing her expertise and dedication to the organization’s mission. Tammy’s leadership and commitment to service have been instrumental in advancing programs that support individuals and families across the community.

Offered at These Locations

Baltimore City

4623 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
410-838-9000

Carroll County

7 Schoolhouse Avenue
Westminster, MD 21157
410-838-9000

Harford County

44 East Gordon Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-9000

Howard County

10451 Twin Rivers Road, Suite 100
Columbia, MD 21044
410-997-3557