Melissa Rosenberg – Executive Director
Melissa joined the HCAS staff in December 2016, a nonprofit specialist with over 15 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, community outreach and arts management. She works with the HCAS Board of Directors, volunteers and community partners to move the organization forward and offer additional opportunities for meaningful employment, independent living, friendships, arts experiences, social interactions, respect, inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Community Services, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts and the Howard County Local Children’s Board. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County.
Melissa received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County. Melissa and husband, Jim, live in Silver Spring. They have two grown children and a nephew with autism.
“It is an honor and a privilege to work each day within the autism community to support and uplift these amazing individuals, family members and professionals who reside in our community.”
Susanne joined the HCAS staff in June 2019 and ensures the smooth operation of HCAS’ day-to-day activities including volunteer coordination, fundraising and program management, information and referral, event support and member services. Previously Susanne worked with organizations affiliated with the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, serving on the marketing teams for The Meeting House, The Meeting House Gallery, and Columbia United Christian Church, developing websites and designing promotional materials. Prior to her non-profit endeavors, Susanne had the privilege of conducting neurophysiology research at the University of Maryland Baltimore and serving as adjunct faculty in the Health Sciences division at Howard Community College. Susanne has been a Columbia resident for more than 25 years by way of Australia and Michigan. She lives with her husband, her teen son who is on the autism spectrum, and a precocious teen golden doodle.
Beth is a longtime policy and educational advocate for individuals and families affected by autism and related disabilities. She serves as a consultant for HCAS, providing 1:1 special education consultation to parents of children with any disability in Howard County as part of our annual Community Service Partnership (CSP) Grant through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. She is a Past President of HCAS and is Associate Director of Autism Programs at the Hussman Foundation. Beth serves on a number of statewide workgroups devoted to programs, education, civil rights and policy affecting those with autism. She is an advisory member of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute, an appointed member of the Maryland Department of Disabilities Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates steering committee; and co-chair of the commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities in Howard county. She is a certified special education advocate and member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) Beth is mom to a 21-year-old son with autism.
