About Us

Mary Bees

Executive Director

Mary Bees has a heart for service and has worked for many years within the Developmental Disability/Intellectual Disability community in various capacities in residential, vocational, school, and administrative settings. She has been instrumental in creating programming for the community, from lesson and plan development to organizing events to developing budgets. Mary is a passionate advocate for ensuring that the needs, goals, desires, and wants of Lifeline participants are met; her years of day-to-day direct service and provider-sector experience give her invaluable insight as Lifeline delivers its programs. Mary received an AAS in Human Services - Mental Health from Chesapeake College and her BSW from Salisbury University.

Denise Jones 

Vice president 

Ms. Jones is a  passionate certified personal fitness trainer who has been serving individuals with physical and developmental disabilities for over 5 years.  She has been an active participant in the disability community since childhood.  Denise learned American Sign Language (ASL) in elementary school and continued her ASL studies at Seton Hall University and Gallaudet University.  She obtained a B.A. in Communication from Seton Hall University. 

Andy Hackett
President

Mr. Hackett is Vice President and Manager of DC operations for Cogency Global.  Andy comes to Lifeline having experienced the joys and challenges of working with folks with developmental disabilities with a family member and close family friends.  He received the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award from Lifeline.

Maggie Angevine

Board Member

Ms. Angevine is the Public Relations Coordinator for the American Staffing Association, a nonprofit where she has worked since graduating college in 2022. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science. Maggie has had a strong passion for community service, involvement, and advocacy since high school.

Pastor Tom Knoll

Treasurer

Reverend Knoll is retired from ministry and previously served on the Pastoral staff of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Washington D.C.  He is a licensed and board certified social worker and was the Executive Director of Community Life Services, a parish based social service ministry, from 1982-2002.  He holds numerous board positions including with the Capital Area Asset Building Corp., Trinity Landholding Corporation, New Course Restaurant & Catering, and the Urban Alliance. He received a BA in Psychology/Sociology and Theology from Concordia College, an M.Div. from Christ Seminary and an MSW from St. Louis University.

Heather Paradise

Secretary

Ms. Paradise is a former Coast Guardpilot and non-profit administrator.  She is a member of First Trinity Lutheran Church and has enjoyed participating in Lifeline programming over the years.  She looks forward to working with the Lifeline community more fully as a board member. She received a BS in Electrical Engineering from the US Coast Guard Academy and a Graduate Certificate in Adult Education from University of the District of Columbia

Nick Deeds
Board member 

Nick is a UMD graduate with a degree in Business Marketing. He loves the outdoors whether it's hiking Harper's Ferry or taking his kayaks out on the pond he loves it all. Nick has grown up in Bethesda but loves exploring other parts of the DMV area especially Rockville where he attended school. He wants to use his degree to work in advertising or something in that realm.

Leroy Jackson
Board member 

Mr. Jackson is an adult with a developmental disability and a very active volunteer for various non profits in the DC area.  He is involved with the self-advocacy group Project ACTION!.

Cindy Shima Kauffman

Board Member

Cynthia (Cindy) Shima Kauffman is a seasoned professional withdecades of experience in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(I/DD) and a fervent advocate for inclusive, person-centered supportsystems. She is a proud recipient of being recognized as an ANCORLegacy Leader.Cindy has been a dedicated advocate for inclusive, person-centeredsupport systems. Her career was inspired by personal experience asa family member, motivating her to advance services that promoteautonomy and self-direction by individuals and families.As a Legacy Leader, Cindy’s passion is to support and nurture futureleaders in the field. Cindy leverages her expertise in curriculum designand educational instruction to develop innovative programs thatprioritize individual needs and aspirations.Cindy’s background includes direct support roles, government service,academic leadership at Maryland’s University Center for excellence inDevelopmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and executive positions at theCouncil on Quality and Leadership (CQL) where she contributed toaccreditation and business development. Cindy has cultivated awealth of knowledge and insights that enrich her contributions to thedisability community.

Sandra Jackson

Board Member

Ms. Jackson previously served at DC Advocacy Partners, a leadership training program for self advocates with disabilities and family members.  She has also been a volunteer at Special Olympics.  She has an adult sibling with developmental disabilities.

Alex Loux

Board Member

Alex is a combined degree student at George Washington University, where she is earning a Bachelor’s in Human Services and Social Justice (HSSJ) and History, with a minor in American Studies, along with a Master’s in Public Administration. She served  as and Events, Social Media, and Marketing Intern at Lifeline Partnership in Summers 2024 and 2025. Alex is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and in the future, she plans on pursuing a career in the human services field.

Susie King

Board Member

Ms. King worked with the District of Columbia Department of Human Service’s Family Services Administration in positions that included Social Science/Child Care Specialist, Contract Administrator and Policy Analyst. She received a BA degree in Sociology from Wilberforce University and a MA degree in Teaching from the University of the District of Columbia.  As the parent of an adult with developmental disabilities, she has been active with organizations such as DC Parents and Friends of Children with Special Needs, the DC Developmental Disabilities Council and the Inclusion Research Institute.

Michelle Moxley

Board Member

Michelle Moxley serves as a Senior Staff Accountant at Pusey, Hatter, & Associates LLC, where she has been a dedicated member of the firm for seven years. In this role, she specializes in payroll, taxes, and trusts, providing comprehensive financial guidance to clients. Michelle earned both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and her Master of Science in Accounting from Wilmington University. Originally from Washington, D.C., and raised in Maryland, she currently resides in Delaware with her husband.

Michael Mattison

Board Member

Michael (Mike) Mattison is a retired computer professional with theState of Maryland’s Judiciary Information Systems. Mike is a lifetime advocate for social justice and supporter of people considered vulnerable. In his advocacy, Mike believes that everyone should have the support to define and live lives of their choosing. Mike has a daily commitment to feed people, and he lives this ministry by cooking and organizing group efforts to provide meals for those who are struggling financially, emotionally, or otherwise might not have adequate food.Throughout his life, Mike had a commitment to people with disabilities and became a voice and advocate as he became immersed in the lives and challenges that people with disabilities often face. 

Jane Pinsky

Board Member

Jane Pinsky is an upcoming third-year student at American University, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Jewish Studies. Jane is from Deerfield, Illinois, and has experience in the nonprofit sector. She has a strong passion for fundraising and advocacy. In Summer 2024, Jane was an Events, Social Media, and Marketing Intern for Lifeline Partnership.

Tom Roschke

Board Member 

Mr. Roschke held positions primarily as a computer programmer and information analyst for a variety of companies and clients including the US Treasury, MCI Communications, SHL Systemhouse, Compuware, Inc, and the Federal National Mortgage Corporation.  He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in India. He received a BA in Liberal Arts from Concordia College, an MA in Psychology from Wake Forest University and an MA in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University. He served as Lifeline’s Treasurer from 2007 to 2019.

Crystal Thomas

Board Member 

Ms. Thomas is the Program Manager for the State Office of Policy, Planning and Innovation at the District of Columbia’s Department on Disability Services. Previously, she worked in Arlington County Department of Human Services for over ten years where she was responsible for development and implementation of policies and procedures, coordinating with partner agencies in the community and at the state and federal level, representing the agency at public meetings. Prior to joining Arlington County, Crystal had three years experience with an IDD provider in DC as the Director of Operations. Crystal began her human service career while she was still in college, as a youth counselor at the National Center for Children and Families. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park; a Master’s Degree in Human Sciences and Psychology from Hood College; and a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University.  

Erica Thomas

Board Member

Erica Thomas is the Education and Outreach Manager at RCM of Washington, with over 20 years of experience in the disability services field. She is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities, particularly in employment supports, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting overall wellness. Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the world through travel and new experiences.

Samayia Dixon

Summer Intern

​Samaiya is one of Lifeline Partnership's Social Media Summer Interns. She recently graduated from James Madison University and plans to continue her education at George Mason University, where she will pursue a Master's degree in Communication. During her internship, Samaiya looks forward to expanding her skills in social media, marketing, and public relations while collaborating with the Lifeline team and making a meaningful impact.

Judith VanOsdol

Reverend Board Member

The Rev. Judith VanOsdol is an ordained pastor in the ELCA, serving as the pastor of First Trinity since 2021. She previously served in parishes in Upstate and Metro New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Buenos Aires. She also served as Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop in the Upstate NY and Rocky Mountain synods. Pastor VanOsdol’s global mission service includes working in parish and synodical ministry in Argentina and as Program Director with the Latin American Council of Churches, forming ecumenical leadership teams with churches across Latin America to promote gender justice with a human rights focus. She later served as Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment for the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva, Switzerland. Rev. VanOsdol has published books together with other leaders of gender justice teams in Latin America and brings a passion for our shared baptismal call to live out our faith in daily life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and Linguistics and a Masters of Divinity (MDiv). She loves music and recharges by singing, walking, hiking, and exploring God’s gift of nature and the wonderful cultural offerings of Washington, DC.

Aisha Elnewishy

Summer Intern

Aisha is a communications student with a concentration in digital production. She is dedicated tocreating inclusive and engaging experiences for individuals with diverse abilities. With a stronginterest in communication, media, film, and community engagement, she seeks to use creativetools to foster connection and accessibility. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in mediaproduction and digital storytelling, creating impactful content that amplifies diverse voices andsupports meaningful community engagement.