The ESA Steering Committee includes self-advocates, family members, disability-related professionals, educators, and members of law enforcement.

Members serve as an advisory body to the MD Department of Disabilities (MDOD) and are responsible for overseeing the work of the Alliance including:

• Making recommendations on projects including allowable activities;

• Selecting entities to operate as the Alliance;

• Approving the budget; and

• Identifying expected outcomes

Steering Committee meetings are held via Zoom on the second Wednesday of even months from 10 am - 11:30 am and are open to the public. For previous meeting minutes and the link to the meeting, visit MDOD’s website here.

Members as of January 2024

Chair

Erica Wheeler, Self-Advocate

Appointed by Secretary of Disabilities: 

Patti Saylor, Parent

Elizabeth Benevides, Associate Director of Outreach, Hussman Foundation / Hussman Institute for Autism

Stephanie Dolamore, Deputy Director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

Amanda Mummert, Executive Director, Down Syndrome Association of Maryland

Kendall Foster, Advocate, Disability Rights Maryland

Ex officio: 

Carol A. Beatty, Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities

Stephanie Jones, Director of Innovation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland Department of Health

Robert Wagner, Training Director, Police & Correctional Training Commissions, Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services

Vacant, Maryland State Police

Staff: 

Jennifer Eastman, Director of Community Living Policy, MD Department of Disabilities