Meet Our Team
Ellen S. Platt, MEd, CRC, CCM
President & Certified Aging Life Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Under her leadership, The Option Group has not only been a trailblazer in the senior industry but has also significantly impacted the lives of younger individuals requiring specialized attention. The firm has consistently collaborated with other leaders to ensure high-quality services are available, helping families navigate through intricate and emotionally charged situations.
Still as passionate as ever, Ms. Platt remains dedicated to broadening the spectrum of clients served by The Option Group. With an aim to address the evolving needs of clients from all age groups, The Option Group plans to introduce several innovative programs over the next two years. These programs are designed to ensure individuals lead the most enriching, functional lives possible, with safety, comfort, and dignity at the forefront.
Diana (DeeDee) Bycoffe, RN
Nurse Care Manager
[email protected]
Diana (DeeDee) Bycoffe is a nurse care manager and who has been with The Option Group since January of 2020. She really enjoys working with all clients and finds it rewarding when she can help families work on long term plans, sort through feelings that they have about a loved one who needs different choices, and then help them carry the plans through. Ms. Bycoffe has been a nurse for 25 years in numerous fields including cardiology, interventional radiology, the ER, the surgical intensive care unit, and home health care. If Ms. Bycoffe doesn’t have the answer, she will find it for you.
Samantha Morelock, MA
Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Samantha Morelock joined The Option Group in May of 2017. She has a Master’s degree in Counseling, with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. Her past clinical experience includes working with at-risk families doing both individual and family counseling. In her current position as a Care Management Associate, Samantha has gained valuable experience working with seniors, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with dementia. Samantha is passionate about preserving the dignity of every individual and is proud to be an advocate for each client’s care.
Jackie Tangires, LCSW-C
Certified Aging Life Care Manager
[email protected]
Jackie Tangires joined The Option Group in February of 2018. She earned her Certification in Case Management and is also a member of the Aging Life Care Association. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in different areas of health care. She worked in hospitals in Maryland, Michigan, Washington, and Hawaii. Prior to The Option Group, she worked with University of Maryland, Upper Chesapeake Health, where she provided Medical Case Management services and discharge planning services for orthopedic, neurological, and oncology patients. She belongs to the Academy of Certified Social Workers and is a member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers). Jackie enjoys her job at The Option Group because of the positive environment and the countless opportunities for growth.
Holly Layne, LPN
Nurse Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Holly Layne joined The Option Group in January 2025 as a Nurse Care Manager. She has been a nurse for 15 years and has tremendous experience in home health, hospice, and senior living. She passionately advocates for strategies that provide proactive options and resources for safe aging. Holly combines a strong clinical background with a BS in Healthcare Administration. She will complete her MBA in Healthcare Management in early 2025. Holly is dedicated to getting to know her clients as individuals, learning about their journeys, and providing support tailored to the needs of each family. Holly and her husband, Danny, live in Pennsylvania, raising a beautiful, blended family of five kids and two dogs. They love to travel and experience new things when they find spare time. Holly is also an all-star cheerleading coach and a swim mom.
Michele Gillum
Vice President of Operations
[email protected]
Michele Gillum has been with The Option Group since 2012. She manages and coordinates the daily operations of the company with impeccable attention to detail ensuring implementation of efficient operations. Michele strives to foster a collaborative work environment with the team to best address the needs of their clients. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, playing games, and spending time with family.
Steve Gale
Business Development Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Steve joined The Option Group team in June of 2023 and has been in senior living sales and marketing for his entire career and has built his foundation of doing right by the families we serve before anything else. I’m grateful to work with other families everyday who need assistance, but do not know where to turn. I love the creative process of figuring out new ways to come to solutions, knowing everybody’s situation is unique. Personally, being a father is the most rewarding thing I have the pleasure of doing. I’m a huge Baltimore sports fan and enjoy live music, summer beach vacations, and pool days in my free time.
Ariel S.
Intake Coordinator/Executive Assistant
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
Ariel S. is a compassionate and determined individual who joined The Option Group in February 2024 as an Intake Coordinator/Executive Assistant. With five years of experience in the legal field, Ariel decided to switch careers to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and connect them with the resources they need. Their passion for helping others is evident in their primary goal, which is to assist as many people as possible while upholding The Option Group’s mission. Ariel’s dedication to helping the community is unwavering, and they strive for greatness in their role. They are thrilled to bring their diverse skills and expertise to The Option Group and contribute to its noble cause.
Carol Conroy
Invoicing Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Carol joined the Option Group in April 2023 having spent many years in the Healthcare industry. She grew up in the Hamilton area of Baltimore City. She adores her three beautiful adult children and loves The Arts, entertainment, and cooking. Community Outreach is of great importance in Carol’s life and
she is looking forward to contributing to The Option Group team and mission.
Michelle Tillman, MEd
88 Plan Liaison/Administrative Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Michelle Tillman joined The Option Group in September of 2016. She has a professional background in education, having taught arts and special needs students of all ages, as well as assisting in the offices of the Maryland public school system. Michelle values the enthusiasm and dedication of the entire Option Group staff as they strive to help families navigate life’s challenges.
Allie Elliott
88 Plan Liaison/Administrative Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
A 2017 graduate of West Virginia University, Allie joined the Option Group in 2025. Her prior experience in marketing and communications, created a flexible skill set that crosses professions, and allows her to pivot and support the Option Group, accessing their network of resources to support the care management team and those they assist. She is a huge music fan and enjoys the creative expression performance artists bring to the live stage. She also enjoys video games, art festivals and exploring the regional food and wine scene.
Noel White
Community Outreach Liaison
[email protected]
Noel White joined The Option Group in February 2020. A graduate of Towson University, Mr. White has spent the bulk of his professional career working for The Chimes, Inc, The American Lung Association of Maryland, and sales and management for home health equipment and pharmaceutical companies. He is pleased to bring his experience to Ellen’s growing team and assist with connecting our message of expertise, professional resourcefulness, care, and hope to the community he is committed and honored to serve. Mr. White is married to Pastor Lisa Arrington and has two wonderful adult children.
Mary Jo Siebert, MS
ASK and ACES Owner and CEO
MD/Main Number: 410-967-0122
[email protected]
Mary Jo Siebert, a seasoned Educational Law consultant with a psychology background and over four decades of experience, has announced her merger with Ellen Platt of The Option Group, reinforcing their mission to offer a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals and family caregivers. With a career spanning services provided to children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and rare neurological disorders, Mary Jo’s alliance with The Option Group heralds a new era of holistic care.
Mary Jo brings a wealth of knowledge from her years at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and her ground-breaking work with ASK and ACES, LLC, her independent practice launched in 2003. The fusion of these organizations is set to transform how families and individuals can access disability care and services across Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Joyce McGuire
Intake Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-967-0122
[email protected]
Joyce McGuire joined ASK and ACES as an Intake Coordinator in September 2023. She brings extensive experience as she has worked as an Administrative Assistant in many industries. A resident of Baltimore County, MD, she has three children and six grandchildren. Joyce enjoys her family, people, the beach, and DIY projects. She is looking forward to being a part of The Option Group team, and especially helping locate the solutions for the many children who need advocacy and services.