Meet Our Team
Ellen S. Platt, MEd, CRC, CCM
President & Certified Aging Life Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Ellen Platt is the founder and owner of The Option Group, LLC. She holds esteemed certifications as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Care Manager, and Aging Life Care Manager. With over 35 years of experience, she has provided care management, advocacy, placement, and care coordination services not only to those with catastrophic injuries, chronic diseases, and disabilities but also to minors and young adults with challenges such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and rare neurological disorders.
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, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Nurse Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Diana “DeeDee” Bycoffe has been a valued member of The Option Group team since January 2020, bringing with her more than 30 years of nursing experience. Throughout her career, DeeDee has worked in a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, interventional radiology, emergency care, wound and ostomy care, the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), and home health care. Her diverse clinical background gives her a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and the needs of her clients.
As a Nurse Care Manager, DeeDee finds great reward in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of long-term care planning. She has a special gift for supporting families through emotionally complex decisions and creating clear, actionable plans for the future. Her compassionate approach and problem-solving mindset ensure that clients feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Known for her dedication and resourcefulness, DeeDee lives by the motto: “If I don’t have the answer, I will find it for you.” Her unwavering commitment to client care and advocacy makes her an indispensable member of the care management team.
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 Manager, 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
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[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 working for The Option Group because she likes to help clients and families overcome challenges and be the best version of themselves!
Hannah Miller, RBT
Care Management Associate/Behavioral Analyst
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
Hannah Miller, RBT, joined The Option Group in August 2025 as a Care Management Associate/Behavioral Analyst. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), she brings hands-on experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, working with individuals on the autism spectrum to build and strengthen fundamental life skills for long-term success.
Currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, Hannah combines academic knowledge with real-world experience in job coaching, care management, and behavioral analysis. She is deeply committed to serving marginalized communities and is passionate about helping others—whether through one-on-one support or by connecting clients with the right services to meet their unique needs. Known for thriving in fast-paced environments and embracing complex challenges, Hannah excels in problem-solving and crisis management. She is a steady presence in her clients’ lives, offering reliable support and guidance whenever it’s needed. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending quality time with friends and family—and can often be found soaking up the sun at the beach.
Saniquah Salaam-Hardrick, MHS
Care Manager
DE: 302-858-6449
PA: 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899 / 215-896-6756
Saniquah Salaam-Hardrick, MHS, joined The Option Group in September 2025 as a Care Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, behavioral health, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and complex case management. She holds a Master of Health Science from Chatham University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University, grounding her work in evidence-based assessment and person-centered planning.
Her background includes expertise in regulatory compliance, interdisciplinary care coordination, and quality assurance within mission-driven organizations. Saniquah has built a strong track record supporting adults and older adults with a wide range of complex needs.
In her role, Saniquah conducts comprehensive assessments, develops and implements individualized care plans, and skillfully navigates Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care benefits to ensure safe transitions and optimal outcomes for clients and families. Her leadership experience encompasses team supervision, crisis intervention, staff training, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning, enabling her to elevate quality standards and ensure regulatory compliance consistently.
Saniquah is passionate about preserving dignity, promoting safety, and advocating for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with behavioral health needs—values intrinsic to The Option Group’s client-centered mission. She thrives in fast-paced, multi-site environments and is dedicated to clear communication, timely follow-through, and building collaborative partnerships that help each client achieve their highest level of independence and well-being.
Erica Wilhide
Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
Erica Wilhide joined The Option Group in September 2025 as a Care Manager. She brings more than 20 years of personal and professional experience in healthcare and advocacy. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and recently earned her certification in Patient Navigation from The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Drawing on this background, she is now focusing her career on her true passion: removing barriers, improving the care experience, and advocating to ensure individuals have access to the best possible care team.
Known for her deep compassion, resourcefulness, and ability to navigate complex challenges, Erica is a steady guide for clients, their families, and caregivers as they face difficult care journeys. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Erica is the proud mom of two boys. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, playing pickleball, designing furniture, fishing, and bird watching.
Michele Gillum
Vice President of Operations
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
With nearly 14 years of dedicated service at The Option Group, Michele Gillum has steadily grown within the organization to her current role as Vice President of Operations. In this capacity, she expertly manages and coordinates the company’s day-to-day activities, ensuring efficiency and precision across all departments.
Michele is deeply committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. She works closely with the entire team to ensure that clients receive the highest level of Care Management services. Reflecting on her experience, Michele shares:
“The Option Group is a great place to work. We have an amazing staff of Care Managers, a great marketing team, and awesome administrative support staff that all work collectively to provide the best Care Management services for our clients.”
Outside of work, Michele enjoys walking, playing games, and spending quality time with her family. She is especially thrilled to have recently welcomed her first grandchild, Emma Grace.
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.
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.
Michelle Tillman, MEd
88 Plan Liaison/Administrative Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Michelle Tillman joined The Option Group in September 2016 and is a compassionate client advocate for the 88 Plan benefit program. With her master’s degree in education and background in teaching, Michelle’s communication skills allow her to connect with clients and their families to ensure that their medical needs resulting from dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS diagnoses are addressed. She thrives on challenging cases and navigating obstacles to ensure that care is provided. Being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives is what underlies her commitment to our team at The Option Group. Outside of the office, she nurtures her creative side as a prolific sculptor and finds harmony through gardening and tending her herd of alpaca.
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.
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.
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.