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.
Stacy Alcide, RN
Certified Aging Life Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Stacy Alcide joined The Option Group in June of 2016 as a Nurse Care Manager. Most of her 22 years of nursing experience has been dedicated to caring for seniors, with a large part of her time spent in the long-term care field. One of Ms. Alcide’s favorite things about working at The Option Group is the experienced team that loves to collaborate to find beneficial outcomes. No two days are alike. She enjoys working with clients and assisting them with their individual needs.
Diana (DeeDee) Bycoffe, RN
Nurse Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[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 Associate
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.
Madison Wallace, RN
Nurse Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Madison Wallace, RN, joined The Option Group in July 2023 as a Nurse Care Manager. Her experience is in the emergency services line, as well as Medical/surgical, and she spent her college years volunteering in hospice care. She is a Maryland native from southern Maryland and moved to the Annapolis/Baltimore area shortly after college. She looks forward to contributing to The Option Group as a Care Manager and building relationships with families.
Katie Schmitz, RN
Certified Aging Life Care Manager
[email protected]
Katie Schmitz has been a certified nurse case manager for over 30 years. Her prior hospital experience was in rehabilitation. Over the past 8 years, Ms. Schmitz worked predominantly with catastrophic care coordination for multi-trauma injury diagnoses covering a 5-state territory that borders Maryland. Ms. Schmitz has worked on The Option Group assignments for several years and, since August 2019, has been a full-time member of the team.
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 her job at The Option Group because of the positive environment and the countless opportunities for growth.
Faith Patterson, PT
Certified Aging Life Care Manager
DE: 302-858-6449
[email protected]
Faith Patterson joined The Option Group in June of 2021 as a Care Manager in the New Castle Delaware area.
Faith has over 40 years of experience working in the health care field. As a Physical Therapist, she has worked in a rehabilitation center, home care setting, and as a Rehab Director in a Skilled Nursing Center. She most recently worked in healthcare marketing and sales for a Skilled Home Care and Hospice company.
Faith is returning to her passion for caring for clients to improve their quality of life. As a care manager, she will evaluate each client and meet their needs by locating appropriate resources. Advocacy is a big part of her job, and she relishes the opportunity to serve.
Faith is thrilled to be a part of The Option Group and make a positive difference in each person’s life.
Mary Jo Siebert
Director of Educational Advocacy and Training
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[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.
Jenna Carlson, BS
Educational Advocate Associate
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Jenna Carlson, BS, joined The Option Group in July 2023 as an Educational Advocate Associate. She graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and an Applied Adult Disability Studies minor. She has extensive experience working with clients diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and other health impairments. She also has knowledge of working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities placed in community care homes, getting them involved with the community, and ensuring their needs are met. Her background with disabilities began in childhood, from having one to being in classrooms with peers with different disabilities. She looks forward to developing a new generation in Special Education Advocacy and beyond and making a difference in the families and clients she supports.
Karen Sorensen
Certified Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Karen Sorensen proudly joined The Option Group in August of 2023. She is a Certified Care Manager, National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and a member of the Aging Life Care® Association since 2019. Karen’s background includes two decades working as an editor for major medical publications in the fields of emergency medicine, geriatric medicine, cardiology, cardiac surgery, and most recently, orthopaedic surgery. She served as a care coordinator and care manager for a Maryland-based home care agency for five years. No matter what stage of life, whether just graduating college, navigating parenthood, or entering your golden years, creating a life vision is beneficial and empowering. Revisiting and revising your vision is also impactful. Karen wants to help you identify your values and what’s meaningful and important to you, explore lifestyle changes you are ready to make supported by evidence-based research, and partner with you as you set goals and bring your vision to life. Outside of work, Karen loves spending time with her family and friends, running, walking her dog, and writing.
Joyce McGuire
Intake Coordinator
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Joyce McGuire joined the Option Group 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.
Keishya Fiore
Educational Advocate
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
kfiore @theoptiongroup.net
Keishya Fiore joined the Option Group in September 2023 as an Educational Advocate. She graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University with a Masters in Special Education. She has worked with students of all ages, from early childhood to early adulthood. Keishya has had the unique experience of working with students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) setting both here and abroad, working primarily with students from East Asia, West Africa, and Central America. She has also spent nearly a decade teaching world history and is actively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusivity within school communities. Keishya has also worked with students of various abilities, from those labeled “gifted and talented” to those with specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, speech and language disabilities, audio disabilities, and on the autism spectrum. She enjoys working with people and seeing the world from another’s perspective. She enjoys art, dance, foreign languages, and history. Keishya is excited about the opportunity to be a part of a positive change in her community.
Jacki Landsman
Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Jacki Landsman joined The Option Group as a Care Manager serving both Maryland and Delaware in April of 2023. Jacki has over 26 years of experience as a physical therapist across various care settings including acute care, acute & subacute rehabilitation, outpatient physical therapy, and home health. She has an extensive background working with geriatric patients and has treated and supported patients with severe, chronic diagnoses. Jacki’s care approach places high value on collaboration. She works closely with all members of the client’s multidisciplinary care team to develop personalized treatment approaches. Jacki applies a holistic wellness approach to deliver comprehensive care that fosters optimal outcomes for both her clients and their families. She cultivates strong relationships by building trust and working to truly understand what would best serve each client. From the beginning of her work with a client, Jacki’s focus is on thorough assessment of needs, communication, and improvement of quality of life.
Colleen Matulaitis
Care Manager
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Colleen Matulaitis joined The Option Group in June of 2023 as a Care Manager in the Southern Maryland and Southern Delaware areas. She has been a nurse/nurse practitioner on the eastern shore of Maryland for over 41 years, the last eight working in a primary care office. She has cared for many sick and aging family members and understands how challenging the role of caretaking for a loved one can be. As a lifelong medical professional, she has experienced the many changes and difficulties the medical community has experienced and how hard it can be to navigate this complex system. Colleen’s ultimate goal and passion is to provide excellent health care to the people in her community while easing the burden and frustration that getting quality healthcare can create.
Amy Vernon
Liaison
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Amy Vernon joined The Option Group in June of 2022 as a Liaison. She has over twenty years of experience in administrative work in several industries and at various levels. Amy moved to Baltimore from Minneapolis after college to be closer to family and began working in the administrative offices of Johns Hopkins Emergency Department supporting, at different times, the Clinical Director, the Director of Nursing, and the Director of Special Operations. She also coordinated the medical student rotations through the department each month. She then spent over ten years in the accounting industry before taking positions supporting the President of Loyola University and the CEO of a local non-profit focused on support and care of differently abled individuals. Amy’s career focus is centered on finding soul-satisfying work that allows her to help others and try to leave situations better than she found them.
Her position as a Liaison is as close to a match as she’s been looking for. Amy likes being surrounded by like-minded, caring individuals with the same intention. In her free time, Amy loves to cook, feed the birds, and garden.
Michele Gillum
Vice President of Operations
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[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.
Noel White
Community Outreach Liaison
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[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.
Laura Gately
Administrative Assistant
MD/Main Number: 410-667-0266
[email protected]
Laura Gately is from the Carroll County area and joined The Option Group as our Administrative Assistant in December of 2020. She has extensive experience in a variety of health care fields, working in the nursing home, hospital, psychiatric and residential rehabilitation and homeless outreach arenas.
One of her many strengths is the ability to build relationships with people of various backgrounds. She enjoys individual life stories as they are rich in perspective and wisdom. Laura especially likes that she is helping others navigate and resolve issues. In turn, it is her hope that each person feels peace of mind that their concerns are important and are being addressed.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys time at the beach with her family, and riding bikes on the NCR trail.
Carol Conroy
Administrative Assistant
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
Administrative Assistant
[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.