TLC October 2025 Special Edition E-Newsletter
MEET OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEET OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patricia Ritter, Ph.D. Executive Director
As The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC) celebrates 75 years and beyond of improving lives and expanding possibilities, we’re proud to spotlight the people who help guide our mission forward our dedicated Board of Trustees.
Each trustee brings unique professional experience and personal insight to their role, strengthening TLC through strategic leadership, ethical stewardship, and a shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Their guidance ensures that TLC continues to provide high-quality programs and services that make a lasting difference for children, adults, and families across our community.
In honor of this milestone, we’re featuring our Board of Trustee members whose dedication, expertise, and belief in TLC’s mission help shape our continued growth and success
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MichaelChow,President
PatriciaA.Ritter,Ph.D., ExecutiveDirector
BruceArvand*
DavidBergman
JessicaClear
GuyCopperthite
JulieFernandes*
SamanthaFraelich–Rohe
SarahGarnett*
PeterGreif
TemitayoDavidOlanbiwonnu
JoshuaPhillips*
GeoffreyS.Platnick*
BarbaraSable
DavidSchek
*TLCExecutiveCommittee
TLC is grateful to The Katherine Thomas School Parent Association for their support and dedication to our staff, students, and families
The TLC mission is to improve lives and expand possibilities for individuals with disabilities
MICHAEL CHOW PRESIDENT
Michael Chow serves as President of The Treatment and Learning Centers’ (TLC) Board of Trustees. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and proud graduate of the MoCo public school system, Michael has spent his professional career as an economist in Washington, D.C. His deep local roots and personal experiences have shaped his passion for advocacy and service.
As someone with a disability, Michael has dedicated much of his volunteer work to advancing opportunities and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities TLC’s mission to educate, treat, and empower people with a wide range of abilities is deeply personal to him.
In his role as Board President, Michael is honored to work alongside a dedicated team of leaders who share his commitment to building a community of belonging
“TLC does so much good for the community it serves,” he shares. “It’s an honor to contribute, even in a small way, to an organization that changes lives every day.”
BRUCE ARVAND
SECRETARY
As Secretary of TLC’s Executive Board, Bruce Arvand combines entrepreneurial vision with a deep sense of purpose. He and his wife, Sonya, co-founded IBSS Corporation more than three decades ago an environmental engineering, architecture, and cybersecurity company that now supports clients in 37 states. Under Bruce’s leadership, IBSS has embraced the B Corp philosophy of “business as a force for good.”
Bruce’s introduction to TLC came through his close friend and former Board member, Harinder Bawa, whose dedication inspired him to get involved.
Drawn to TLC’s mission and life-changing impact, Bruce joined the Board to give back to a community that has given him so much.
“As a first-generation immigrant, I feel blessed to have met mentors and friends who helped me grow,” Bruce shares. “My goal in serving with TLC is to pay that forward—to support education and job creation so others can build stable, meaningful lives.”
Bruce finds joy and purpose in helping TLC expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities through education, empowerment, and inclusion.
DAVID BERGMAN
David Bergman joined TLC’s Board of Trustees in 2025, bringing with him decades of legal expertise and a passion for service. A retired partner at the law firm Arnold & Porter, David practiced law for nearly thirty-five years, where he was known for his thoughtful counsel and strong ethical leadership. Though now retired, he continues to devote time to pro bono work, helping individuals and communities in need.
David was inspired to serve on the TLC Board after learning about the organization’s transformative impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. “TLC’s mission to improve lives and expand possibilities for those with disabilities resonates deeply with me,” he shares. “It’s inspiring to see how much dedication, care, and expertise go into supporting every client.”
Since joining, David has found great purpose in contributing to an organization that blends compassion with innovation. “The work TLC does truly changes lives,” he says. “I’m honored to play a small part in that effort.”
JESSICA CLEAR
As the mother of a former student at The Katherine Thomas School, Jessica Clear has experienced firsthand the impact of TLC’s programs on children and families. Her child’s growth and success nurtured by TLC’s caring professionals sparked a lasting commitment to the organization’s mission.
Jessica recently joined the TLC Board of Trustees to give back to the community that supported her family’s journey.
“Our family has witnessed incredible progress thanks to TLC,” she shares. “I believe it’s important to contribute to organizations that truly change lives, and TLC has done exactly that for us.”
In her Board role, Jessica brings a parent’s perspective, offering thoughtful input, enthusiasm, and action in areas that support children with disabilities. She is passionate about helping TLC continue to create environments where every individual can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
“TLC’s work matters deeply,” she says. “I’m honored to help advance a mission that gives so much hope to families like mine.”
GUY COPPERTHITE
Guy Copperthite brings extensive expertise in commercial real estate to the TLC Board of Trustees, where he proudly serves after more than a decade of involvement with the organization. As an advisor to tenants and landlords across the Mid-Atlantic region, Guy’s work spans leasing, sales, property management, and strategic planning.
For the past ten years, Guy has been a valued member of TLC’s Golf Classic Committee, helping to support one of the organization’s most successful annual fundraisers. His long-standing commitment and firsthand experience with TLC’s mission made joining the Board a natural next step.
“I’vebeeninvolvedwithTLCformany,manyyears,”Guysays. “WhenIwasinvitedtojointheBoard,Iwastrulyhonored.Ilook forwardtoworkingalongsidesuchdedicatedmembersand learningevenmoreabouttheincredibleworkTLCdoeseveryday.” Guy’sleadershipreflectshisbeliefthatcommunityserviceand professionalexpertisegohandinhandinbuildinglastingimpact.
JULIE FERNANDES
VICE PRESIDENT
Julie Fernandes is a civil rights attorney whose distinguished career spans leadership roles in government, advocacy, and philanthropy. Currently serving as Associate Director for Democracy at the Rockefeller Family Fund and Managing Director of the Democracy and Power Innovation Fund, Julie has also held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, the White House, and the Open Society Foundations.
Julie’s connection to TLC is both professional and deeply personal. Her son is a proud graduate of The Katherine Thomas High School, and her family has long been supported by TLC’s programs.
I’ve seen firsthand how TLC transforms the lives of individuals with disabilities,” Julie shares. “The organization has been an anchor for our family, and I feel privileged to give back through my service on the Board.”
As Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Julie brings a unique blend of strategic insight and advocacy experience to her role. “Serving on the Board has deepened my appreciation for how TLC supports individuals at every stage of their journey toward independence,” she says. “Its mission is powerful and its impact, profound.”
SAMANTHA FRAELICHROHE
Samantha Fraelich-Rohe is a Certified Financial Planner® Professional and Founding Partner of IntegriGEN Wealth Management in Rockville, Maryland. With over two decades of experience in the financial planning industry, Samantha has dedicated her career to helping clients make informed, values-based financial decisions that align with their long-term goals.
Her introduction to The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC) came through its Executive Director, Pat Ritter. After attending TLC’s Fall Luncheon and hearing stories of the lives changed through its programs, Samantha knew she wanted to be part of that mission. “The stories I heard that day were deeply moving,” she recalls. “I immediately felt called to use my skills to support TLC’s incredible work.”
Samantha joined the Board of Trustees in 2023 and serves on the Finance Committee, where her expertise helps ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability. “Being part of TLC allows me to make a meaningful impact using my professional knowledge,” she shares. “Without children of my own, I feel a great responsibility to contribute to causes that uplift others—and TLC does that every day.”
Outside of her professional life, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising, and exploring new places with her husband, Victor
SARAH GARNETT
PAST PRESIDENT
Sarah Garnett is a Partner at Guidehouse and leads the firm’s Federal Health practice, where she combines more than 20 years of healthcare transformation experience with a passion for public service. She holds a Master’s in Health Systems Administration from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Union College.
Sarah’s dedication to mission-driven organizations naturally drew her to The Treatment and Learning Centers, where she serves as Past President of the Board of Trustees. “TLC’s focus on improving lives through education, therapy, and inclusion aligns perfectly with my values,” she shares.
Throughout her leadership tenure, Sarah has helped strengthen TLC’s strategic vision and support its continued excellence in serving individuals with disabilities “Working with the TLC community has been incredibly inspiring,” she says. “The expertise and compassion of its staff create life-changing outcomes for those they serve.”
Sarah resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband, Eric, and their two sons, Conrad and Dean.
PETER GREIF
For Peter Greif, TLC’s mission is deeply personal. His family’s relationship with The Treatment and Learning Centers began in the early 1990s, when his daughter Laura attended TLC’s preschool for speech and language support. She later joined the inaugural kindergarten class at The Katherine Thomas School (KTS), where her communication skills and confidence flourished.
“TLC gave Laura the tools she needed to reach her potential,” Peter shares. “It also gave us, as parents, the understanding and encouragement we needed to support her.” That life-changing experience inspired Peter to join the Board of Trustees, where he has served for many years, offering his expertise in technology and data systems.
A former researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Peter spent his career developing computer models to better understand biological systems. He now applies his analytical and problem-solving skills to help TLC strengthen its programs and operations.
Peter remains grateful for TLC’s lasting impact on his family. “Serving on the Board is my way of giving back,” he says. “TLC’s professionals bring extraordinary skill and compassion to their work, and I’m proud to help support that.”
TEMITAYO DAVID OLANBIWONNU
David Olanbiwonnu is a strategic leader with expertise in operations, data analytics, and engineering. His career bridges multiple sectors including nonprofit initiatives, real estate, and capital markets where he has helped organizations build scalable systems and drive meaningful impact.
David joined TLC’s Board of Trustees to bring his skills and leadership to a mission that resonates with his personal values. “I believe leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential to community growth,” he says. “Serving on TLC’s Board allows me to contribute to initiatives that uplift others and strengthen our community.”
Since joining the Board, David has found the experience deeply rewarding. “I’ve gained exposure to diverse perspectives, strengthened my leadership skills, and expanded my understanding of what true service means,” he reflects. “Being part of TLC’s mission—to help individuals with disabilities achieve independence and confidence— has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.”
Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, David enjoys soccer and is a devoted Arsenal FC fan.
JOSHUA PHILLIPS
A lifelong Montgomery County resident, Josh Phillips joined TLC’s Board of Trustees in 2021 and currently serves as Treasurer. He brings more than 20 years of experience in local banking and finance, as well as a strong commitment to community service.
Josh’s connection to The Treatment and Learning Centers began through his family. His son, Tripp, is a student at The Katherine Thomas School, and his wife, Christy, serves on TLC’s Consumer Advisory Board. “As the parent of an autistic child, I know firsthand how vital TLC’s services are,” Josh explains. “When the opportunity arose to join the Board, I jumped at the chance to contribute.”
Through his service, Josh has gained a deep appreciation for the teamwork and dedication that fuel TLC’s mission.
“It takes so many people—staff, families, and community partners— all rowing in the same direction,” he says. “That collaboration is what makes TLC such a remarkable organization.”
In addition to his Board work, Josh serves on the Golf Committee and enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, birding, and watching hockey.
GEOFFREY PLATNICK
GENERAL COUNSEL
Geoffrey S. Platnick (“Geoff”) serves as Managing Partner at Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C., a law firm dedicated exclusively to family law in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. With a distinguished career that began as an Assistant Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Geoff is recognized for his skill in both litigation and mediation, guiding families through complex legal matters with compassion and integrity.
As General Counsel and member of the Board of Trustees at The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC), Geoff lends his expertise in law, governance, and strategy to strengthen the organization’s foundation. “I chose to serve on TLC’s Board because its mission—to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs through individualized care—closely aligns with my values of advocacy and service,” he shares.
Through his Board service, Geoff has gained a deep appreciation for the dedication of TLC’s staff and the far-reaching impact of its programs. “It’s rewarding to help shape policies that directly improve lives,” he says. “TLC’s commitment to excellence and compassion reflects what true advocacy looks like beyond the courtroom.”
BARBARA SABLE
Withadistinguished40-yearcareerinthe insuranceindustry,Barbara(“Barb”)Sable bringsawealthofexperienceandleadership totheTLCBoardofTrustees.Shehasserved asanexecutiveintwoU.S.-basedinsurance companiesandasanequitypartnerina nationalbrokeragefirm,specializingin programdevelopment,contractanalysis,and riskmanagementfordesignandconstruction professionals.
BarbhasbeenadedicatedvolunteerwithThe TreatmentandLearningCentersformore thanadecade,servingontheDevelopment Committee,theBoardofTrustees,andthe ExecutiveCommittee.“TLC’smission—to improvelivesandexpandpossibilitiesfor individualswithdisabilities—resonates deeplywithme,”sheshares.“It’saprivilege tosupportsuchacompassionateandhighimpactorganization.”
Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, Barb is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. She has trekked across all seven continents, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. She shares her love of adventure with her husband, Dr Craig Sable, a pediatric cardiologist and global health researcher.
“Whether through work, service, or exploration, I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries,” Barb says.
“That’s what TLC does every day helping people achieve more than they ever thought possible.”
DAVID SCHEK
Entrepreneur and philanthropist David Schek has built a career and a life around helping people succeed. In 1990, he founded a national hospitality staffing company, growing it into a $27 million enterprise before selling it in 2004. Soon after, he launched an insurance brokerage serving more than 400 staffing company clients nationwide.
David’s connection to TLC began when his daughter attended The Katherine Thomas School (KTS). The family was deeply moved by the care, expertise, and compassion they experienced. “We were so impressed by how KTS helped our daughter and supported every student,” David recalls. “After she graduated, we wanted to stay connected and give back.”
Today, David serves as a valued member of the TLC Board of Trustees, where his business acumen and heart for service make a lasting impact. “Being a Board member has been an exciting and rewarding experience,” he says. “It’s meaningful to be part of a team making decisions that directly help children and families thrive.”
