OUR TEAM
STAFF
Kim Schofield
Executive Director
Kim Schofield has been a passionate advocate for people with disabilities for over 27 years. Her journey began with advocating for her own daughter’s needs, working closely with teachers, doctors, and caregivers to improve quality of life for her family. Every solution she discovered, she eagerly shared with others, helping countless families navigate similar paths.
Kim currently serves as the Executive Director of the Spirit Club Foundation, where she brings her dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and community connection to the forefront. This role allows her to expand her lifelong mission of supporting people with disabilities and fostering wellness and belonging through adaptive fitness programming. Her leadership is grounded in real-world experience, fueled by compassion, and focused on impact.
She also proudly begins her second three-year term as President of the Alpha Kappa Phi Alumni Association at SUNY New Paltz, and serves as 1st Vice President of the Board of Directors for ArtStream, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the performing arts. She recently joined as a volunteer for Community Options' Standing Committee to support compliance within. She is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, in the state of Maryland 2024.
Kim’s advocacy recently extended to working alongside local delegates and county policymakers to help ensure that benefits for people with disabilities remain accessible and transparent, particularly during a time of difficult systemic changes. She continues to be a strong, trusted voice in protecting the rights and dignity of the disability community.
Throughout her life, Kim has taken on numerous leadership roles. She hosted community meetings, organized events, and built bridges among professionals, hobbyists, and the public. She led a Girl Scout troop for 15 years, guiding young girls through their formative years—all of whom attended college, including her daughter.
Kim was previously President and Acting Treasurer of the Capital Cichlid Association for four years and spent over a decade on the membership committee of a local business networking group, helping to vet new members and uphold professional standards.
She holds an AAS in Graphic Design and a BS in Fine Arts. Professionally, Kim has worked in sales and marketing, helping local businesses reach their audiences through print, digital, and social media strategies.
Kim brings relentless drive, compassion, and a can-do spirit to every endeavor. She never says no to a challenge—especially when it comes to making life better, fairer, and more connected for others.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Hoffmann | Communications Manager, Montgomery County's Office of Community Partnerships
Board President
Susan is the Communications Manager of Montgomery County's Office of Community Partnerships. She is the founding producer of the Silver Spring Jazz Festival, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, and producer of the Silver Spring Summer Concert Series. Before joining the Office of Community Partnerships, Susan worked on the redevelopment of downtown Silver Spring, serving as Marketing Manager in the Silver Spring Regional Center. Susan joined Montgomery County as a Legislative Liaison in the Office of Intergovernmental Relations working during the legislative sessions in Annapolis.
Susan is also the former Mayor of Rockville, Maryland. As a three-term member of the Rockville City Council, Susan was a leader in the redevelopment of Rockville’s Town Square and surrounding downtown.
In addition to the Spirit Club Foundation Board, and continuing her interest in public service, Susan has been active with many organizations over the years, and currently serves on the Judicial Inquiry Board of the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, and formerly served as President of the Jubilee Foundation Board of Directors, and Vice President of the D.C. Special Olympics Board.
Susan was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and is the recipient of the Betty Mae Kramer Community Service Award. She was president of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League and vice president of the Maryland Mayors Association. A graduate of Temple University, her Bachelor of Science degree is in Communications. She came to the DMV to work on the Capitol Hill staff of U.S. Representative Peter H. Kostmayer of Pennsylvania. She has lived in Montgomery County since 1978 and currently resides in Rockville. Susan is most proud of her daughter and son, and two grandsons.
Diane Yochelson | Realtor
Board Vice President
Diane is a real estate professional and certified coach with a passion for inclusive communities and wellness for all. She brings years of experience in both residential and commercial real estate, along with a background in public service and client advocacy. Known for her thoughtful, people-first approach, Diane is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence.
As a proud member of the Spirit Club Foundation board, Diane supports the organization’s mission to make fitness and wellness accessible to people of all abilities. She believes in the power of connection, inclusion, and community-based solutions.
Gary McPherson, ll | Senior Managing Partner, McPherson Financial Partners
Board Treasurer
Gary’s work in the financial industry spans 18 years. Today, he is the Senior Managing Partner of McPherson Financial Partners, LLC (MFP), a comprehensive financial services firm in Bethesda, Maryland.
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He also serves on the board of the Community Education Resource Group in Washington, D.C. Gary partners with AFEA, a North Carolina non-profit, to deliver financial education to the Bethesda community. Since 2014, Gary has volunteered and provided financial literacy to African American student-athletes and young adults with disabilities. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in financial planning from Towson University, Gary holds the following certifications: Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), and Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC).
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Gary and his wife, Amy, live in North Carolina with their two children.
Tigest Alemu | State Director of Maryland, Community Options, Inc.
Board Secretary
Tigest Alemu is the State Director of Maryland at Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit that develops housing and employment supports for people with disabilities
She has over 15 years of experience working in the adult disability services industry, with specific expertise in managing community engagement, quality assurance, and housing operations initiatives. Tigest previously served as the Director of Program Support services at the Jubilee Association of Maryland and as the Community Options Executive Director in Rockville.
Tigest was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Delaware, where her parents reside. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Baltimore and a Master's in Business Administration in Healthcare and Finance from Wilmington University. She is also a graduate of 2018 Leadership Montgomery's Emerging Leaders, a graduate of the University of Delaware's National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, and a certified interviewer for the Council on Quality and Leadership.
Tigest is a member of the National Black MBA Association of Washington, D.C. and Young Ethiopian Professionals.
Matt Lowe | Partner at Lowe Tillson Insurance
Board Member
Matt’s career has focused on risk management, financial protection, and
client relations. His career started in 2011 in sales of personal and commercial insurance products, and client retention/relations at Lowe-Tillson Insurance and Associates. Lowe-Tillson is a family-owned independent agency that has been based in Rockville since 1973. Given his success, his responsibilities and role in the company have grown to Co-Owner and Vice President. In addition to insurance sales, as a small business owner, his responsibilities have grown to include finances, human resources, project management and customer retention. He currently manages the insurance portfolios of over 1500 personal and business insurance clients both local and national. He brings with him extensive knowledge in risk management and a strong personal and professional network.
Matt graduated from Elon University with a BA in Philosophy. He has strong ties to the Maryland and Montgomery County community, having grown up in Darnestown. He runs his family business with his brother and lives in North Potomac with his wife and two daughters.
Sam Smith | Fitness Trainer, SPIRIT Club
Board Member
Sam Smith is a fitness trainer at SPIRIT Club. He holds a physical fitness certification from Berkshire Community College and is a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Sam has run six Marine Corps Marathons and one New York City Marathon. A proud man with autism, Sam has been working for SPIRIT Club since its inception.
Sam lives in Rockville, Maryland. In addition to being a fitness enthusiast, he is an avid musician.
Jared Ciner | Founder & Director, SPIRIT Club
Board Member
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Jared Ciner is SPIRIT Club’s Founder and Director. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified fitness trainer, and is certified by the Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to work with people of all abilities.
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Jared lives in Maryland, with his wife and three children.
David Godoy | Fitness Trainer, SPIRIT Club
Board Member
For over a decade, David has dedicated himself to serving as a front desk greeter and co-trainer, guiding individuals through various exercise routines. Additionally, David is proudly serving as a member of the Spirit Club Foundation board. David is delighted with the achievements we've made together. Through perseverance and commitment, seeing Spirit Club flourish and succeed. David is eager to continue contributing his best efforts moving forward.
Narisha Sookdeo | Vice President/Market Manager I - South West Market
Board Member
With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Narisha Sookdeo is a highly respected
financial leader specializing in Retail Banking, Small Business Banking, and Relationship
Management. As Vice President and Branch Manager, she is committed to building long-term
client relationships, delivering strategic financial guidance, and equipping individuals and
businesses with the knowledge necessary to achieve financial growth and stability.
Naisha’s expertise extends beyond banking; she prioritizes trust, education, and financial
empowerment, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of how to optimize their wealth and
enhance their business success. Her dedication to financial literacy is evident through her
involvement in community outreach initiatives, including back-to-school drives, food drives, and
financial education programs aimed at fostering economic resilience.
Her professional influence is further reinforced by her active participation in key business and
networking organizations, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development and
professional collaboration. As an active member of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of
Commerce, President and Board Member of 270 Networking, and a member of the Montgomery
Small Business Association, Narisha has built strong relationships with business leaders,
entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders. These affiliations allow her to engage in
meaningful partnerships, advocate for financial literacy, and contribute to initiatives that drive
both business growth and community impact.
Her extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to financial excellence and community
advancement position her as a respected figure in the banking industry and a valuable asset to
both clients and professional networks.
Christine Fleming | Fitness Enthusiast and Advocate
Board Member
Christine Fleming is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and advocate for inclusive opportunities for community members with disabilities. She holds a firm belief in the importance of continued education and growth — and accessible opportunities for both— throughout the lifespan for all humans.
Christine has a background in writing and editing, teaching, and exercise science, and holds degrees from Rutgers and Miami University. In recent years she taught yoga for SPIRIT Club, Sunshine Projects, and CorePower Yoga, and directed a dance program for young adults with disabilities. She has volunteered or coached for the Special Olympics since 1985. Recently, Christine embarked on the role of full-time support person for her daughter with Down syndrome. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County.
Christine lives in Bethesda with her husband, three children, one dog, and a yard full of beloved wildlife. She enjoys creative writing, music, movement of all kinds, and being outside. Christine looks forward to building connections and illuminating Spirit Club Foundation’s mission more broadly in the health and fitness community.
Robert Kercher | Division Director of the Pacific Division at Boston Beer Company
Board Member
Bob Kercher brings over a decade of leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry. He currently serves as Division Director of the Pacific Division at Boston Beer Company, where he oversees the sales function across nine states, leading a team of seventy employees and managing sixty-eight wholesalers. His division generates more than half a billion dollars in annual revenue. Since joining Boston Beer in 2012—one of the top five breweries in the United States—Bob has earned a reputation as a strategic leader with a strong focus on growth, sales execution, and team development. He holds an Executive MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland. Outside of work, Bob is passionate about fitness and community involvement, actively mentoring small businesses and supporting local fundraisers.
Gerard McDaniel | Business Banking Relationship Manager
Board Member
Gerard McDaniel, a native of Baltimore and a proud alumnus of Salisbury University, is dedicated to community service and fostering inclusive communities. Currently serving as a Business Banking Relationship Manager at PNC Bank, Gerard leverages his financial expertise to empower local businesses.
Gerard's commitment to community service is exemplified by his active involvement with the Spirit Club Foundation, where he has recently been appointed to the board. Inspired by the foundation's mission to provide fitness and wellness opportunities for individuals with disabilities, he has been a passionate volunteer, particularly during their annual Fall Fitness Festival.
Recognized as a champion for the cause, Gerard uses his network to strengthen and expand the foundation's impact, seeking partnerships to further its reach. At 37, Gerard brings youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a wealth of experience to the board. His background in business banking, combined with his dedication to community service and personal connection to the Spirit Club Foundation's mission, makes him a valuable addition to the board, where he continues to make a positive impact.