Respite Care Ambassador Program
Maryland’s Respite Care Ambassador Training Program is building a statewide network of dedicated ambassadors ready to inspire, educate, and raise awareness about respite care. Discover how these leaders will champion caregiver support and strengthen communities across the state.
About the Program
The Respite Care Ambassador Training Program will kick off in January and run through March. Throughout the training, ambassadors will have opportunities to engage with both state and national partners, gaining access to the most up-to-date information on respite care. This collaborative learning experience is designed to ensure that new resources, best practices, and innovative strategies are brought back to the local level—complementing and enhancing the important work these ambassadors already lead within their communities, and ultimately ensuring that caregivers receive the rest and renewal they need to continue their vital work of caregiving.
Meet the Ambassadors
Charlene Trenum
Allegany County Health Department Community Health Nurse II
“I understand that respite is a necessity, not a luxury. My experience a caregiver to my parents has taught me that taking a break is essential for preventing caregiver burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. As an ambassador, I can effectively communicate this message to others. I know that when a caregiver is rested and healthy, they can provide better, more patient care for their loved one. My inspiration comes from wanting to improve the quality of life for both the caregiver and the care recipient.”
Amanda Woods
Cecil County Department of Community Services Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager
“Respite care plays a very important role in preventing caregiver burnout while still keeping loved ones safe. Caregivers typically think they can do everything on their own and are reluctant to reach out for help for fear of being judged. Helping caregivers feel comfortable enough to reach out when they need respite care is what inspires me to be a Respite Care Ambassador.”
Alondra Alvarado
Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence Service Coordination for Seniors
“I am excited to enhance the well-being of our community through the Respite Ambassador program. In my position, I connect older adults with important resources and services that have a positive impact on their lives. These resources help strengthen communities, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the aging population.”
Bevian Hensley
Garrett County Community Action Inc Operation Manager of Senior Advocacy Services
“Respite care helps families prioritize personal care—a crucial part of maintaining adequate care. I am inspired to be a Respite Ambassador after seeing the negative impacts that family caregiving had on my aunt and grandmother. My role in the community has shown me that so many people suffer from these impacts and respite care gives them the support they need to thrive.”
Kimberly Scott
Harford County Government Office on Aging Community Resources Coordinator
“Respite is important because it gives families breaks from care and helps them find balance to prevent burnout. I am excited to serve as a Respite Ambassador because I can use this knowledge to educate my community and expand our resources.”
Julia Stokes
Queen Anne’s County Area Agency on Aging, Maryland Access Point Coordinator
“I believe respite care is essential because it gives caregivers the chance to rest, recharge, and care for their own health. As a Respite Ambassador, I am inspired by the collaborative approach in creating a supportive community that uplifts families and caregivers.”
Anne Kaiser
Anne Arundel County Dept of Aging and Disabilities Respite Care Referral Program Coordinator
“We know people are happier when they can age in place, and we know how overloaded family caregivers can be. By offering more affordable and flexible home care options to the community, caregivers can get much-needed help for their loved ones and themselves. Caregivers are often taken for granted and not supported to the extent needed, so family caregivers—along with our dedicated, compassionate group of respite program workers—inspire me to be a part of this program and learn more with my peers.”
Holly Conley
Charles County Department of Community Services Long Term Care Coordinator with the Division of Aging
“I believe respite care plays a vital role in the success of the Senior Care and the Family Caregiver programs in keeping the frailest seniors in our community out of skilled nursing facilities for as long as possible. Respite Care can provide a much-needed break for overburdened caregivers to take care of their own needs. I am inspired to be a Respite Ambassador to give the residents of Charles County the most thorough and easily accessible information on available resources for respite care.”
Emily Leclercq
Howard County Maryland Access Point Program Manager
“As a Respite Ambassador, I hope to learn and advocate for the needs of our caregivers. Caregiving is demanding and both older adults and their caregivers need support. Respite care is vital for families as it provides our caregivers with the break they need to succeed.”
Anne Grove
St. Mary’s Department of Aging and Human Services Maryland Access Point Coordinator
“Respite Care is essential because it allows caregivers a chance to rest and prioritize other responsibilities. I believe it is necessary to assist caregivers with handling their own health needs by providing valuable resources and assistance. As a Respite Ambassador, I look forward to providing caregivers the opportunity to value other responsibilities by having their loved ones cared for.”
Kim Torsiello
Washington County Commission on Aging Senior Services Operating Supervisor
“Respite care is important because many caregivers are unaware of available resources and endure challenging demands daily. Many caregivers who are providing care to family may not know how to ask for help. Caregivers deserve support, and we must make efforts to provide these services.”
Precious Chase-Barnett
Baltimore City Health Department Family Caregivers Program Fellow
“I am a working professional and family caregiver, bringing both lived experience and expertise in caregiver well-being, user experience, digital inclusion, and accessibility. I believe respite is essential because caring for others draws energy from within us. Caregivers give so much—they deserve care in return. By providing respite, we create opportunities for caregivers to replenish, sustain, and nurture themselves. I am inspired to serve as a Respite Ambassador to champion a vision where respite is not just a moment, but a sustainable lifestyle for all caregivers, supported through creative and innovative approaches.”
Denise Valentine
Carroll County Division of Aging and Disabilities Senior Care Program and Caregiver Support Program Coordinator
“I am dedicated to supporting the well-being of caregivers and the loved ones they serve. Respite care is deeply important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is for caregivers to have time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves. Supporting families who give so much of themselves every day is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart. As a Respite Ambassador, I’m inspired by the strength and compassion of caregivers—and by the difference even a few hours of relief can make in restoring hope, energy, and balance in their lives.”
Nan Brittingham
Maryland Department of Disabilities Director of Constituent Services
Nan is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities across the state. With a profound commitment to public service and advocacy, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the voices of constituents are heard and that their needs are effectively addressed within the governmental framework. Her leadership underscores unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and accessible Maryland for all its residents.
Mary Anne Kane Breschi
Maryland Department of Health, Director of Family Supports at the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration
Mary Anne Kane Breschi is the parent and caregiver of a young woman with developmental disabilities. For more than 27 years, she has dedicated her career to supporting children, youth, adults, and older adults with developmental disabilities—and their families and caregivers—toward building inclusive communities where all people are engaged and have the opportunity to live lives of their choosing.
RaShaunda Bowman
Prince George’s County Options Counselor for Maryland Access Point
“As a Respite Ambassador, I am inspired by the resilience of caregivers and understand how respite care strengthens families. I am passionate about supporting caregivers through respite care, and I hope to advocate for greater awareness and access to resources for the community.”
Lisa Marie Berry
St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services Program Coordinator
“I have worked in the Human Services field for almost thirty years and am passionate about mental health and well-being. I am driven to improve the quality of life of people through not only resources, but also advocacy. Providing care is more than just providing resources; it is showing complete understanding of our communities.”
Nicole Digilio
Baltimore County Department of Aging Caregiver Specialist for Outreach and Education with the Caregiver Support Program
“I believe that having reliable access to respite services is vital for caregivers, as a necessary means for recharging, reflecting, and resting. The role of caregiving can be both physically and emotionally demanding, therefore allowing time away is not just helpful, but necessary. In my role as a Respite Ambassador, I hope to ease the process of accessing these essential services by providing the clear guidance, support, and answers that caregivers deserve.”
Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán
Maryland Department of Disabilities State Coordinator for Autism Strategy
With over ten years of experience working in government and non-profits for marginalized communities, Victoria has received numerous awards in both her academic and professional roles. She has worked across several federal agencies to create policies, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and provide technical assistance to organizations. Currently, she is responsible for the implementation of the Maryland Strategic Plan for Autism-Related Needs, where she leads the Advisory Stakeholder Group.
Teri Davidson
MAC Inc. Area Agency on Aging Director of Maryland Access Point
“My inspiration comes from the many loyal, strong, and dedicated caregivers in our area who are doing their best.”
Julia (Julz) Abate
Montgomery County Respite Administrator for The Arc
Julz is inspired to serve as a Respite Ambassador because she believes every caregiver deserves support, recognition, and moments of rest to recharge. She has seen firsthand how respite care can transform lives—not just for caregivers, but for the people they care for. It’s a lifeline that preserves dignity, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities.
Mary Sellers
Upper Shore Aging, Inc. Family Caregiver Program Manager
“Respite is an essential service to families providing care for older adults and people with disabilities in their homes. The 24/7 demands of caregiving require the caregiver to be able to take care of themselves as well. Mary has years of clinical experience in home caregiving, and personal experience in providing care for several family members over a ten-year period of time.”