Partnerships
Najla Wortham, MA LCPC
President
As the President of The Rock Creek Foundation, Najla Wortham brings over 16 years of experience in the fields of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and severe and persistent mental illness. Najla has been instrumental in leading Rock Creek’s mission to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Under Najla’s leadership, Rock Creek has expanded its reach and impact, providing vital support and resources to the most vulnerable populations. Through innovative service delivery models and a commitment to evidence-based practices, Najla has led the organization in achieving positive outcomes, transforming lives, and building healthier, more resilient communities.
Najla is a proud alumna of two prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowie State University. Since becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2012, she has been deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to comprehensive support and resources to thrive.
Najla is a staunch advocate for mental health and disability rights, actively participating in countless advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and raise awareness about the importance of accessible and equitable services. Additionally, Najla serves on several advisory boards and committees, contributing expertise and insight to drive meaningful systematic change and inspire others to join in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Najla made history as the first African American woman to assume the role of President at Rock Creek. Her leadership is grounded in the fundamental belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual.
Joanna Miller
Chief Impact Officer
A Montgomery County native and graduate of Walter Johnson High School, Joanna Miller has served as Chief of Operations at Rock Creek since 2023, and manages events, staffing, internal policy updates and organizational benchmarking. Previously, she worked at Graham-Pelton Fundraising Consulting and the Montgomery County Covid Rent Relief Program, where she managed $59 million in federal funds to protect 9,000 area families from homelessness.
Earlier in her career, Joanna served in fundraising roles at a variety of educational and other nonprofit institutions, including Round House Theatre. Joanna earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and Masters from the University of Sydney. She is an alumna of Leadership Montgomery.
Amir Malek
Chief Operating Officer
A trusted senior leader with more than thirty years of experience in both consulting and internal CFO roles, Amir has led Finance and Accounting teams with a strong focus on operational excellence. In addition to his financial leadership, he has also guided Technology and Facilities initiatives, helping to modernize systems and expand physical spaces across the East Coast from New York to Northern Virginia including Wordsworth Academy in Philadelphia and The Foundation Schools in Maryland.
With specialized experience in the nonprofit, retail, professional services, logistics, and healthcare sectors, Amir brings a deep understanding of best practices across industries. He applies this knowledge to benefit all organizations under the umbrella of the Affiliated Santé Group, including the Rock Creek Foundation. Amir holds a B.A. from Dickinson College and Hales from Baltimore.
Jennifer Alldredge
Chief of Compliance and Programs
For over 21 years, Jennifer Alldredge has been a dedicated leader at The Rock Creek Foundation. She began as a Staffing Coordinator and advanced to manage the Residential Rehabilitation Program, earning her Management degree along the way. As Director, she led the program to its first successful three-year CARF accreditation in 2017. Jennifer later served as Senior Compliance Manager and Compliance Officer for seven years, overseeing regulatory compliance, training, and quality improvement initiatives. Her work has strengthened data-driven practices and program performance. She has since led two additional CARF accreditations, each earning the highest three-year status. Now as Chief of Compliance and Programs, Jennifer brings deep institutional knowledge and oversees both compliance and program operations across the organization.
Britt Mobley
Director of Mental Health Services
Britt Mobley is a human services professional with more than 25 years of experience providing community-based residential and outpatient services. After graduating from North Carolina Central University, Britt began his career in mental health working with adolescents as a high school special education teacher in Wake County Public Schools. His work at the Rock Creek Foundation, which he joined in 2019, includes managing care and programming for individuals with behavioral health challenges.
Prior to joining RCF, Britt worked as a frontline staff member in a secured treatment facility with individuals with co-occurring disorders and oversaw the day-to-day operations of several day treatment and residential programs throughout central North Carolina. He is now based in Southern Maryland.
Cheri Olivar
Director of Development Disability Services
Originally from Santiago, Chile, Cheri was raised in Silver Spring, MD, and is a graduate of Springbrook High School, Montgomery College and the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus. She joined the Rock Creek Foundation in 2003 and her work involves providing exceptional residential and day-habilitation services, as well as community-based employment for adults with intellectual disabilities and severe and persistent mental illness.
Cheri is a champion for community integration and person-centered concepts for all staff and supported individuals. She has also worked with the Family Preservation Unit for Prince George’s County, obtained her Pharmacy Technician Certification, and is a member of the Maryland Responds Reserve Corps of Prince George’s County.
Jennifer Weaver-Baldon
Consumer Entitlement and Benefit Specialist
Jennifer joined the Rock Creek Foundation in 2022 with over 10 years in the social service field and a vast knowledge of Social Security Benefits Planning, Maryland State and county programs and direct service care and coordination. In 2017, Jennifer was awarded Excellence in Direct Support by the Maryland Association of Community Services (M.A.C.S) for her community-based efforts with individuals diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), and severe and persistent mental illness. Originally from Kentucky, Jennifer obtained her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky in Lexington and holds a certification from Virgina Commonwealth University as a Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor. One of her favorite quotes is, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Alaya Ponce
Communication Manager
Alaya Ponce is a communications professional with a strong background in nonprofit work, specializing in digital storytelling, community engagement, and inclusive messaging. She is passionate about using the power of communication to foster connections, drive change, and elevate underrepresented voices. Originally from New Iberia, Louisiana and raised in Florida, Alaya earned her degree in Women and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida. Her academic experience shaped her deep commitment to equity, advocacy, and social impact. After graduating, she relocated to the DMV area to pursue mission-driven work and has since worked with organizations dedicated to uplifting communities and creating meaningful change. Alaya brings creativity, empathy, and purpose to every project she takes on, always aiming to tell stories that resonate and inspire.
Lyric Brown
Development Manager
Lyric Brown is a professional with a strong commitment to advancing nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. Before taking on the role of Development Manager at Rock Creek, he studied at the University of Maryland and gained experience in event services and nonprofit development management throughout the DMV area, focusing on different human rights issues. In his current position, he effectively leverages his expertise in fundraising, event management, and community engagement. Outside of his professional pursuits, Lyric enjoys relaxing with a good book and his dog, Simmone. His enthusiasm for both his work and personal interests comes from his commitment to promoting equality and fostering equitable life outcomes for all.
Dr. Christiana Adegbesan
Human Resource Manager
Dr. Christiana “Chris” Adegbesan is a distinguished human resources professional specializing in people, culture, and organizational processes. With a PhD in Business Administration from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in Brazil, she brings a robust academic foundation to her work in human capital development. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Dr. Adegbesan is recognized for her strategic insights into organizational behavior and her commitment to fostering inclusive workplace environments.
Her international experience includes living in Brazil, where she immersed herself in the local culture and language. She is of Nigerian descent, fluent in Portuguese, and conversational in Spanish skills that enhance her ability to connect with diverse teams and navigate multicultural environments effectively.
Throughout her career, Dr. Adegbesan has been instrumental in designing and implementing HR initiatives that enhance employee engagement and drive organizational performance. Her areas of expertise include talent acquisition, leadership development, and change management.
Outside of her professional work, she contributes actively to the HR community through thought leadership and advocacy for equitable and positive organizational cultures.
BOARD Members
Gabrielle Bezou is a master’s level Special Education Teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools. Her work ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live meaningful lives.
Bruce Casner has a long history of community service which includes Chairmanship on several diverse boards. He is a co-founder of the Affiliated Santé Group; a sister organization of the Rock Creek Foundation.
Fred Chanteau is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Affiliated Santé Group. He is a 40-year veteran of the behavioral health services field and a pioneer in community-based services for those with severe and persistent mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Christopher Flynn is a partner in Crowell and Moring’s Washington, D.C. office and is co-chair of the firm’s Health Care Group. Mr. Flynn regularly represents health care organizations and industry associations in various litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters.
Renee Gaona is a Montgomery County native and graduate of Winston Churchill High School. Renee works at the Federal Courthouse, became involved with the Rock Creek Foundation in 1996 and joined the board in 2020.
Bruce Casner has a long history of community service which includes Chairmanship on several diverse boards. He is a co-founder of the Affiliated Santé Group; a sister organization of the Rock Creek Foundation.
Margaret Parrott is an Instructional Specialist at Montgomery County Public Schools and has worked at MCPS for over 30 years. Margaret works to assist families of students with special needs to ensure a seamless and successful transition into the adult world.
James Winslow has served on the RCF board of directors for several years. He is Senior Director, Government Affairs at the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas and is also a co-founder and president of the Salute Military Golf Association, an organization that brings the rehabilitative benefits of golf to post-9/11 wounded veterans. Mr. Winslow received his BA and MBA from The George Washington University and Masters Certificates from the Columbia Business School and Cardean University. He has served as a guest lecturer at GWU on Corporate Social Responsibility and Issues in Cross-Cultural Management and has judged several international MBA case competitions. Mr. Winslow has also lectured on the history of Japanese trading companies at American University.