Who We Are

At TransCen, we believe disability should never limit opportunity or potential. We work to help individuals discover their strengths, build meaningful connections, and pursue careers that align with their goals. Our mission is grounded in the conviction that employment and active community participation are attainable for all people, regardless of disability or perceived barriers.

Mission:

Improving the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community participation.

Vision:

A world where disability never limits employment or full participation in community life.

TransCen is an organization that…

Person-Directed Employment & Transition

Training and Capacity Building

Research-to-Practice Solutions

Systems Alignment and Partnerships

Policy Leadership and Systems Change

Impact Evaluation and Knowledge Sharing

Our History

Established nearly four decades ago, TransCen, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization originally established to improve the transition from school to work for youth with disabilities. The name “TransCen” reflects our roots as a transition center and our enduring commitment to connecting education, employment, and community life.

Over time, our work expanded beyond school-to-work services to address broader workforce development and systems change efforts. Today, TransCen is nationally recognized for advancing disability employment, and our work continues to be informed and strengthened by the lived experiences of the communities we serve.

Since 1986

Programs Launched
0 +
Individuals Employed
1000 +
Professionals Trained
0 +
Publications & Articles
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Our Team

Administrative Associate

Thomasina is the Administrative Associate, providing technical and logistical support on special projects for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, as well as a number of other workforce projects at TransCen.
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Thomasina Byrd

Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

What is your favorite quote and shy? “There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.” – Rumi. This quote perfectly reflects my belief in intuition, presence, and thoughtful connection in a fast-paced world.
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Ann Deschamps

Employment Specialist

What’s your most used emoji? I laugh a lot (often at myself), which explains why my most-used emoji is the laughing face 😄
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Mary Fitzgerald

Human Resources Specialist

If your job had a theme song, what would it be? “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
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Jen Fuller

E-Learning and Multimedia Producer

What is your favorite quote and why? “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”
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Maynor Guillen

Employment Consultant

What is your favorite quote, and why? “When everyone is included, everyone wins” – Jesse Jackson. This quote pretty much sums up how I approach both my work and life.
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Allison Greinert

Graphic Design and Social Media Specialist

What’s your favorite quote, and why? “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more” (Erica Jong). This is one of my favorites because it reminds me that growth rarely happens without discomfort!
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Paige Holman

Associate Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Nancy Horton is the Associate Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, where she provides information and guidance to individuals with disabilities, employers, business operators, architects, and others.
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Nancy Horton

Employment Liaison

What is your favorite quote and why? Doc Brown’s line from Back to the Future: Part III, “Your future hasn’t been written yet… your future is whatever you make of it. So make it a good one.”
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Madison Jennings

Employment Consultant

If you had a walk-up song what would it be? “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor—a longtime favorite made even more special when I attended a rehearsal in New York thanks to my uncle, who played trumpet for Gloria.
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Victoria Jensen

Employment Consultant

What is your favorite quote and why? “Let’s keep hope alive,” from Jesse Jackson’s 1988 Democratic National Convention speech.
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Dwight Johnson

Special Projects Director

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? The only way to fully experience the beautiful tapestry of humanity is to be a thread.
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Ben Kaufman, LMSW

Director of Employment Services

If you had a walk-up song, what would it be? It would definitely be “Eye of the Tiger,” a fitting anthem for the passion and determination I bring to my work.
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Taryn Kroll

Contracts and Outreach Coordinator

What’s your favorite quote and why? “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” from Winnie the Pooh
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Emily Malsch

Ticket to Work Program Coordinator

What is one thing people are often surprised to learn about you? I once owned a globally followed pigeon loft and was a true pigeon fancier extraordinaire—because fun fact: all pigeons are doves, but not all doves are pigeons!
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Christa Martin, MRC,

President of TransCen, Inc

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Unstoppable by Sia – it captures resilience, self-determination, and a clear sense of belonging!
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Laura Owens, Ph.D., CESP

Senior Training Associate

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? Playing the concertina - an instrument I’ve owned for 20 years and can currently only play “Happy Birthday” and “Auld Lang Syne,”
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Sara Murphy

Chief Innovation and Training Officer

What’s your favorite quote and why? “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go,” by Oscar Wilde, sums up my belief that our work should leave people better off than when we found them.
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Sean Roy

Employment Consultant

What is one thing people are surprised to learn about you? I think most people are surprised when they learn that I like to make and cook things from scratch.
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Keely Sims

Our Board

Chair
Ernst & Young

Lori serves as Ernst & Young’s Abilities Strategy leader, driving efforts to build an enabling and inclusive work environment for people of all abilities.
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Lori Golden, Chair

Vice Chair
Bob Rudney is a disability activist, defense and international security specialist, fledgling novelist, accomplished oil painter, and devoted weight trainer.
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Bob Rudney, Vice Chair

Secretary
Hispanic Business Foundation

Carmen Rojas currently serves as the Director of Development for the Hispanic Business Foundation in Bethesda, Maryland.
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Carmen Rojas, Secretary

The Potomac Exchange

Oliver is the Executive Director of the Potomac Exchange. The Potomac Exchange is a private membership organization of executives from select, leading global firms.
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Oliver Moss, Treasurer

Edward’s introduction to the field of employment disability issues was personal - his son, Charlie, has autism and an intellectual disability.
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Edward Sheehy

EY/Strategy and Transformation

Julie Harter is a retired EY Strategy Partner whose career blended strategic insight with a genuine commitment to people.
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Julie Harter

Born and raised in Maryland, I am a performance and results-driven professional with a diverse background in Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Law.
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Daniel Samek, Esq.

CPA
Ernst & Young LLP

Megan is an audit executive with more than twenty-five years of experience advising leading financial services organizations, including registered investment companies, hedge funds, investment advisors, and broker-dealers
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Megan Lockhart

EY/Strategy and Transformation

Julie Harter is a retired EY Strategy Partner whose career blended strategic insight with a genuine commitment to people.
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Jennifer Kemp

Born and raised in Maryland, I am a performance and results-driven professional with a diverse background in Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Law.
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Tia Nelis

Meet Our Founders

Built on resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, TransCen was shaped by founders who devoted their lives to expanding opportunity and dignity for people with disabilities. Their impact laid the foundation for the work TransCen continues to advance.

Join Our Staff

Be part of a movement that promotes equity, opportunity, and full participation for people with disabilities.

Wisconsin

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