Leadership

Sarah Sowden is currently a Lead Analytics Specialist at Accenture specializing in data analytics, corporate strategy/finance, and project management. She’s passionate about developing solutions derived from multiple business verticals including finance, strategy, and technology to deliver high-quality results to her clients. Sarah possesses extensive technical experience in data science, AI/ML, and data informatics. Her subject matter expertise and passion for the business, finance, and health-care sectors enables her to drive business results while also creating a friendly team environment.

Education:
MSW in Social Work. UMD 1995
LCSW-C since 1997
Approved supervisor for social workers and professional counselors

Current Role:
As the President and CEO at Cornerstone Montgomery, I am responsible for the overall operations and administration of the organization. My work primarily focuses on partnerships, growth, education, and advocacy to move our mission forward in the community and make sure we maintain our collaborations and quality of care.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is creating positive and supportive partnerships and policies to help make the jobs easier for staff and services better for clients. Those partnerships with public officials, government stakeholders, and organizational colleagues are a key aspect of my job. This role allows me to identify ways to have a positive impact on the people we serve and the community.

Professional Affiliations:
Member of Nonprofit Montgomery Board of Directors
Member of Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary
Member of CBH and National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Narrative Bio:
Cari A. Guthrie is a seasoned leader in the field of mental health and nonprofit management, currently serving as the President and CEO of Cornerstone Montgomery. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland, Cari has dedicated over 30 years of her career to the organization, beginning as a residential counselor and advancing to her current position as CEO. In her role, Cari oversees the overall operations and administration of Cornerstone Montgomery, focusing on partnerships, growth, education, and advocacy to further the organization’s mission of providing essential mental health services.

Cari’s journey with Cornerstone Montgomery is a testament to her passion and dedication. After three years as a residential counselor, she pursued her graduate degree and was happily working in Baltimore when an opportunity at Cornerstone Montgomery opened up. She returned to the organization as a supervisor and has since held various leadership positions, eventually becoming CEO, a role she has held for over 11 years. Throughout her tenure, Cari has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission, implementing evidence-based practices like Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has also been instrumental in developing a robust staff training and orientation program, navigating two significant mergers, and securing over $6 million in community bond funding to renovate commercial and residential properties.

One of Cari’s most significant achievements was leading the organization through its transition to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), securing more than $10 million in SAMHSA grants. Under her leadership, Cornerstone Montgomery has grown in both size and scope, including the purchase and renovation of its main administrative office in Rockville.

Leading through the challenges of COVID-19 has been a defining experience for Cari. It reinforced her belief in transparent communication and the importance of curiosity and listening. The pandemic challenged her to adapt, hold people accountable, and set clear expectations, all while navigating an unprecedented crisis.

Cari’s leadership style is deeply influenced by her personal values of transparency, flexibility, and empowerment. She believes in empowering her team to take ownership of their roles, solve problems, and grow as leaders themselves. Her approach is rooted in her own experience of being empowered by her supervisor early in her career, and she strives to pass that same encouragement on to others.

Outside of her professional life, Cari enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies and sports, and walking her dachshund, Percy. She is a passionate traveler and loves listening to live jazz music. These hobbies allow her to recharge and bring fresh creativity and perspective to her leadership role.

Cari is driven by the belief that fostering strong partnerships and advocating for mental health services can have a transformative impact on both individuals and the community. Her commitment to transparency and open decision-making continues to push the boundaries of the field, ensuring that Cornerstone Montgomery remains a leader in mental health care.

Education:
Masters of Social Work in Nonprofit Management, Howard University, 2003
Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology, Drexel University, 1999

Current Role:
As the Chief Administrative and Compliance Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery, I am responsible for the overall management of an organization’s administrative operations, including compliance, facilities, information technology, training, and legal matters. My work primarily monitoring the organization’s adherence with regulations, policies, and procedures, identifying potential risk areas, and developing and overseeing policies and procedures that minimize risk and protect the organization from potential legal or financial repercussions.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is the dedication and passion that each staff member has for the organization’s mission and the people we serve. Whether in a direct service or administrative position, we all understand that we play a critical role in ensuring that each person we serve will have a meaningful life of their choosing. This role allows me to ensure that things are done the right way, the first time, every time. And, when they are not or issues present themselves, I am able to work with both clients and staff to identify them, remediate them, and keep the organization on track for excellence.

Professional Affiliations:
Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification
Assisted Housing Manager (AHM) Certification

Narrative Bio:
Marisa S. Gillum is a highly accomplished leader in nonprofit management, currently serving as the Chief Administrative and Compliance Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University and over two decades of experience in human services, Marisa has built a career defined by her commitment to balancing operational excellence and regulatory compliance. She is responsible for managing Cornerstone Montgomery’s administrative operations, which include compliance, facilities, information technology, training, and legal matters. Her work is focused on ensuring that the organization adheres to regulations and policies while minimizing risk and protecting the organization from potential legal or financial repercussions.

Marisa joined Cornerstone Montgomery in June 2015, during a pivotal time when the state of Maryland required mental health organizations to achieve national accreditation. Having successfully navigated this process for two similar organizations, Marisa found Cornerstone Montgomery to be a natural fit. She was drawn to the mission-driven professionals at the organization, whose dedication to serving individuals with persistent mental illness resonated with her passion for nonprofit work. Under her leadership, Cornerstone earned its first three-year CARF accreditation in August 2017, a significant milestone that underscored the quality of care provided by the organization.

Throughout her tenure, Marisa has led several key initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the organization’s growth and development. She played a pivotal role in expanding Cornerstone Montgomery’s facilities, overseeing updates to group homes, leading the renovation of the Southport Hub, and supporting the acquisition of a third office space to bridge the gap between behavioral health and primary care services. Her focus on enhancing the organization’s data infrastructure and quality assurance programs has further solidified her influence on Cornerstone’s operational success.

Marisa’s extensive experience in nonprofit management spans program and administrative operations, fund development, government grants and contract management, and risk management. Her leadership approach is shaped by her belief that every role within an organization is vital to the success of its mission. Whether working directly with clients or supporting the teams behind the scenes, Marisa understands that collaboration is essential to driving positive outcomes. Her ability to incorporate feedback from staff at all levels ensures that Cornerstone Montgomery continues to grow and thrive.

What motivates Marisa in her work is the transformative outcomes achieved by Cornerstone Montgomery’s clients. Whether it’s helping someone move from homelessness to stable housing, securing employment, or overcoming the stigma of mental illness, Marisa is driven by the tangible impact that Cornerstone’s services have on the community. Under her guidance, the organization has consistently seen reduced rates of incarceration, increased housing stability, and overall improvements in clients’ wellness and quality of life.

Outside of work, Marisa enjoys spending time with her daughters and her two-year-old poodle, Luna Bella. She finds joy in laughter, sailing with close friends and family, and exploring new destinations—having visited 17 of the 50 states she hopes to see. These personal passions help her recharge and bring fresh creativity to her professional role.

Education:
MS in Counseling Psychology, Loyola College in Maryland, 1997
BA in Psychology, Hood College, 1989

Current Role:
As the Chief Program Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery, I am responsible for all client services except for the OMHC. My work primarily focuses on ensuring the standardization of the quality of services provided to our clients, including ensuring that we are using evidence based practices.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is the culture. The staff I work with truly care about each other, as well as the clients that we serve and are passionate about our mission.

Professional Affiliations:
Leadership Montgomery Class of 2021

Narrative Bio:
Lisa H. Katz is a highly respected leader in the field of mental health services, currently serving as the Chief Program Officer (CPO) at Cornerstone Montgomery. With over thirty five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, coupled with a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor License (LCPC), Lisa has built a reputation for her strategic vision and dedication to client-centered care. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing all client services (except the OMHC) and ensuring the standardization and quality of care across the organization. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to implementing evidence-based practices that support clients in achieving greater independence and improved quality of life.

Lisa’s journey into the world of psychiatric rehabilitation began during her undergraduate studies at Hood College, where she completed an internship at Way Station (a division of Sheppard Pratt) in Frederick, Maryland. It was there that she first experienced the transformative power of collaborative care. Working alongside adults with serious and persistent mental illness, Lisa saw how clients and staff could work together as equals, and this model of care became the foundation for her career. After completing her B.A. in Psychology, Lisa immediately took a position in Way Station’s Residential Rehabilitation Program, where she began her lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
Throughout her career, Lisa has held key leadership roles at various nonprofit organizations in Maryland and Virginia, as well as in the Loudoun County Government. At Family Services, Inc. (a division of Sheppard Pratt), Lisa served as the Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. She played a pivotal role in securing a SAMHSA Primary Behavioral Health Care Integration (PBHCI) grant, which included the adoption of an Electronic Health Record system. This experience led her to become the Director of Health Information Technology, overseeing IT and Billing Departments.

However, after several years in the IT realm, Lisa felt the pull to return to client-focused work. When the opportunity to join Cornerstone Montgomery as CPO arose, she knew it was the perfect chance to re-engage directly with program clients and services. Lisa’s connection to Cornerstone runs deep, as she had previously collaborated with the organization on the PBHCI grant and shared clients.
At Cornerstone Montgomery, Lisa has led several key initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the organization. One of her most significant achievements has been the complete reorganization of the Residential Crisis Services (RCS). Faced with the challenge of rebuilding the program after the departure of several key staff members, Lisa integrated crisis services across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring consistency and excellence in care delivery. She has continued her work in unifying the Southern Maryland programs, moving them under corresponding service lines to ensure a cohesive and client-focused approach, no matter the location.
Lisa’s leadership is deeply informed by her own personal experiences. Growing up in a family that faced economic hardship, and with an older brother diagnosed with schizophrenia and several family members experiencing significant mood disorders, Lisa understands firsthand the challenges associated with mental illness. Her father’s death at a young age from complications related to diabetes, exacerbated by a lack of access to preventative care, also shaped her commitment to addressing social and economic injustices through her work. These experiences drive Lisa to create systems that provide equitable support to all clients, regardless of their background.

Outside of her professional life, Lisa is a dedicated mother to two teenage daughters, who both challenge and inspire her. To recharge, she enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, where she takes on the role of a Barbarian character, solving problems with strength and creativity. This creative outlet allows her to approach her work with renewed energy and passion.

Lisa’s greatest motivation is the desire to leave people better off than she found them. She is driven by the progress her clients make, whether they’re achieving personal goals or gaining independence. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1997
Master Certificate in Human Resource Management, Villanova University, 2007
Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional – SHRM-CP, 2018

Current Role:
As the Director of Human Resources at Cornerstone Montgomery, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of HR management, including recruitment and retention, benefits and compensation, employee relations, and staff development. My work primarily focuses on workforce management, where I concentrate on fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture that aligns with strategic initiatives.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is having the opportunity to contribute to a mission that profoundly impacts mental health and well-being. Knowing that our collective efforts directly improve the lives of those we serve is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.

Professional Affiliations:
Member of Montgomery County (MD) Society for Human Resource Management (MCSHRM)
Member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Narrative Bio:
Elizabeth (Liz) Gatti is a seasoned human resources professional with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and HR sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Cornerstone Montgomery, Liz is responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of HR management, including recruitment, retention, employee relations, benefits and compensation, and staff development. Her focus on workforce management is rooted in her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.

Liz’s educational background in social work, with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Master Certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University, has uniquely shaped her approach to leadership. Her early experiences in social work instilled a deep sense of empathy, which she integrates into her HR role, ensuring that organizational objectives are met while supporting the diverse needs of the staff. This blend of empathy and strategic thinking drives Liz to create programs and policies that enhance both workforce engagement and overall organizational success.

One of Liz’s key initiatives at Cornerstone Montgomery was the development of a holistic wellness program, addressing both mental and physical health. This program, which includes mental health resources, fitness challenges, and workshops on stress management and overall well-being, has had a lasting impact on employee engagement and workplace culture. Recognizing the importance of employee development, Liz is also committed to promoting a culture of growth and innovation within the organization, driven by her SHRM-CP certification, which reinforced her belief in the value of investing in employees.

Her membership in professional affiliations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Montgomery County (MD) SHRM chapter, allows Liz to stay current with HR best practices, further enhancing her ability to contribute to Cornerstone Montgomery’s mission.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys channeling her creativity through painting and gardening, though she admits that weeding is not her favorite part. She also cherishes family time with her daughters and enjoys playing Mario Kart 8 with her husband, often turning their races into fun competitions to decide who takes on chores. These hobbies not only recharge her but also keep her connected to the collaborative and playful spirit that she brings to her professional life.

Liz’s leadership is driven by her belief in the power of collaboration and teamwork. She fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, knowing that this approach can lead to more innovative solutions and enhanced problem-solving. Her goal is to create an HR structure that not only supports organizational success but also ensures that each employee feels valued, heard, and supported in their professional journey.

Education:
BS in microbiology, minor in psychology, The Ohio State University, 2007
Doctor of Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, 2011
Residency in General Adult Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine/Sheppard Pratt, 2015
Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2016

Current Role:
As the Chief Medical Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery,I oversee clinical operations, integrated health services, and advance the development of our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program. My role focuses on ensuring quality of care delivery and driving program innovation to meet community needs.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is the opportunity to work with mission-driven staff and to further build on the organization’s commitment to public behavioral health service to the community. This role allows me to creatively dive into healthcare delivery redesign in my own community to best support my own neighbors.

Professional Affiliations:
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, board certified general adult psychiatry and addiction psychiatry
Chair of the Montgomery County Opioid Fatality Review Team

Narrative Bio:
Dr. Joy Chang is a dedicated and innovative leader in the field of psychiatry, currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery. With a background that includes specialized training in both General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, Dr. Chang oversees clinical operations and integrated health services, while driving the development of the organization’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program. Her role focuses on ensuring the highest standards of care, while fostering innovation in healthcare delivery to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Dr. Chang’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Psychology from The Ohio State University. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. After completing her residency in General Adult Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine/Sheppard Pratt, she pursued a Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at the same institution. Her comprehensive training has made her a leader in the field, and she is board-certified in both General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Before joining Cornerstone Montgomery, Dr. Chang was hospital-based, serving as the Medical Director of a substance abuse consultation service. Her experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams shaped her approach to leadership, making her deeply curious about how different job functions and processes impact care delivery. This perspective has driven her to explore innovative ways to redesign healthcare systems. At Cornerstone Montgomery, she has spearheaded key initiatives such as refreshing the OMHC clinic operations and launching the development of the CCBHC program, significantly advancing the organization’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible behavioral health services.

Dr. Chang’s decision to join Cornerstone Montgomery was both a professional and personal one. After years of commuting to Baltimore, she sought an opportunity to make a meaningful impact closer to home, where she could influence the community in which she lives and raises her family. Working at Cornerstone Montgomery has allowed her to channel her passion for public behavioral health services, while also supporting her neighbors and contributing to the local community.

Throughout her career, Dr. Chang has championed clinical practice changes that required strategic collaboration across multiple departments. These initiatives have had a lasting impact on patient care at the University of Maryland Medical Center and have given her the confidence to push boundaries and challenge complacency. Her leadership style is driven by a constant pursuit of improvement, always asking, “What’s next?” and seeking ways to further enhance care delivery.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Chang’s most cherished passion is raising her children, a hobby that keeps her engaged and continuously creative. Her commitment to both her family and her work reflects her dynamic approach to life, where she is never satisfied with the status quo and always looks for opportunities to grow and improve.

As Chair of the Montgomery County Opioid Fatality Review Team, Dr. Chang continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in her field, driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people she serves.

Education:
B.A. in Corporate Communication and Public Relations, Chestnut Hill College

Current Role:
As the Director of Development and Communication at Cornerstone Montgomery, I am responsible for leading fundraising efforts, building strong partnerships, and overseeing all communications strategies. My work primarily focuses on developing diverse revenue streams, creating impactful corporate sponsorship programs, and ensuring clear, consistent messaging across the organization.

Passion for Cornerstone Montgomery:
What I love most about working at Cornerstone Montgomery is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. The organization’s mission to support people across their lifespan aligns deeply with my values, and I find great fulfillment in connecting donors and partners with meaningful ways to make a lasting impact. This role allows me to merge my passion for communication and community building, helping to ensure that the incredible work happening at Cornerstone Montgomery continues to thrive.

Professional Affiliations:
Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals
Board Member, Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce

Narrative Bio:
Quincy Inman is a dedicated and visionary nonprofit leader and fundraiser, his innovative personal approach to fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement sets him apart from other fundraisers. With a diverse background spanning multiple sectors, Quincy has made a significant impact at every stage of his career, driving organizational growth and mission advancement through strategic fundraising and public relations efforts.

Quincy is currently the Director of Development and Communication at Cornerstone Montgomery, where he leads efforts to diversify and strengthen revenue streams. His ability to create and implement high-level fundraising strategies has proven essential in supporting the organization’s mission of providing critical mental health services.

Previously, Quincy served as the Senior Relationship Manager for the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In this role, he oversaw the management of the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program (UKSP), handling complex components like the Learning Management System and CRM. He developed key strategies to increase platform awareness, produced detailed reports for donors, and supported growth initiatives by analyzing engagement metrics. During his time at UNCF, Quincy also wrote a groundbreaking proposal that led to the creation of the organization’s first-ever pitch competition, providing Black students with capital to support their entrepreneurial ventures. He also designed and implemented the “Pathways to Pitch” symposium, empowering young Black urban students with the skills and confidence to pursue their business ideas.

Quincy’s expertise in development and communication was further demonstrated during his time as the Development and Communications Manager for My Sister’s Place, Washington D.C.’s first domestic violence shelter. There, he raised over $1.5 million in revenue, orchestrating comprehensive communications strategies and cultivating strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. His leadership at FAIR Girls, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, was equally transformative—he not only led the organization to record-breaking fundraising success, surpassing the $1.2 million annual goal but also managed the highest-grossing fundraiser in the organization’s history, raising over $100,000. Quincy was instrumental in sourcing funding that enabled FAIR Girls to obtain a brick and mortar safe house for the Vida Home, a 24 hour safe house for human trafficking survivors in the Nation’s Capitol.
Quincy’s career trajectory also includes pivotal roles at the National ALS Association, where he served as Senior Community Engagement Manager. In this role, he coordinated corporate sponsorships and large-scale community events, including the Walks to Defeat ALS, across multiple states. He also developed volunteer and ambassador programs to broaden engagement. Earlier in his career, Quincy contributed to the Center for Growing Talent by PMA, where he managed $2.5 million in sponsorships and corporate contributions, surpassing contributor retention goals with an impressive 92% retention rate.

In addition to his work in fundraising and communications, Quincy has a background in public relations, having served as Director of Special Events and Fundraising at United Cerebral Palsy, where he led efforts that exceeded revenue goals by 32%. His work in special events, including galas, 5K races, and community programs, has left a lasting impact on organizations, fostering stronger community ties and increasing donor engagement.

Quincy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Chestnut Hill College, where he was a “full ride” Devlin Scholar. His leadership and dedication to social equity have earned him several prestigious awards, including Princeton University’s Princeton Prize in Race Relations and the Produce Marketing Association’s “30 Under 30” recognition.

Quincy’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in his contributions to UNCF, where he not only created opportunities for students but also laid the foundation for ongoing community support through initiatives like the “Pathways to Pitch” program. His ability to blend strategic planning with a deep sense of purpose has been instrumental in his success across various sectors.

Outside of his professional life, Quincy is the owner of a boutique interior design firm—a passion he shares with his father. He also enjoys politics and tackling weekend building projects. Known for his DIY adventures, Quincy is always eager to share his latest projects and talk about the new tools he’s acquired. He cherishes time with family and friends, especially his young nephews, and enjoys the company of his loyal cavapoo, Franklin, a spirited companion.