Who We Are
Center for Progressive Learning, Inc dba Changing People’s Lives was founded in 1986 and provides Shared Living Services throughout the entire State of Maryland. Our headquarters is located in Owings Mills, Maryland and we also have an office in Salisbury, Md.
We are committed to providing high quality and client-centered Shared Living services to our clients to assist them to lead dignified and independent lives in the comfort and safety of their chosen homes. Their individual needs are carefully assessed, understood, and met through the selective assignment of qualified, trustworthy, and compassionate Care Providers / Host Homes.
Our Team
JIM PERRONE
Chief Executive Officer
Jim came to CPL as the result of a merger with First Step in October 0f 2013. Jim has a BA and an MS in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland and is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Jim has family members with Developmental Disabilities making this work personal.
CINDY HENDERSON
Chief Operating Officer
Cindy joined CPL as Chief Operating Officer in October of 2013 upon completion of a merger with First Step. Cindy has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland. Cindy has been managing non-profits since 1991.
PAULA TIBERIO
Program Director
Paula began working with CPL in 1992 as a case manager. Soon thereafter, she began doing training and development as well as implement a Quality Assurance program. Currently, Paula also serves as the Chair of the Human Rights Committee for CPL.
JOHN GESELL
Assistant Director of Program Services
John joined Changing People’s Lives in 2009 as a Program Services Manager for the Western Region. John graduated from Bridgewater College in Virginia in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
KARA CHURCH
Director of Financial Operations
Kara joined the CPL staff in May 2005 as a Medical Administrative Assistant. In 2008, she advanced to our financial department as the accounting assistant. In 2013, she became the Director of Financial Operations.
TIMOTHY FITZSIMMONS
Director of Quality Assurance
Timothy started working for CPL in 1993. Over the past 28 years, Timothy has held numerous titles for the company. His heart, his soul, his passion and his total adult life has been working for and with the people at CPL. His time at CPL has brought him comfort, joy and an incomputable understanding what it means to be a service for others. Timothy holds a M.F.A. Writing from U.S.F., a M.Ac. and a D.Ac. from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
SHERRY SILVER
Medical Records Quality Assurance
Sherry is a Registered Nurse in Maryland and has been since 1979. Sherry has a Masters Degree in Administrative Science and has worked with many different populations and joined CPL in August 2017.
ALYSSA PERRONE
Director of Development
Alyssa is responsible for the development of our homes and assisting with matching individuals with their host homes. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland - College Park and a JD from The George Washington University Law School. Alyssa has extensive experience with individuals with disabilities both personally, having grown up with relatives with disabilities, and professionally, as a special education attorney prior to joining CPL.
Program Service Managers
Hope Church
Kia Green
Esti Karnoto
Don Mitchell
Margaret Moses
Maria Fisher
Noreen Shortt (Salisbury Office)
Administrative Staff
Linda Ames (Salisbury Office)
Tasha Gijon
Jennifer Graham