Jonathon joined our team in 2017. Since then, Fello has doubled in size, with more than 600 employees supporting over 4,000 people with disabilities throughout Maryland. Read the full article on WPOC – iHeart
For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and anticipation. But for families of students with disabilities, it can also bring some worry or nervousness about what’s ahead.
When students head back to school in August, the IEPs written last spring move from paper to practice. That’s when many families begin to see what’s working well – and where they might need more support. The plans made during annual meetings are now happening in real classrooms, and it’s often during this change that new questions or concerns come up.
“The start of the school year is often when families realize they could use a partner in the IEP process,” says Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families at Fello. “That’s exactly why we offer programs like Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy – to make sure families and students feel supported, not just during their annual IEP meeting, but every step of the way.”
What’s an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is a plan created to help students with disabilities get the support they need at school. It’s a legal document that lists the services, accommodations, and goals that will help a student learn and grow.
Each IEP is created by a team that usually includes the student’s parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, and the students themselves. This team works together to set clear goals and decide on the right support to help the student reach them.
IEPs are meant to give students the support they need – but they can be complicated and hard to understand. These documents are often long and full of educational terms, legal language, and steps to follow that aren’t always clear.
Even after your child’s IEP is in place, you might still have questions – and you don’t have to wait until the next annual meeting to ask them. Questions like, is the plan being followed in the classroom? What if something isn’t working, or your child isn’t making progress? What happens next when a goal is met? You have the right to ask these questions and get support all year long.
“For families, the process can feel more like navigating a system than building a support plan,” said Sara. “While the annual IEP meeting is a key moment, it’s what happens after the meeting that matters most.”
That’s where Fello steps in.
Two Programs, One Goal
To help families feel more confident and supported during the IEP journey, Fello offers two programs: Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy.
Both programs are designed to build understanding, confidence, and advocacy skills so families and students are prepared to speak up and ask for what they need.
Project Learn: One-on-One IEP Coaching for Parents
Project Learn is a one-time program offered in partnership with longtime IEP advocate Beth Nolan of Education Team Allies. Beth brings years of experience and a deep understanding of how to work with schools, systems, and services – always centering the family’s voice in the process.
Designed to make IEPs feel less intimidating and more collaborative, Project Learn helps families understand, organize, and take action during a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. It is for parents and guardians who want help:
How It Works
Each family can receive up to six one-on-one sessions with Beth. Sessions are tailored to your needs and may include:
While Beth is not a lawyer, she is an experienced advocate and coach who has helped hundreds of families navigate this process with greater confidence.
Cost & Availability
Project Learn is income-based, and most families pay just $25 per session – compared to $200+ per hour for similar services.
Enrollment is limited to 50 families per year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis – so you don’t need to wait for IEP season in the spring to get started.
Start your application here.
Real-Life Impact
Emily connected with Fello through Project Learn after relocating back to the Maryland area. As an active-duty military family, Emily was focused on building strong, stable support for her son’s IEP, and needed help learning how to navigate a new school system.
Through Fello’s one-on-one IEP coaching and partnership with advocate Beth Noland, she found exactly what she needed.
“Beth Nolan is an excellent resource,” said Emily Shanley. “She validated my concerns, clarified my questions, and helped our family get the most out of the IEP process for our son. We made more progress with Beth’s support than we had in over 11 years working with [the school system].”
With the right guidance and advocacy, families like Emily’s are better prepared to navigate complex systems, build meaningful plans, and make sure their children have the support they need to succeed.
Project Learn Leadership Academy: Helping Students Understand Their IEP
For many students, the IEP process feels like something that happens to them – not with them. Project Learn Leadership Academy is designed to change that by putting students at the center of their own educational journey.
This is a free program for middle and high schoolers and is ideal for students who want to better understand their educational plan, learn how to advocate for themselves, and take an active role in their school experience. The program supports students at different stages of their education journey – whether they’re just starting to get involved, or ready to lead conversations about their goals and needs.
“When students are part of the IEP process early, they’re more likely to stay engaged and confident in their learning,” says Sara. “Project Learn Leadership Academy helps them see themselves as capable decision-makers.”
How It Works
In partnership with school-based transition specialists, this four-day classroom series takes place during the school day. Taught by Sara and Beth, students learn:
The goal is to build confident, informed students who are involved in shaping their own learning.
Each year, Project Learn Leadership Academy rotates to new schools across the region. Families are encouraged to talk with their school teams about bringing the program to their school.
Every Student Deserves a Strong Start
Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming – but families don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need one-on-one support to prepare for a meeting or want to help your child play a more active role in their education, Fello meets you where you are.
Our IEP programs are designed to empower families and students with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to succeed.
Start your application here.
Once submitted, a member of our team will follow up to match you with the right program or resource.
At Fello, we’re here to make sure every family feels informed, connected, and supported – every step of the way.
Times are changing. Forty years ago, someone with a developmental or mental disability was a candidate for institutionalized care. Today…not so much. And locally, we can thank Fello for that!
Today we speak with Jonathon Rondeau, who is the President and CEO. Their services range from day services to workforce development to residential programs for clients and their families across the Chesapeake region on the Eastern and Western Shores of Maryland.
Read the full article here.
A name change for any organization, whether for-profit or nonprofit, is a significant undertaking. Beyond the costs of design and marketing, which would give any board of directors pause, it is a substantial cultural shift that leaders must navigate. Nonetheless, the payoff can be transformational.
Read the full article from The Talbot Spy here.
At Fello, we believe you know what is best for you. That belief is at the heart of Self-Directed Services, a powerful option for people with disabilities who want more control, choice, and independence.
Self-direction puts you in the driver’s seat. You have the tools and support you need to live your life on your terms. You decide who supports you, what kind of support you need, and when and where you receive support.
With Self-Directed Services, you are in charge. Fello is here to handle the behind-the-scenes work, like paperwork and payments, so you can focus on living your life.
What Is Self-Direction?
Self-Direction is very different from what most people think of when they think of services for people with disabilities.
While many people with disabilities choose to get their support through a service provider, that means someone else manages the people who support you, the services you receive, and your schedule.
But with Self-Directed Services, you make all those decisions. You hire your own support team. You can choose people you already know and trust and decide what they do and when they work.
“Self-direction means you’re the expert in your own life,” says Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “At Fello, we’re here to support you, but you’re the one in charge. We handle the details so you can focus on your goals and build the life you want.”
Leading Self-Direction Services in Maryland
In 2007, Fello partnered with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to bring self-direction to Maryland. With nearly 20 years of experience, we are the largest Financial Management and Counseling Services (FMCS) provider in the state. Today, we support over 3,000 self-directing participants and the 8,000+ employees they’ve hired across Maryland.
How Fello Supports You
When you self-direct, you are in charge, but you’re never alone. Fello handles the paperwork and details behind the scenes. As your FMCS provider, we take care of:
Fello also uses helpful tools and technology to support you in managing your services. FMS Engine is an online software that helps you track your budget, pay bills, and manage your plan. It’s easy to use and gives you easier access to your data.
Self-Directed Services means you are in charge of how the money in your budget is spent. When you are approved for Self-Directed Services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you have a budget for paying your employees and vendors. As your FMCS, we keep track of how much you’re spending. We track the financial and human resources details so you can get back to living your life. When you have questions, our team is only a phone call or customer service ticket away.
What Self-Direction Looks Like
Meet Kavita. She’s been self-directing her services for over 13 years.
Kavita chooses who works with her. She manages their schedules, sets wages, and approves payroll. Just like any other employer, she handles the responsibilities and the rewards of leading her team.
Her long-time employee, Yolanda, has worked with her from the very beginning. Their strong relationship is a perfect example of the consistency and trust that self-direction makes possible.
Kavita leads with confidence, makes her own choices, and sets goals for her future. She is in charge, and that’s exactly what self-direction is about.
You Know What’s Best for You
Self-direction is a flexible, personalized approach that puts your needs and goals first. You make the decisions, and Fello is here to help every step of the way.
Want to learn more? Visit https://fello.org/selfdirectedservices/
At Fello, person-centeredness isn’t just something we say, it’s how we show up, every single day. It’s about creating space for people to live the lives they want, with the support they need to get there.
In the second episode of Fello Thinking Differently, our own original podcast, we dig into this foundational principle with Matt Morgan, Fello’s Chief Program Officer. Matt brings decades of experience to a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to put people first in every situation.
If you’ve ever wondered what “person-centered” means in practice, this episode is a great place to start.
🎧 Listen to Episode 2: Putting People First
What is Person-Centeredness, Really?
At its core, person-centeredness is about focusing on what truly matters to the people we support and allowing them to make their own decisions. Rooted in the self-determination movement of the 1980s, this philosophy continues to shape disability services and evolve.
As Matt puts it:
“We’re not here to control people or make decisions for them. We’re here to create space for people to be who they want to be, and to give them the support they need to get there.”
Person-centeredness is about supporting someone to make a choice, not deciding for them. Being person-centered requires asking better questions, listening more deeply, and respecting people’s boundaries and wishes, whether you agree or disagree with their choice.
Every adult is free to make their own choices about their life, and part of person-centeredness is making sure adults with disabilities are free to make their own informed choices, too.
In every space, the goal is the same: create room for people to make real choices, take meaningful risks, and build lives that reflect who they are. That belief changes everything. It means we center relationships over routines.
That’s how we build trust, connection, and belonging. And it’s the foundation of how we do our work.
Delivering Person-Centered Services Starts with Our Team
At Fello, we hire for person-centeredness. We look for people who lead with empathy, curiosity, and humility and who reflect our core values.
“You can tell pretty quickly when talking to people whether they understand the concept of person-centeredness and whether they align with Fello’s philosophy,” says Matt. “People can sometimes be very paternalistic when it comes to people with disabilities, but being person-centered is about that person making their own decisions with support.”
Person-centeredness is both a mindset and a skill set. It’s something we’re always evolving, strengthening, and practicing together.
When everyone is aligned in that belief, person-centeredness becomes second nature. It becomes how we show up every day.
Thinking Differently Sets Fello Apart
Services for people with disabilities are often built around systems, compliance, or convenience, not around people. “Many of the issues we face in this field are decades-old problems, and we’re not going to solve them with the same old thinking,” says Matt.
At Fello, we lead with people. We believe:
Because of our approach, we measure success by what matters most to the person, not what’s easiest to deliver.
Keep Listening, Keep Learning
Person-centeredness is a constant pursuit. At Fello, we’re always learning, evolving, and challenging ourselves to do better.
Want to hear more about how person-centered thinking comes to life at Fello? Tune into Episode 2 of Fello Thinking Differently and join us as we continue to explore bold ideas, better ways, and what it truly means to build community together.
In this special in-person episode of The Diligent Leader podcast, hosts Alex Fakeri and Holly Basta sit down with Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello — formerly known as The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. This isn’t just a conversation about a name change. It’s about identity, evolution, and what it means to stay rooted in your mission while boldly stepping into the future. Watch the episode here.
Are you looking for part-time work with purpose? Where every shift makes a genuine difference?
At Fello, we are hiring part-time and weekend Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who believe that community isn’t just where you live, but how we show up for one another.
Why This Work Matters
As a DSP, you’re not just picking up a shift; you’re building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.
You support people with disabilities to live life on their own terms, make their own choices, pursue their own goals, and fully participate in their communities. Sometimes it’s sharing a meal. Other times, it’s simply being there when it matters most.
It’s meaningful work rooted in connection and guided by each person’s goals for themselves.
Real Benefits for Part-Time Work
We know the value of flexible, part-time work, and we believe it should come with real benefits. At Fello, we offer excellent support to our part-time DSPs through our total rewards.
Our benefits for part-time employees include:
Join Our Community
At Fello, you’ll join a passionate group of professionals who care deeply about the people we support and about each other. You’ll be part of an organization that leads with heart, promotes inclusion, and shows up with purpose every day.
Fello is one of Maryland’s leading providers of services for people with disabilities. Join our community of over 600 employees who champion the rights of people with disabilities and invest in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and creating inclusive, equitable communities.
If you’re looking for a part-time role that offers meaningful connection, personal growth, and the chance to make a difference, you belong here.
Apply now at fello.org/careers.
We know, it’s only July. With the sun blazing and beach plans in full swing, the holidays probably aren’t at the top of your mind. But at Fello, we start early, because hundreds of families raising children with disabilities are already thinking about how they’ll make the holidays work. And you can help make their season a little brighter.
Planning ahead means no child gets left behind.
Why Holiday Giving Matters
At Fello, we believe the holidays should be full of warmth, connections, and celebrations for every family. When you support our Holiday Giving program, you’re not just giving a toy or gift card, you’re:
Fello’s approach is personal. Families share what their child truly needs and loves. You help provide gifts matched to a child’s interests and abilities; that’s what makes your support so powerful. Whether it’s sensory-friendly toys, warm winter clothing, or something that supports a child’s hobbies, each gift is chosen with a specific child in mind.
Every family we support receives:
Here’s what parents told us last year:
“I cannot thank you enough for shopping and gifting items for my kids. My little girl loved her dress-up clothes and loves that she has a bar for them. My middle loves his outdoor toys and can’t wait to be able to use them. My oldest loved his camping stuff and is excited to bring it along on the next trip. You truly made their holidays!”
“Thank you so much for the amazing gifts and support for Luke for Christmas! He loved the toys, especially the Sonic toys and arcade game! The clothes are perfect and the jacket received is so nice 😊 The gift cards were also very generous and helpful with groceries. Thank you again for helping make the holidays special.”
Why are we talking about the holidays now?
Making the holidays joyful for hundreds of children takes time. Last year, 31 donors helped us provide personalized gifts and grocery cards to 300 children across 138 families in Maryland. And we know we can do even more in 2025.
Starting in July gives us time to thoughtfully match families and sponsors, gather wish lists, shop for specific needs, and ensure no child is left behind.
How You Can Help
You can support the program in two ways:
Sponsor a child or family and shop directly from their wish list. Whether you’re participating on your own, with a friend, or organizing a group effort at work, we’ll guide you every step of the way. You shop—we handle the logistics.
Short on time? A donation allows us to purchase thoughtful, personalized items and grocery cards for families who need extra support. You give, we take care of the rest.
Ready to Bring Joy to a family?
Planning ahead means we can match every family with a sponsor and create a celebration for many children and families throughout our community.
To sign up or learn more:
The holidays may feel far off, but your impact starts now. Join us in making this year’s giving season unforgettable for families who need it most.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Easton Planning Commission granted final site approval for the remaining residential buildings at Easton Crossing, marking a major milestone for the inclusive, mixed-use development. With this latest approval, all six planned buildings on the 6.5-acre site, including the previously approved 407 Brookletts Avenue, now have full planning approval.
Led by Fello Communities, Easton Crossing will transform the site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation, featuring a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, neighborhood-serving commercial space, and accessible green areas designed for recreation and connection. Easton Crossing will reconnect the area to the Rail-to-Trails and turn a long-vacant property into a walkable, community-focused destination.
“This is a key milestone in the process toward creating Easton’s first inclusive development,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “We’re thankful for the Town’s support throughout the planning stages and excited to move one step closer to construction.”
The approval includes architectural and site plans for all five remaining buildings. As part of an ongoing collaborative process with the Town of Easton and community stakeholders, Fello Communities and its development partners will present comprehensive landscaping plans for the site at a future meeting.
When complete, Easton Crossing will feature:
Ahead of construction on the residential units at 407 Brookletts Avenue, the community and leasing office for Easton Crossing is set to open this September, offering residents and neighbors a space to engage with the project, access information, and get involved.
Easton Crossing has taken shape through stakeholder meetings, neighborhood engagement, and public forums. The result is a development rooted in local vision, bringing inclusive housing, commerce, and public space together in one transformative project.
Progress is also underway on related developments led by Fello Communities:
About Fello Communities
At Fello Communities, we develop and manage housing that’s built for belonging. Through community development and rental housing, we create inclusive, affordable, and accessible homes where people of all backgrounds and abilities can choose how and where they live. Founded in 2007, Fello Communities was created to offer people more options and better opportunities when it comes to housing. Our work bridges community development and long-term property management to create homes and communities that last. Learn more at fellocommunities.org.
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