Fello and Michele Tharp, Board Chair, are proud to announce the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors. Anastasia Kulick and Sam Shoge began their terms on November 1, and bring expertise in self-advocacy, community leadership, and economic development that will help guide Fello’s mission of empowering people and strengthening communities. 

“Sam and Anastasia will serve as impactful leaders on Fello’s board, and I look forward to the ways their leadership, experience, and knowledge will shape Fello’s future,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “Anastasia brings the voice and perspective of the people we serve, ensuring our decisions are grounded in lived experience. Sam brings strategic business expertise and a track record of helping organizations grow sustainably.” 

Anastasia Kulik is a self-advocate and serves as the President of Living Boldly’s Anne Arundel County chapter, Fello’s self-advocacy group for people with disabilities. She is deeply committed to fostering collaboration and open dialogue, actively listening to the needs of her group while providing excellent leadership. Under her guidance, Living Boldly has grown in both membership and influence. Anastasia’s passion, dedication, and innovative ideas inspire others to get involved and drive positive change. She was also honored this year with a Lorraine Sheehan Advocacy Award in recognition of her outstanding advocacy and leadership. 

Sam Shoge is an entrepreneur and business strategist with a career dedicated to helping small businesses grow, supporting local entrepreneurs, and driving economic development across rural Maryland. As Co-Founder and Partner at Rivers & Roads Consulting, Sam leads a firm that works with mission-driven organizations, municipalities, and entrepreneurs to bring economic development projects to life. Previously, Sam served as Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce, guiding the organization through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the Chamber became a vital resource for local businesses, increasing sponsorship revenue by more than 50%, launching award-winning publications, and positioning the Chamber as a central driver of community and economic growth.  

Anastasia and Sam join a diverse group of board members who bring expertise across advocacy, nonprofit leadership, business, and community development. Together, the board works closely with Fello’s leadership to set strategic direction, identify opportunities, and ensure the organization continues to build inclusive, equitable communities where everyone belongs. 

For more information about Fello’s board of directors, visit fello.org.  

On Thursday, Fello Communities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of 407 Brookletts Avenue, the first completed building of the highly anticipated Easton Crossing community.

Easton Crossing is an ongoing community development project that will transform the 6.5-acre site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation into a vibrant, and walkable neighborhood. The development will include 117 new residential units, 30% of which are designated as affordable, and is designed to create an inclusive community where people of all abilities can thrive. Additionally, Easton Crossing will also feature ground-level commercial space and community amenities, such as walking paths and a fishing pond, to enhance the neighborhood’s livability for everyone.

“This ribbon cutting is the start of something bigger,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “Easton Crossing will bring new homes, new opportunities, and new energy to Easton. This is the first step in that journey—and there’s much more to come.”

The opening of 407 Brookletts Avenue marks an important step toward the construction and launch of the Easton Crossing community. This building will serve not only as the leasing hub for both Easton Crossing’s future residents and commercial tenants, but also will support Fello Communities properties across the Mid-Shore.

“At Fello Communities, we believe people deserve more than housing. People deserve homes,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “Housing is the foundation of everything in a person’s life. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in our communities have safe and accessible places to call home.”

Looking ahead, there will be additional progress throughout 2026 as sitework for the entire footprint of Easton Crossing is completed, including stormwater management, fiber installation, underground infrastructure, and surface parking, all laying the groundwork for Building 509, a multifamily building and the next milestone in Easton Crossing’s journey.