Optimal Group

02/20/2026

Optimal's February Employee Spotlight is shining on Shannon Aliyev!

Shannon has been part of the Optimal team for a year and four months. She began her journey as a CCS in the Central Region and was promoted to RCCS this past May. She graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies and a minor in Applied Adult Disability Studies. Before joining Optimal, Shannon worked at an autism school and later served as a CCS at SCI. She values the strong support she receives from her co‑workers.

Shannon lives in Bel Air, MD, with her husband, Dzhamil. The two met on a dating app and married in November 2024. Together, they proudly own a Jeep Wrangler, affectionately named Flaming Hot Doritos. They enjoy the Jeep community, have collected several Jeep Ducks, and hope to take their Wrangler out on Jeep trails this spring and summer.

Outside of work, Shannon loves reading and tackling puzzles. She once completed a 3,000‑piece Pixar puzzle. She enjoys using her Kindle so she always has a new book ready and reads across a wide range of genres. Most recently, she finished The Da Vinci Code. On weekends, Shannon and Dzhamil enjoy exploring activities throughout Central Maryland and internationally. Last year, they took a cruise to visit France and Spain.

Thank you, Shannon, for everything you do for Optimal and for the individuals we serve. Your dedication makes a meaningful difference every day.

02/16/2026

02/12/2026

From hard work to her own wag-worthy business 🐾✨ Meet the woman behind Four-Legged Friends Grooming, in Poolesville Maryland, Darina Callear. She started by working in the field, learning the craft, and putting in the hours—and now she’s built a business of her own. With skill, care, and a true love for dogs, she helps pups look and feel their best, one tail wag at a time. 🐶✂️ At Optimal, we love working with Darina and watching her flourish as a business owner. You can inquire about services via text at (301) 525-7337!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! As we enter the new year, Optimal Case Management remains committed to ensuring that those we serve feel seen, heard, and supported as they work toward the goals that matter most to them.
Here's to new goals, new growth, and continued advocacy in 2026!

12/26/2025

Optimal Case Management and the Anchor Initiative are proud to have teamed up this holiday season to support families who have a loved one with a developmental disability and are experiencing challenges this year.
Thanks to the generosity and kindness of our community, we were able to provide gifts to families who could use a little extra brightness this season. 💙✨
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared, volunteered, or helped make this initiative possible. Your support truly makes a difference.
Wishing everyone a warm, joyful, and peaceful holiday season!
— Optimal Case Management & Anchor Initiative

11/25/2025

Optimal's November Participant Spotlight is Ezra Maglio.

Ezra has an infectious laugh. It brightens the room and endears him to his friends and family, who all love to see him laughing and happy. He has so much energy, and his parents are always looking for new ways for him to expend it. He is determined, and he feels good about himself when he makes steps towards reaching his ambulation goals, his school goals, or obtaining skills of independence.

He has shown an incredible amount of resilience in his almost 6 years of life. He has been in and out of multiple surgeries, and he is prone to serious respiratory issues, which have him in and out of his doctors' offices and/or ER and Hospital.

He has a large group of friends, and he is constantly going into the community to engage in playdates or birthday parties. He loves to be in physical activities such as swimming, soccer, and horseback riding. He also participates in the Special Olympics whenever he is able. He recently obtained an Eye Gaze through the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and his family and friends can't wait to see what his increased capability to communicate will do for him in all aspects of his life.

In this video, you can see Ezra utilizing his AFO braces in a fun way with the help of his mother, Valerie Maglio. On the side, his father, Tyler Maglio, who is taking the video, is cheering him on. His big brother cheers him on as well and provides a well-deserved high five at the end.

11/19/2025

Thank you Progress Unlimited, Inc. for allowing us to come spend a few hours with you on Tuesday! We had a wonderful time crafting and playing bingo. 12 Optimal employees volunteered.

11/14/2025

Optimal’s November 2025 Employee Spotlight selection is Mark Weldon.

Mark started with Optimal in November 2020 as the Director of Marketing and Business Development. He graduated from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Journalism with a professional emphasis in Public Relations. Prior to joining Optimal, Mark held various marketing and development jobs in the human service and financial service fields. Mark’s favorite part of working at Optimal is getting to know Optimal’s employees through the annual 4DX Meetings and getting to know the communities Optimal serves at fairs and events. One of Mark’s biggest struggles is keeping up with the constant changes in the field.

Originally from Parish, NY, a small town just north of Syracuse, NY, Mark now lives in Chambersburg, PA, with his wife, Adrienne, and two children, Molly and Brantley. They have two dogs, Jovie and Buddy. The dogs are named after the lead characters in the movie “Elf.”

Mark is a huge fan of all things Syracuse University. His family had season tickets to the basketball games when he was a child. Molly is in the high school band and just learning how to drive. Brantley stays busy with his first job and playing video games. When the kids were younger, Mark coached their elementary school soccer teams. Mark and Adrienne have a date night every Wednesday evening and love going to Mexican and Peruvian restaurants. They are also involved in a marriage ministry team at church.

Thank you, Mark, for all that you have done and continue to do for Optimal and those we serve!

10/16/2025

Optimal Case Management's October Participant Spotlight is Evan Brown!

Evan is shy, but he enjoys meeting new people. He is loving and affectionate to the people he loves the most, and he is always willing to give a hug or a handshake. He is very close with his family, with six brothers and sisters who all show their love and support for him, as well as his parents.

With the help of the Home and Community Based Services Waiver, Evan has been able to utilize Personal Supports, Respite, Support Broker, and Behavioral Supports. He shows excitement and enthusiasm for the things he enjoys, such as going out to eat, going swimming, or taking walks with his staff and, of course, his dog. He still goes with his family to Church every Sunday, where he engages in fellowship with the people who have known him his entire life. This is a prime example of a family who has made community integration a priority, and the smile on Evan’s face shows just how much this program provides for him.

Thank you Evan for allowing us to Spotlight you!

10/09/2025

Karen started with Optimal Case Management in August 2018 as the Assistant Director of Case Management. She was promoted to the Director of Training in December 2019. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Prior to joining Optimal, Karen taught second grade at two Catholic schools and was part of the Arc of Frederick County’s Information and Referral services, as well as their day program. Karen’s favorite part of working at Optimal is working with all kinds of people and being a part of their growth. One of Karen’s biggest struggles is not having the opportunity to work directly with participants.

Karen is from Frederick County and still lives there with her family. Karen is married to Jonathan, and they have three children, Lucy Ann, Lilly, and Caleb. They have one dog named Coco.

Sports play a big part in the Wiese family. Karen has coached college and high school soccer, as well as middle school basketball, and is currently a high school girls' flag football coach. They enjoy attending both professional and youth sporting events. Jonathan and Caleb are both big fans of the Yankees and the Jets. The kids participate in cheer, flag football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and weight lifting.

Thank you, Karen, for all that you have done and continue to do for Optimal and those we serve!