Choice and Control, Inc. has been providing Support Broker Services since September 2022. We have 9 certified Support Brokers and support people with developmental disabilities throughout all regions of Maryland.
Our Mission
We, at Choice and Control, Inc., are dedicated to listening, exploring options, and advocating with the people we serve to maximize their choice and control.
Our Values
- Equity: We are committed to creating an environment where all people have access to the same opportunities, resources, and support, with respect to their identities and experiences.
- Advocacy: We believe in the power of advocating with the people we serve and the broader disability community for equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Community: We support and encourage community engagement in political, financial, and social issues that push for the civil rights and protections of marginalized populations.
- Autonomy: We strive to ensure that our customers, the people receiving services, are always prioritized and have the final say in all decisions regarding their services.
Irene Souada
Founder and Executive Director, Support Broker
Irene Souada has dedicated her life to assisting people with disabilities in accessing community resources and support. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, with a Venezuelan mother and Costa Rican father, she experienced firsthand the challenges faced by English as a second language speakers, including discriminatory attitudes and practices in healthcare. These experiences, where healthcare professionals sometimes assumed she didn't speak English or wasn't in a leadership position, strengthened her resolve to ensure equitable access to services for everyone. A significant challenge she actively addresses is the common practice of sharing information exclusively in English and primarily via email. She consistently advocates for language access across all government and social service sectors. Her advocacy extends beyond interpreting and translating resources into Spanish; she champions sharing information in all languages commonly used in Maryland, including sign language and various print formats. Irene is a member of the Maryland Commission of the Department of Disabilities and Secretary of the Maryland Equity Coalition of People with Disabilities. She is also a former member of the Developmental Disabilities Council and has participated in Developmental Disabilities Administration focus groups, discussing the impact of policies on Latino communities. Irene is the founder and Executive Director of Choice and Control Inc., an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities in leading their own services through coaching and mentoring, with a particular focus on marginalized communities to ensure they receive the same information and can make informed choices.
Mimi Souada
Director of Operations (Central and Eastern Maryland Regions), Support Broker
Mimi is Co-Director of Operations and has been a Support Broker since 2020. She has lifelong experience learning, volunteering, and working in Maryland Self-Directed Services; as well as lived experience advocating for herself and with others within academic disability services. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, and History, Mimi brings an analytical and unique approach to the twists and turns of SDS. Having grown up in a Latino and North African household, she deeply values community care and action. Mimi is committed to providing culturally competent services to her customers and standing together for equitable access.
Brenda Villalta
Director of Operations (Western and Southern Maryland Regions), Support Broker
Brenda Villalta is the Co-Director of Operations at Choice and Control, Inc. and has worked as a Support Broker since 2022. With over a decade of experience in the special education and disability community, she is passionate about empowering individuals and families through education and advocacy. Brenda is bilingual in Spanish and committed to making services accessible and inclusive for all.
Kiona Cloud
Support Broker
Kiona is a compassionate and approachable Support Broker who’s new to the Choice and Control team. With a background in customer-centered guidance, she’s ready to help individuals feel supported, heard, and confident in directing their own services.
Yaz Souada
Support Broker, Administrative Assistant
I’m a part-time support broker living in the Central Region of Maryland. I work towards making sure our customers receive the supports they need by providing administrative/clerical assistance for our brokering team. I hope to one day become a web developer by studying different coding languages, such as Java and Python.
Jordan Sikora
Support Broker
A new member of the Choice and Control team, Jordan is a compassionate Support Broker with several years of hands-on experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Personal Support Provider. Having worked in a wide variety of healthcare settings, she learned the importance of advocacy, clear communication, and respect for all people. As she learns the ins-and-outs of being a Support Broker she is committed to supporting joyful independence and person-centered choice.
Ana Velasquez
Support Broker
Ana Velasquez is excited to begin her journey with Choice and Control, Inc. She brings over 25 years of experience working with the Latino community across various sectors. Ana is passionate about supporting individuals and families, and she values Choice and Control’s commitment to high standards and community-centered services.
Rosalie Christensen
Support Broker
Rosalie is a former Early Childhood Director and Teacher with extensive experience as a Special Needs Coordinator, guided by a deep commitment to inclusive, family-centered support. As the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome and a Certified Support Broker since 2012, Rosalie brings both professional knowledge and personal experience to her work, partnering with individuals and families to navigate services, build meaningful supports, and plan for the future.
Kristell Reyes-Neugroschel
Support Broker
Kristell is enthusiastic about assisting others and effecting positive change through community-based initiatives. With a background in criminal justice, she adds a thorough understanding of systems, advocacy, and ethical conduct to her work. She is a compassionate and friendly Support Broker who is new to the Choice and Control team and enjoys interacting with the people she helps. Kristell is now expanding into person-centered support and is dedicated to making people feel supported, heard, and confident in managing their own services.