The Main Street team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to creating dynamic opportunities for people of all abilities. Meet our staff and board below.
Staff | Board | Openings | Internships | Volunteering
Main Street Staff
Jillian Copeland
Jillian Copeland is the Founder and Executive Director of Main Street in Rockville, Maryland, a first-of-its-kind inclusive, accessible and affordable apartment building and community center serving people of all abilities. Prior to starting Main Street, she spent 10 years as an educator, staff trainer and technology coordinator for Montgomery County Public Schools before founding The Diener School for children with learning differences in 2007. Jillian served as the Head of School from 2007 to 2013, was Chair of the Board of Trustees for six years, and now serves as a member of the board. Jillian and her husband, Scott, reside in Rockville and are the parents of Danny (28), Jack (26), Nicol (24) and Ethan (22). They are excited about their latest initiative, The Epilepsies Action Network (EAN), created to support surveillance, research and funding for those with epilepsy. Read Full Bio
Tara Owens
Tara brings to Main Street a diverse background in accounting, education and community engagement. With a B.S. in accounting from Towson University and an MBA from Loyola College, she has worked as an auditor at KPMG and as an accounting supervisor at COPT. She later transitioned to MCPS, working in special education classes and as a financial specialist. In addition to these professional experiences, Tara has owned a Jazzercise studio for 13 years, blending her passion for dance and fitness with community building. Her commitment to Main Street is deeply personal, driven by her son Kade’s autism diagnosis at age 3, igniting a lifelong dedication to the special needs community. Tara’s family includes her son, Kade, now 18, daughter, Lexis, 16, and her boyfriend, Tommy. They share their home with two beloved dogs, Bently, a goldendoodle, and Jules, a golden retriever.
Sharon Cichy
Sharon launched her career as an educator, with a master’s degree in early childhood special education, spending more than 10 years focused on children before pivoting into the world of entrepreneurship. Several adventures later, Sharon joined Main Street, where her role includes spearheading development, raising critical funds, and brokering creative and strategic partnerships. Sharon envisions and executes unique, memorable events and programs—including the Conversations Matter series and Bake with Sharon—and works with partners locally and nationally to advance advocacy efforts for affordable, inclusive housing.
MaryAnn Hanley
MaryAnn has worked in offices of locally owned businesses, small and large. For over 11 years she worked at the corporate office for a rapidly growing national company in progressive roles. She had the opportunity to support senior and executive leaders in various departments, giving her an understanding of cross-functional ways businesses thrive. She has also served as the Executive Assistant to multiple CEOs and Board of Directors. As office administrator, MaryAnn focuses on the business infrastructure – accounts payable, accounts receivable and bookkeeping – for both Main Street Connect and Soulfull Cafe. She oversees implementation of employee benefits, manages product inventory for the Main Street store and coordinates all space rentals at Main Street.
Cindy Rich
A Montgomery County native, Cindy Rich spent most of her career as a journalist before joining the Main Street team in October 2022. Most recently, she worked as senior editor at Bethesda Magazine, where she wrote and edited longform narratives about youth, education, health, social issues and community leaders. Prior to that, Cindy served as director of communications at the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) and spent 10 years as a writer and editor for Washingtonian. At Main Street, she shares the inspirational stories of residents, members, families and staff in The Monthly Connect and the annual report, promotes programs and events, and works to increase Main Street’s visibility locally and nationally. She has also led a program for members called Telling the Story: An Introduction to Reporting and Writing.
Media inquiries may be sent to cindyr@mainstreetconnect.org.
Julie Ryan-Silva
One of Main Street’s first team members, Julie has supported the organization’s growth in critical areas including communications, membership, fundraising, community outreach, and research and evaluation. She currently supports other Main Street staff with special projects related to the website and communications, data management, development and safety education for residents. Prior to joining the Main Street team, Julie worked in the policy department of the National Down Syndrome Society. Julie has also been active in special education advocacy in Montgomery County. Julie’s passion for furthering Main Street’s mission comes from her children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Julie holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University.
Evan Scheinberg
Evan works with the communications and programming teams on event planning, website maintenance, marketing and social media, while also supporting staff at Main Street’s Soulfull Cafe and helping to promote the cafe’s mission. A graduate of Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Evan earned a bachelor’s degree in English with focuses in writing, rhetoric and publication from the College of Charleston. While pursuing his degree, Evan gained extensive experience writing for several different online publications and helped to write a book about Traumatic Brain Injuries. Evan also developed a passion for advocating for mental health awareness during his time working and creating content for Active Minds and TimelyMD. In his spare time, Evan loves to go on walks with his dog named Blue and read any book he can get his hands on.
Mizuki Brent
Mizuki recently graduated from American University with a B.A. in Global International Relations. During her time in college, her passion for writing inspired her to support her student colleagues as a tutor for academic writing and research. She also interned with the U.S. Consulate General Osaka and spent six months furthering her interest in Japan-U.S. diplomacy, foreign policy, and intercultural exchange. Mizuki is proud to bring her Asian American perspective to Main Street, where she’ll support the programming, membership and development teams. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, playing the piano, and taking long walks outside with her friends.
Leo Ruiz
A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Leo graduated from Marist College in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in political science. During his college years, he served as a U.S. Congressional Intern, worked for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and participated in student government. At Main Street, Leo helps with program support, tours and member engagement. He enjoys being at Main Street because it’s a joyful space and he gets to experience true inclusion, where everyone is welcome to come as they are and be their authentic selves.
David Godoy
Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, David moved to the US in 1997 and earned his certificate in General Education in 2001 from Montgomery College. David recently became the first Latino Ambassador for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (Special Olympics, MD)! In his free time, David enjoys painting, playing the saxophone, swimming and cycling. At Main Street, David always makes sure to greet everyone who arrives warmly and ask how their day is going.
Faith McLuckie
Faith McLuckie grew up in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Ivymount School in 2018. Faith is an artist at the VisAbility Art Lab in Rockville, where she creates paintings and ceramic sculptures. She is a Special Olympics athlete (her favorite sport is golf), and a Certified Athlete Leader. Faith enjoys volunteering at Comfort Cases and being a very active Main Street Connect member. As a front desk associate, Faith shares her welcoming smile with every individual that walks through the doors. She enjoys working at Main Street because she loves being with people and helping out, and she gets to learn new skills and apply them to her other activities.
Interested in joining the Main Street team?
Check here for position openings. Learn about summer internships here and volunteer opportunities here.
Main Street Board of Directors
