Optimal Group

Optimal’s August 2026 Employee Spotlight selection is Emilee Underwood.

Emilee started as a Coordinator of Community Services in the Southern Region with Optimal in July 2024. She was promoted to the position of Field Educator in May 2026. Emilee has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Exercise Science from Fairmont State University. Prior to starting at Optimal, Emilee worked in various case management capacities. Emilee loves getting to know the participants she serves and seeing them reach their goals. She also appreciates the relationships she has made with her supervisors and co-workers. Her biggest struggle is keeping up with the frequent changes in the field.

Emilee is a West Virginia native who moved to Maryland in 2024. Emilee lives in Hanover, MD with her fiancé. They have a dog named Shilo that they rescued.

Outside of work, Emilee loves to travel! Her fiancé proposed in May while they were in the Dominican Republic. They have another trip planned soon for Barbados. They have also traveled to Mexico and Jamaica. Besides travel, Emilee enjoys listening to audiobooks and exercising. She has a walking pad under her desk to help her stay active and attends different fitness-related classes on the weekends. Emilee and her fiancé have a close group of friends that they love to spend time with. Emilee regularly visits family in West Virginia.

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

💚 Participant Spotlight: Malorie & Tabara 💚
At Optimal Case Management, we believe the heart of person-centered care is found in genuine relationships—and the relationship between Malorie and her CCS, Tabara, is a beautiful example of that.

When Malorie and Tabara first met, they connected almost instantly. Since then, Tabara has become an incredibly important and trusted person in Malorie’s life. Her compassion, empathy, patience, and genuine care have created a relationship that means more to Malorie than words can easily express.

When Malorie talks about Tabara, one thing is abundantly clear: she sees her as a source of light and love. Malorie describes her as “the brightest, most beautiful, radiant light that the universe will ever see” and says that Tabara has so much love inside of her that she could give it endlessly to the people around her and still have more to share. 💚

For Malorie, who does not have natural family supports, having someone who consistently listens, understands, supports, and cares about her has made a tremendous difference. Their relationship is built on trust, kindness, and a genuine connection that goes far beyond simply providing a service.

Tabara truly embodies what person-centered care means. She takes the time to understand Malorie as a person, respects what matters to her, and makes sure she feels heard, valued, and supported.

Most importantly, Malorie wanted everyone to know just how much Tabara means to her. Her words may be difficult to put into a few simple sentences, but the message behind them is unmistakable: Tabara has brought an incredible amount of love, compassion, and light into her life.

Thank you, Malorie, for sharing your story and allowing us to celebrate this special relationship. And thank you, Tabara, for the compassion and heart you bring to the people you support every day. 💚

💙🧡 An autism diagnosis is the beginning of a new journey—not a change in who your child is.

If you're wondering what comes next, we've put together a few helpful tips for families getting started, including why applying for Maryland DDA early is so important.

Questions? We're here to help.

📞 301-835-8667
📧 [email protected]



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Every person deserves to be heard. 💙 Supporting communication isn't just about reducing crises—it's about creating opportunities for independence, connection, and a better quality of life.

Your Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) plays an important role in helping you navigate DDA services. From developing your Individual Service Plan (ISP) to connecting you with resources and advocating for your goals, your CCS is there to help you build the life you choose.

Every participant deserves a CCS agency that listens, communicates, and provides person-centered support. If you're looking for a better fit, it's important to know that you have options.

Have questions about DDA services or choosing a CCS agency? We're here to help.

📧 [email protected]
📞 301-835-8667

Is there a benefit to applying for DDA services early? Absolutely.

Applying early can provide more time to complete the eligibility process, plan for future needs, and explore available supports before they're urgently needed. Whether you're planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding your options now can make future transitions smoother.

Not sure if DDA services are the right fit for you or your child? We're happy to answer your questions and help you understand the process—no pressure, just guidance.

📧 [email protected]
📞 301-835-8667

We see you, we hear you, and what you say matters to us.

There's a lot of misinformation about DDA services—and it can make getting started feel overwhelming. The truth is, you don't have to figure it out alone. We're here to help you understand the process and answer your questions every step of the way. 💙

There isn't a single "right" path to adulthood—and that's okay.

Every person has their own goals, strengths, and dreams. With the right support, those dreams can become opportunities.

At Optimal Case Management, we're here to help individuals and families navigate Maryland DDA services with compassionate, person-centered guidance every step of the way.

💙 Because every journey is unique, and every future deserves possibility.

📞 301-835-8667
📧 [email protected]