The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) is excited to welcome several new trainees to its preservice training program. This program aims to increase the number—and enhance the expertise—of individuals interested in integrating disability knowledge into their future careers and lives. Through the MCDD’s core programs and projects, trainees engage in a range of mentored experiential and educational activities.
Alexandra Ozazewski is a second-year law student at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in legal studies from Bucknell University, graduating magna cum laude. Ozazewski’s interest in health and disability law is rooted in her academic background in psychology, her volunteer work supporting youth experiencing grief and mental health challenges, and her exposure to regulatory and compliance issues through her legal studies. Through her work with Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), Ozazewski hopes to develop her skills in health policy and disability advocacy, gain deeper insight into the legal and structural barriers facing individuals with developmental disabilities, and contribute meaningful support to families navigating complex care systems. She is committed to a career grounded in public service, health law and improving access to equitable, compassionate legal support.
Maria Yeo is a third-year law student at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree in business administration at the University of California, Irvine. She developed an interest in working with children through her experiences working as an English as a second language (ESL) teacher and as a tutor. At Project HEAL, she hopes to apply her past work experiences to effectively advocate for young clients while gaining new knowledge on education law.
Mirian Ofonedu, PhD, LCSW-C, director of training for the MCDD, led the Fall 2025 Virtual Program Tour, giving students the opportunity to learn about programs that prepare them to better support individuals with disabilities and their families in their future careers. These interactive virtual sessions provided an overview of each program and created space for student questions and discussion. The program was designed for students across diverse disciplines, including psychology, public health, social work, psychiatry, medicine, speech-language pathology, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
The Fall 2025 Virtual Program Tour schedule included the following programs:
- Oct. 1: St. Elizabeth School
- Oct. 7: Maryland Assistive Technology Program and Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program
- Nov. 11: Neurodiversity at Work
- Nov. 12: Maryland Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
- Nov. 18: Maryland Assistive Technology Program
- Dec. 9: Maryland School for the Blind