Erin Lamb, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP

CEO / Executive Director

Erin Lamb, Ph.D., M.S. CCC/SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist who holds a Ph.D. in educational public policy, allowing her to use evidence from the fields of economics, sociology, education, and political science to serve HASA.  Erin received both her master's and bachelor's degrees in speech-language pathology from Loyola College in Maryland and her doctorate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While serving as a clinical faculty member at her alma mater, Erin managed inter-professional teams, coordinated programs, and established relationships with community partners and charitable foundations.

Erin worked in special education schools, early intervention settings, and in acute care pediatric settings (including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). She was a clinical faculty member at both Loyola University Maryland and Towson University. While working as a university clinical faculty member, she supervised a diverse caseload that included non-verbal toddlers with autism and middle school students with language and literacy challenges. She was recruited to write articles for the ASHA Leader and the ASHA Leader Blog. She has also published articles in scholarly journals. Erin taught 400-600 level coursework related to speech and language typical and atypical/delayed development.

Erin was a previous member of Executive Committee for the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers in Maryland and is a current member of the Advisory Board for North Bend Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. Erin is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In January 2017, she became a Professional Member of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) of speech-language pathology, which recognized her as a leader in inter-professional healthcare. The NAP works as an "interdisciplinary force to influence national health policy, legislation, and promote quality healthcare through cooperative advocacy, practice, education, and research."

Erin has been recognized as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, a prestigious award that celebrates exceptional women who have distinguished themselves professionally and as leaders in their communities, all while demonstrating a commitment to mentoring others. She was honored with this distinction in 2018 and then again in 2023. Additionally, Erin has also been acknowledged as one of the Top 10 Leaders in Diversity by the Baltimore Business Journal in 2019, a testament to her outstanding leadership skills and dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Sarah Wise, LMSW

Chief Advancement Officer

Sarah Wise, LMSW serves as the HASA Chief Advancement Officer, where she is responsible for overseeing the fundraising strategy of the organization. With more than 20 years of experience, Sarah has a wealth of expertise in helping organizations achieve their fundraising goals.

Prior to joining HASA, Sarah served as the Director of Development for Promise Heights and the Social Work Community Outreach Services at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) School of Social Work (UMSSW). In addition, she has held positions in the UMB's Office of External Affairs and the UMSSW Dean’s office.

Throughout her career, Sarah has gained significant experience in fundraising, community organizing, event planning, and donor relations. She has also worked directly with clients facing substance use disorder and domestic violence.

Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at UMBC and earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Dave Coyne, ED.D., MS

Language Access and Inclusion Director

In his role as Language Access and Inclusion Director, Dave manages development, outreach, and advocacy for HASA’s interpreting and sign language education programs.

Prior to joining HASA, Dave worked in various roles supporting best practices in the interpreting field, mainly as an interpreter educator with a focus on interpreting skill development topics related to power, privilege, and oppression.  His most recent position was as an assistant professor at the University of Louisville.

His 16 years of teaching experience and his work as an ASL interpreter and conference presenter have furthered his research interests:  social justice, allyship, and leadership topics in the interpreting field. Specifically, he is interested in the promotion of critical thinking, community-building, and principles of social justice that can re-establish, maintain and strengthen connections between interpreters and those who work with them.

Dave holds a doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Siena Heights University, and he completed an ASL Interpreter Training Program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

Olga D. Polites, M.S., CCC-SLP

Director, Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Health Services

Olga Polites graduated from Loyola College in Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology. She then earned her Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Loyola College and subsequently began her career working for the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1983 Olga joined the staff at HASA.

Olga began as a speech-language pathologist in Gateway School, and she then transferred to the Clinical Services Program where she worked at The Scottish Rite Childhood Speech & Language Center. Since then, she was promoted to Director, Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Health Services and is responsible for all audiology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services.

Olga and her staff have developed the following programs: The Center for Fluency Enhancement, The Listening and Spoken Language Program, Maryland Keys to Communication, The Parent Resource Center for parents of children newly identified with hearing loss and the Cochlear Implant Lending Library for professionals working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Dana Reinhardt, M.ED.

Education Director

Gateway School, founded in 1957, is a nonpublic special education program that provides an evidence-based, language-rich curriculum to students with communication challenges.

HASA executive director Erin Stauder states: “Dana’s breadth of experience and passion for data-driven and evidence-based practice will help propel HASA’s educational programs forward as we build and integrate our early learning initiatives.”

Ms. Reinhardt began her career as an elementary school educator and built on that experience as a consultant and advocate. She joined Loyola University Maryland in 2007 and while there, worked as clinical faculty, professional development coordinator, and director of literacy programs at both the Loyola Clinical Centers and at the School of Education during her ten-year tenure.

Most recently, Ms. Reinhardt served as a director and data analyst at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. There, she designed and implemented assessment and accreditation programs within the school and represented Johns Hopkins by participating in several local and national organizations and accrediting agencies. Personally, she is a passionate advocate for children with special needs and language-based disorders. When asked about her new position, she states “I’m looking forward to advancing the great work HASA and Gateway School have done to positively impact the lives of students, clients, families, and community.”

Ms. Reinhardt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Gettysburg College and a Master of Education with a concentration in literacy from the Loyola University of Maryland. She has advanced professional teaching certifications in elementary education, special education, early childhood education, and as a reading specialist. She resides in Baltimore County with her husband and three daughters.

Emilie Aguilar, MA

Chief Operating Officer

In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Emilie oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, the Clinic and many other day-to-day and strategic operations at HASA.

Prior to joining the team at HASA, she worked for almost 15 years as the Director of Program Operations for the Speech-Language Hearing Sciences Department at Loyola University Maryland managing accreditation, participating in strategic planning, recruiting and managing admission applications, supporting students, overseeing department budget and grants, maintaining facility contracts, and serving as a liaison across many University departments.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the Notre Dame of Maryland University. She also completed a leadership development program called Leadership Essentials through Loyola University.

Emilie is passionate about staff engagement, fostering a culture of support and communication, and optimizing processes for organizations.