Our Story

Hi, I’m Carin Smith, the founder of Maryland Self-Direction Services. The story of MDSDS begins with my story and the birth of my youngest daughter Ellie. I gave birth to Elizabeth (Ellie) Keely Smith on August 24th, 1997. From the beginning, my experience with a child with disabilities was very isolating and I was self-guided. I quickly realized Ellie was not developing as my first daughter did and continually brought her to the doctors to push for answers, while everyone around me told me I was wrong. At nine months, Ellie was diagnosed with significant disabilities including Cerebral Palsy and Cortical Vision Impairment. We were told she would never walk or communicate. As she grew up, she wore braces on her hands and feet and attended 12 therapies per week. At the time, I didn’t know anyone else with disabilities and did not know where to turn. I started speaking with everyone I knew and didn’t know, calling doctors and resource centers. At Kennedy Krieger, I began to find hope. Through them, I found the Baltimore County Commission of Disabilities and Infants and Toddlers, which led me to Maryland School for the Blind, and so forth. Slowly I assembled a community and resources. 

Read the poem that inspired me

At 10 years old, Ellie started in self-direction. With Self-Direction, she received the help she needed to become more independent and our entire family was provided with the support we needed to balance our lives. Through her Self-Directed program, Ellie plays basketball, is in a Special Olympics bowling league, does horseback riding, cheerleading, cooking and pottery classes, and is in a fitness and church group. She has learned to help clean her house, prepare her snacks and do her laundry. She’s learned to use a bath bomb and decorate for the holidays. She has more control over her own schedule. She uses a calendar in her house with pictures of her favorite activities to decide what she would like to do. 

When working with me as a support broker, you’re working with a mother, who has gone through what you’re experiencing before, and navigated the confusing and often overwhelming process of receiving funding and working with the state. I am someone who has fought to provide my daughter the best life she can have, and who will do the same for you. In addition to my personal experience, my professional experience also provides me with the tools and skills to support you. I am a former school teacher with a degree in Early Childhood education. I worked at Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers and as a family navigator and community political leader. I spent years as an advocate for children and their families, learning how to successfully communicate their needs to Maryland legislators and government agencies. 

Meet the Team


  • Founder & Support Broker

    My daughter Ellie has significant disabilities and has been in self-direction since she was 10 years old. She is now in her late twenties and lives a very vibrant life thanks to self-direction. I have a background in early childhood education and worked as a family navigator and executive director. Both my professional and personal experience led me to found Maryland Self-Direction Services (MSDS). My goal as a support broker is to help navigate families through the process of applying for Self-Direction and to provide individuals with disabilities the best lives possible. I love seeing Ellie grow, spend time with friends and develop her interests and independence. I hope to help you or your loved one do the same!

  • Support Broker

    Ellie is my cousin and one of my best friends. We grew up alongside each other and have some of the best memories together. Throughout the years, I’ve come to know Ellie’s community and seen so many beautiful individuals live incredibly full and happy lives. I’ve also seen the challenges and met many hardworking individuals that have dedicated their time to making wonderful lives possible for individuals with disabilities. I worked at St Elizabeth’s School for children with disabilities as an in-classroom, one-on-one support and as a caregiver. I have worked with Carin as a support broker since the beginning of MSDS.