Debbie Sahlin is an advanced practice registered nurse, researcher, and nonprofit executive dedicated to advancing healthcare equity for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. She serves as CEO of Ryan’s Place Health Services and Founder of Ryan’s Place Foundation, which supports over 7,000 individuals across Maryland through innovative programs that integrate healthcare, advocacy, and community-based services.

A passionate advocate and mother to a child, Ryan, with disabilities, Debbie brings personal experience to her leadership, research, and policy work. Her efforts aim to dismantle barriers to care for individuals and their families and create a scalable, inclusive healthcare model rooted in dignity, access, and long-term impact.

Debbie is also involved in Transition Research in Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her research interests focus on improving healthcare transitions for youth with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy. She is a member of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and the Nurse Practitioners Association of Maryland.

A Family Nurse Practitioner, Debbie holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (University of Maryland, Baltimore), and is Board Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She also holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business and Management (University of Maryland, College Park) and Nursing (University of Maryland, Baltimore). She is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Maryland. Prior to her nursing career, she founded a healthcare communications firm in Washington, D.C., specializing in patient education and health literacy.

With over three decades of experience as a dedicated physical therapist, Laura Money has been a driving force in supporting children and young adults with disabilities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine, equipping her with the foundation to excel in pediatric therapy. Her expertise spans early childhood to young adulthood, working in diverse educational settings within Montgomery County Public Schools. Through direct treatment, consultation, and training, she has shaped how students with physical disabilities access education, mobility, and independence. 

Beyond her work in the school system, Laura has been a champion for accessibility through her role as the Equipment Clinic Coordinator at Ryan’s Place Foundation. She has volunteered as a lead physical therapist for the foundation’s durable medical equipment (DME) clinic that refurbishes and redistributes essential mobility devices to individuals who otherwise lack access. Her advocacy has directly improved the lives of countless individuals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., ensuring they receive the necessary support for greater independence and inclusion.

Laura’s passion for advancing pediatric physical therapy is evident in her contributions to research, education, and mentorship. As a clinical instructor, she has trained physical therapy students from prestigious institutions, including Drexel University, George Washington University, Marymount University, the University of Maryland, and Shenandoah University. She has also presented at professional conferences, authored educational materials, and received recognition for her outstanding service to students with disabilities. In 2019-2020, she was honored with the MCCPTA Special Education Outstanding Educator Award, a testament to her dedication and impact in the field. Her commitment to innovative solutions, equity in care, and empowering families makes her a respected leader in pediatric physical therapy.