Corporate Compliance & Quality Department
The mission of NCIA’s Corporate Compliance & Quality Department is to foster an environment of continuous quality improvement throughout the entire organization. This is how we measure, analyze and enhance our services, policies and processes.
The NCIA Corporate Compliance & Quality Department will provide ongoing feedback such as the satisfaction of those using our services, internal processes & policies, and collecting data to evaluate and improve what we do and how well we do it. It means providing training and communication on those improvements throughout the agency.
“Compliance is making sure we do what is expected of us as a company/employee.
“Quality is how we excel while doing it.”
“The Corporate Compliance & Quality Department is responsible for the following throughout NCIA programs & services:
- Incident investigation and response (including fraud, privacy, ethics and abuse)
- Ongoing monitoring, internal auditing and technical assistance for NCIA programs
- Data analysis for use in Continuous Quality Improvement
- Updating and providing guidance for all regulatory and government compliance
- Providing training and education supports to leadership and staff
- Maintaining clear lines of communication for stakeholder reporting on compliance concerns
- Ongoing analysis of the agency’s Policies & Procedures (both Corporate and Program-specific)
- Risk analysis and providing guidance on evolving legal and regulatory requirements
Compliance Hotline
Email the hotline today: compliance@ncianet.org
Compliance Resources
Staff and Contact Information
Sophia Lawson – Director of Quality & Compliance
Contact Sophia:
443.780.1421 (office)
443.894.0907 (cell)
410.265.7143 (fax)
sophia.lawson@ncianet.org
Sophia came to NCIA with over 20 years’ experience in nonprofit management, human resources, program development, strategic planning, professional development and regulatory compliance. She is responsible for developing, implementing and managing NCIA’s compliance and quality improvement program and reports to Carole Argo, Chief Operating Officer.
Sophia graduated from the University of Maryland (Eastern Shore) with a degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Prior to accepting this position, she served as the Compliance and Grant Writing Specialist for Dove Pointe, a DDA provider.
Claniesha Moorefield – CQI Manager
Contact Claneisha:
443.780.1328 (office)
cmoorefield@ncianet.org
Claniesha has been in the field for 20 years. She has worked in various roles beginning her career as a direct support professional, Program Coordinator, Service Coordinator, Quality Assurance Director, and Division Manager. Her passion is assuring the health, safety, and quality of life for the individuals supported. She reports to Sophia Lawson, Director of Quality & Compliance.
Montega Hicks (Data Systems Quality Specialist)
443-762-5073
mhicks@ncianet.org
Montega’s role is to administer, evaluate and manage software databases for our direct service programs (particularly the Adult Services and the Vocational Training Centers). Montega works closely with program leadership and NCIA’s Information Technology Department to ensure that software platforms provide secure and accurate tracking of participant information at all times. Montega previously worked in the Adult Services program at NCIA and worked in program leadership, workflow integration, programmatic data & billing interface and database management & oversight before joining NCIA. Montega reports directly to Sophia Lawson, Director of Quality and Compliance.
Edith Okpiaru (Contract & Document Specialist)
410-903-6525
edith.okpiaru@ncianet.org
Edith’s role is to coordinate, review and manage all NCIA’s contracts and service agreements throughout the entire company. Edith also develops and maintains systems, policies and training for document storage for all departments as well. Ms. Okpiaru has a Masters in Law with a focus on International Tax and Finance from the University of London (United Kingdom). She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge over the years in from working with law firms and other corporations. Before joining NCIA, she worked with a staffing agency as a Project and Document Manager. Edith reports directly to Sophia Lawson, Director of Quality and Compliance.
Ransom Hamlet (Continuous Quality Improvement “CQI” Specialist)
443-780-1328
rhamlet@ncianet.org
Ransom’s role is ensure the fundamental rights & safety of participants in NCIA’s programs are met. Ransom provides ongoing, unannounced visits to check on both the individual and their physical environment. Additionally, Ransom provides training to staff (incident reporting and abuse/neglect signs), submits reportable incidents, conducts investigations and coordinates with State of Maryland representatives. Ransom has been with NCIA since 1990. Ransom began as a residential counselor and also served as residential director and case manager before his current role. Ransom has extensive experience in all phases of the Community Living/Residential program as well as an invaluable knowledge of those supported by NCIA’s programs. Ransom reports directly to Claniesha Fauntleroy, CQI Manager.
Cynthia Hodge (Continuous Quality Improvement “CQI” Specialist)
443-780-1337
chodge@ncianet.org
Cynthia’s role is ensure the fundamental rights & safety of participants in NCIA’s programs are met. Cynthia provides ongoing, unannounced visits to check on both the individual and their physical environment. Additionally, Cynthia provides training to staff (incident reporting and abuse/neglect signs), submits reportable incidents, conducts investigations and coordinates with State of Maryland representatives. Cynthia has been with NCIA since 1995. Cynthia began working for NCIA as a residential counselor and was later promoted to house manager, director of the youth residential homes and later CQI manager of the youth residential program. Additionally, Cynthia has served as an in-home behavior support specialist for young children in another agency. Cynthia also was awarded the Mentor of the Year by Maryland Women Correctional Institutions while serving in this role at NCIA. Cynthia reports directly to Claniesha Fauntleroy, CQI Manager.