LINC’s Staff

Mary Salkever is the Executive Director and founder of LINC. She has experience as a classroom teacher of elementary and pre-school children, and has taught children with disabilities. Prior to her current job, she was the Deputy Director of a child care advocacy organization for fifteen years. Mary is the parent of a young adult who has multiple disabilities who uses a computer at her job. Mary holds masters degrees in elementary education and child development.

Susan Pompa, LINC’s Associate Director, has a strong background in mass communications and journalism. Prior to joining LINC’s staff in 1993, she held jobs in marketing and public relations in Maryland and Florida. She also served as a special events coordinator and media relations liaison for the Office of the Mayor of Baltimore, William Donald Schaefer. Susan has a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism.

Mike Birkmire, Technology Director, has a strong background in computers, adaptive equipment, and products for people with visual impairments. He joined LINC’s staff in 1994. Mike serves as the Project Manager of a three-year initiative to find technology-related employment for people with cognitive and multiple disabilities. Mike also conducts training programs on JAWS (screen reading) and the Internet, and provides consultations at LINC and at home for people who need specialized individual support at home. Mike received a BA degree in psychology and is pursuing a MA in psychology.

Jean Wunder, Education Coordinator, has a background in special education and assistive technology. Jean works with children and teachers in the Baltimore City Public Schools, staff in the Infants and Toddlers programs, and conducts training in assistive technology for professionals. Jean provides consultations at LINC and also directs LINC’s summer arts program. Jean was a public school teacher for thirteen years where she taught students with physical disabilities, visual impairments, cognitive deficits, and non-verbal communicators. For five years she developed and implemented an instructional/therapeutic art curriculum for children and teenagers with autism. Jean received a MS in Special Education and a BS in Art Education.

Kristen Jarmer, Assistive Technology Coordinator, has a BS in Occupational Therapy. Kristen has extensive experience in the implementation of assistive technology and special software for children and high school students. Prior to working at LINC, Kristen was Technology Specialist with the Technology for Life and Learning Center in New Jersey.

Fred Carter, LINC’s Receptionist, completed the office technology training program at Maryland Rehabilitation Center. Fred is an expert in JAWS (a screen reading program for individuals with visual disabilities). Fred provides technical assistance regarding JAWS and Zoom Text and assists at JAWS training programs.