Rob is the Director of Tax Operations for the CASH Campaign of Maryland. He was introduced to free tax preparation services while managing a partner program of the Baltimore CASH Campaign. After working with vulnerable individuals in many capacities, he immediately saw the impact of free tax preparation. He actively works to improve tax systems through free tax preparation and membership with groups like the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Committee and the Maryland Board of Individual Tax Preparers. He is a member of the Maryland bar and previously represented low-income individuals as a legal aid attorney in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Peace Corps in the countries of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. He holds a JD from the University of Toledo School of Law and a BA in Political Science with a certificate in Peace Studies from Siena College.
Favorite part of my job: Logistics – there is nothing like schlepping large boxes of equipment and materials to tax sites. Reviewing a tax return with a client – it is always rewarding to see a client understand their tax return for the first time. Understanding the tax return can be very empowering for them.
What inspires you? Building and fixing everything. Building projects in my wood shop is incredibly rewarding to me. Finding ways to help people is even greater. Developing a free tax program is the highest achievement ever. The great outdoors with my son. Sailing, mountain climbing, scouting, biking, backpacking, or anything else outside is great. If only we could prepare taxes outside.
Sr. Program Manager, Tax Education and Partnerships
About Megan Bautista
Megan is the Senior Program Manager for Tax Education and Partnerships at the CASH Campaign of Maryland. They lead statewide initiatives focused on educating the public about tax credits and tax-themed financial education. They support CASH’s statewide coalition of free tax preparation program partners by providing training, resources, and technical assistance to help these organizations successfully serve their communities at tax time. Megan also leads CASH's Tax Time Financial Capability work, which connects tax clients to programs and services that promote long-term financial stability. Before joining CASH, Megan served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with CASA de Maryland, supporting their community economic development program. Today, Megan brings nearly a decade of VITA experience to their work. Megan is a member of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake’s Homeowner Services Committee, serves on the Board of Directors of Pigtown Main Street, and will begin a two-year term on the Comptroller of Maryland’s New Americans’ Advisory Council in January 2026. Megan received their BA in Sociology and Africana Studies from Oberlin College and later completed the Financial Social Work Certificate Program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Originally from The Bronx, New York (Go Yankees!), Megan and their partner Rachel live blocks from the stadiums in Pigtown (Go Ravens!) with their two beloved cats, Guilford and Figaro.
Favorite part of my job:
The “aha” moments—when a taxpayer finally understands how their taxes work and feels genuinely empowered by that knowledge.
What motivates you:
Seeing our clients use tax time as a stepping stone toward reaching long-term financial goals—and helping to build the community partnerships that make that possible—inspires me every day.
Favorite part of the job: What I enjoy most about being an administrative assistant is the opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive a company's success. I find fulfillment in understanding how each detail plays a crucial role in the bigger picture. I take great pride in supporting teams as they work toward their mission, and I am passionate about assisting in the smooth execution of their initiatives.
What inspires me: I am inspired by creativity. There is art and design in everything. I love to be apart of innovative ideas or supporting others in creating. Being around creativity is inspiring.
Meri is the Operations Manager for CASH Campaign. She brings over decade of customer service and management skills to the organization, and is originally from Chesapeake Va. While in Virginia she attended the Culinary Institute of Virginia and pursued her passion for cooking before leaving the area.
Favorite part of the job: I love being able to help people. There is no task too big or too small for me.
What inspires me: I am inspired by the people around me and wanting to make a change in other people’s lives. It is rewarding being a part of a team that wants to help make a difference in our community.
Brian is a Program Associate, Benefits Case Manager representing CASH in the Baltimore City Northwest Career Center at Mondawmin Mall. He brings previous experience in Clinical Social Work and counseling to the organization. He currently assists customers of the Career Center by connecting them to resources and public benefits including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). He has been a Baltimore resident for most of his life and has a BSW from UMBC and an MSW from University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Favorite part of my job:
Having the opportunity to help ensure that Maryland citizens receive every benefit that they have earned throughout their lifetime. This will assist them in planning and succeeding in building a better future for themselves.
What inspires/motivates me:
I am inspired by the idea that even the smallest change today can result in a vastly different future.
Christina Figueroa is the Program Manager for Financial Education and Capability with the nonprofit CASH Campaign of Maryland. In this role Christina supports the delivery of direct services and the implementation of new programs. She leads the financial education team and serves as a bilingual Financial Educator and staff trainer. She also oversees the work of the benefits screening team and assists the Financial Capability team in implementing asset development programs and initiatives, in addition to leading special projects like the Financial Education Summit. Christina holds a B.A. in Global Affairs with a concentration in Latin America from George Mason University. In 2025, she became an Accredited Financial Counselor through AFCPE.
Sonya is the Senior Program Associate of Tax Operations for the CASH Campaign of Maryland. She was introduced to tax preparations as a volunteer tax preparer at Prince George's Community College VITA site while working full-time as an elementary school teacher and assistant principal. She enjoyed working with many different individuals as she learned to prepare free tax returns. Due to a job transfer, she and her husband relocated to Baltimore, MD where she assisted many different sites as a volunteer VITA advanced tax preparer while working full-time as a Preschool Director. She joined the CASH Campaign of Maryland initially as an advanced tax preparer volunteer. Gobbling up as much information about tax law and learning many different tax preparation programs, she decided to join the CASH Campaign of Maryland as a seasonal site manager serving at the Community Engagement Center (CEC). While serving at the CEC, she decided to accomplish a long-standing goal to complete her college degree earning a B.S. in Multimedia Design and Graphics/Web Design from DeVry University and graduating summa cum laude. She is a member of the National Honor Society and certified as a professional tax preparer with the IRS and the State of Maryland. While working with many different individuals and families as an educator of more than twenty years, she felt it was necessary to continue working to educate taxpayers to understand the tax preparation process by offering free tax preparation and preparing valuable information for posting to the internet.
Favorite part of my job: Share with clients how to obtain financial freedom by planning for future tax preparation and directing them to our professionals at the CASH Campaign to empower them to make beneficial financial decisions that will lead to financial freedom.
What inspires/motivates you? Developing educational materials that will make the tax preparation process less stressful and more understandable for my clients. I love seeing the mental 'ah ha' or 'power bulb' glowing from their eyes and the smiles I see that my clients finally understand ways to change and/or implement their financial goals. One of my favorite sayings is "Nothing is Impossible because I'm Possible!" (from Audrey Hepburn)
Sara is the Co-Founder and COO of the CASH Campaign of Maryland, a nonprofit that improves the financial security of low-to-moderate income Marylanders. The CASH Campaign of Maryland is the result of a recent merger between the Baltimore CASH Campaign and the Maryland CASH Campaign. CASH and its statewide network of partners annually prepares 22,000 free tax returns, bringing in $30 million in tax refunds to low-income taxpayers, provides free financial education and coaching to over 7,000 residents, and conducts advocacy on state and federal policies. Sara has over 15 years of nonprofit experience in the Baltimore area. She previously served as the Director for the Baltimore CASH Campaign where she led a citywide coalition of free tax preparation and financial capacity service partners. Sara spearheaded the launch of Seedco’s Baltimore office where she managed the local implementation of their benefits access program EarnBenefits Online. She also worked with the United Way of Central Maryland in the Community Impact division for Basic Needs and with the Annie E. Casey Foundation where she managed its neighborhood grants program. Sara earned her Bachelor of Arts from Guilford College in Business Management and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. She currently resides in Howard County with her husband and twin girls.
Favorite part of my job: Being creative and trying new approaches to making a difference in people’s lives. I also love working with the CASH team – they rock.
What motivates you? When partners have that ‘ah ha’ moment and see how our work around financial security fits with their work too.
Kyarah is the Senior Program Associate for the Tax Operations Team. Kyarah assists hundreds of families each year with accessing free tax preparation and asset building services. Kyarah joined CASH after completing her bachelor studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. During her studies, Kyarah created her own major focusing on racial economic inequality and potential policy solutions. Before joining CASH, Kyarah interned with The Brookings Institution and Prosperity Now (formerly CFED) where she assisted with a variety of programs and research projects that focused on financial capability and a variety of other social and economic issues. In her free time, Kyarah enjoys listening to live music, backpacking and exploring America’s national parks with her husband, and rooting for her favorite NBA team, the Washington Wizards!
Favorite part of the job: Interacting with our clients, and providing them with a trustworthy, quality service.
What inspires/motivates me: Empowering everyday people, and being a part of the solution.
Erin is CASH Campaign of Maryland's Grant Writer and Development Associate. She was introduced to grant writing while community organizing with Sex Workers Outreach Project Baltimore. It was in this role that she first saw how consistent funding can facilitate vital and necessary community work. She brings over four years of Development experience to CASH Campaign. She holds a B.A. In Sociology from McDaniel College with a minor in Urban and Community Studies.
Favorite part of the job: My job is storytelling. I get to take the broad view and tell other people about the hard work of my colleagues and the ways they are changing people's lives.
What inspires/motivates me: Making the lives of people who are working hard to get by easier.
Robin is Co-Founder and CEO of the CASH Campaign of Maryland, a nonprofit that improves the financial security of low-to-moderate income Marylanders. The CASH Campaign of Maryland is the result of a recent merger between the Baltimore CASH Campaign and the Maryland CASH Campaign. CASH and its statewide network of partners annually prepares 22,000 free tax returns, bringing in $30 million in tax refunds to low-income taxpayers, provides free financial education and coaching to over 7,000 residents, and conducts advocacy on state and federal policies. For the past 16 years, Robin has worked in the field of asset building, engaging in fundraising, advocacy, and program and coalition management, including for the Annie E. Casey Foundation and East Harbor CDC. She has a BSW from Elizabethtown College and a MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, where she co-founded the Financial Social Work Initiative and is currently an Adjunct Professor. Robin is a board member of Prosperity Now (formerly CFED), and a member of Maryland’s Financial Education and Capability Commission.
Favorite part of my job: Hearing client success stories and knowing that people are more financially secure.
What motivates you? The endless energy and dedication of our staff, partners, and volunteers.
Tonaeya is the Director of Policy for the CASH Campaign of Maryland. She brings her experience in intergovernmental relations and public policy to the organization. Tonaeya has an extensive background working in various positions in the Maryland General Assembly. Prior to joining CASH, she worked as Chief of Staff for the Office of Delegate Stephanie Smith.
Tonaeya obtained her B.A. in Philosophy from Morgan State University in 2018 and her MPA with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Baltimore in 2020. She currently resides in Baltimore City with her fiancé and dog.
Favorite part of my job: Working with a dynamic team who truly cares about promoting economic advancement for low –to-moderate income families in Maryland.
What inspires/motivates me: Seeing the positive impact our work has on the lives of many Marylanders.
Lonia is CASH’s Policy and Development Associate, working on advocacy and policy initiatives in Baltimore City and across Maryland. This involves working in Annapolis, researching multiple policy areas, and outreach to communities. She also provides support for the Financial Education and Capability Commission and advocacy coalitions across Maryland. Lonia received her BA in Sociology and BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia in 2018. Then, she completed her Master in Social Work with a concentration in Community Action and Social Policy in 2020.
Favorite part of my job: I love researching different policy areas and working towards having policies that benefits our clients.
What inspires/motivates me: I am motivated by the changes that CASH has championed and the initiates we have moving forward.
Siddiq is a Program Associate for Tax Partnerships. In this role, Siddiq contributes to managing the relationships of statewide partners within free tax preparation programs. He provides necessary materials and training to empower these partners in assisting their clients and community members to achieve financial stability during the crucial tax season. In addition to this, Siddiq aids in the implementation of the Maryland Community Fellows Program. Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Siddiq graduated with his B.A. in Finance from Towson University and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration.
Favorite part of the job: Connecting with clients on a personal level and hearing their diverse and inspiring stories.
What inspires/motivates me: Providing hope to our clients, assuring them that their situations can always improve.
Veronica is the Director of Financial Education & Capability with CASH Campaign of Maryland. In this role, Veronica oversees direct services to clients who need to be connected to money-saving benefits, financial education, and free tax preparation. Veronica has over 20 years of experience in Human Services, which includes Program Director and Case Management in the areas of housing, homelessness, and social services. Veronica holds a Master of Management degree with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families from Brandeis University.
Favorite part of my job: Helping clients to transition from a feeling of helplessness to empowerment.
What motivates you? Watching the growth of returning tax clients each year when they come to my tax site.
Sue leads the expansion and support of asset building coalitions and partnership development to cultivate and broaden a group of stakeholders from around the state who are committed to asset building programs such as financial education, financial coaching and tax preparation. She leads CASH’s efforts to provide professional development for practitioners and oversees special projects that serve unique audiences. She also serves as CASH’s representative on several state Commissions to represent the individual consumer voice and is a Board Member of Consumer Action. Sue obtained a BA in Political Science from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and prior to joining CASH, was an Investigator/Communications Manager with Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection.
Favorite part of my job: Helping people be successful, however they define success, with their finances. Whether it’s providing help to our partners with their programs or coaching someone myself, my favorite part of my job is when someone lets me know that our work made a difference.
What motivates me: Being a motivator for organizations and individuals to achieve their goals. Helping people learn that there is always hope.
Hilary is the Financial Wellness Coordinator for the Financial Wellness Program. This program delivers direct service to families participating in the Baltimore Infant and Toddlers Program. (BITP). These are families with young children who are experiencing a delay in development or who have been diagnosed with a condition that is likely to affect development. In her role, Hilary works alongside a team of human service professionals to offer wrap around services to help families build their financial wellbeing through education, information, tools and resources. Hilary meets one-on-one with families, listens and connects them to resources that will support them in achieving their financial goals. Hilary also provides benefit counseling, financial education, training and workshops.
Hilary has spent her entire career building relationships and community connections, creating safe environments and empowering others. Over the course of her career, she has worked with youth and young adults, young mothers experiencing homelessness, individuals with addictions and mental illness, people living with HIV and survivors of human trafficking. She brings a trauma informed approach to every encounter and is committed to honoring and respecting the needs of all people. Hilary holds a BA in English from Towson University and is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts at the University of Baltimore.
Favorite part of my job: The favorite part of my job is meeting and connecting with families. I am honored that they allow me to walk with them on their journey towards financial wellness.
What inspires/motivates me: I am inspired every day by the courage and determination of the families I work with. And of course, there’s nothing like witnessing someone achieve their first financial goal!
Lucy is the Director of Tax Education and Training. Lucy leads the tax season training program for CASH’s network of free tax preparation program partners. She provides them with the tools and training they need to help their clients and community reach financial stability by leveraging the tax time moment. Lucy has been supporting VITA programs since 2016. Lucy received her BA in Spanish and Global Comparative Studies from Birmingham-Southern College in 2016, and in 2022 she completed her Masters of Public Administration at George Washington University.
Favorite part of the job:Helping clients secure their tax refund – there’s nothing more satisfying than ensuring someone receives the benefits they are entitled to.
What inspires/motivates me:Working alongside a team that fights for an equitable economic system for everyone.
