Her Story
About Maureen
Maureen van Stone is a nationally recognized disability advocate, attorney, and leader who has dedicated more than 27 years to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. She began her career at Kennedy Krieger Institute as a clinician, working directly with children and adolescents who had intellectual and developmental disabilities and significant behavioral challenges. During her six years in clinical practice, she observed that many families faced barriers that extended far beyond healthcare, particularly when it came to accessing services, supports, and educational opportunities. Recognizing a critical need to empower parents and caregivers as advocates for their children, Maureen made the transformative decision to pursue a law degree, combining her passion for helping families with a new avenue for systemic change.
After earning her Juris Doctor, Maureen returned to Kennedy Krieger Institute with a vision to integrate legal advocacy into healthcare services. She founded a comprehensive medical-legal partnership that provides civil legal services and advocacy support to patients and families, helping them navigate complex systems and secure critical resources. Over the years, her leadership responsibilities have expanded significantly, and she now oversees a multidisciplinary team of approximately 25 professionals. Her work encompasses program development, strategic planning, grant writing, policy advocacy, mentorship of law students and trainees, and the implementation of innovative initiatives designed to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.
A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Maureen is deeply involved in legislative and policy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. She serves on numerous boards, coalitions, and task forces, working collaboratively to advance policies that strengthen access to services, community supports, and legal protections for people with disabilities. In recent years, a significant focus of her work has been advocating for the continuation of federal funding that supports disability-related programs and services. Through meetings with members of Congress, public policy initiatives, and community partnerships, she continues to champion the rights of individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities. Her career reflects a powerful commitment to combining healthcare, law, and advocacy to create lasting and meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maureen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong drive and determination. I am highly motivated to achieve my goals, continuously improve, and give my best effort in everything I do. This commitment has helped me overcome challenges, stay focused, and make meaningful contributions throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, “Work hard, play hard.” I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by giving 100% of my effort and attention while at work and being equally present and engaged with my family and friends outside of work. This balance helps me stay energized, productive, and fulfilled both professionally and personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to find a strong mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout their professional journey. It is important to ask questions whenever you are unsure, as learning and growth come from seeking knowledge. Most importantly, believe in your abilities and approach opportunities with confidence, as self-assurance is a key factor in building a successful and rewarding career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the uncertainty surrounding federal funding for disability-related services and programs. In recent years, I have dedicated significant effort to advocating for continued support by engaging with policymakers and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the services they need to live and thrive in their communities. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to educate and inspire the next generation of professionals entering the disability field, encouraging them to remain engaged, committed, and passionate about advancing meaningful change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are passion and loyalty. I genuinely enjoy the work I do and am motivated every day by the opportunity to make a positive impact. I am also deeply committed to the mission, vision, and values of my organization, and I strive to uphold them in all aspects of my work. These principles guide my decisions, strengthen my professional relationships, and contribute to both my personal and professional fulfillment.
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