A Vision for Stronger Communities
Building the Future of Baltimore
The ASPIRE Project is a Baltimore-based nonprofit community development initiative rooted in the historic Seton Hill community and dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through strategic investment, responsible development, and meaningful community partnerships.
Our work brings together healthcare, veteran housing, food access, historic preservation, and neighborhood revitalization under one coordinated vision. By addressing needs that directly affect quality of life, ASPIRE seeks to create sustainable resources and opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the communities they call home.
Our growing portfolio is centered around three primary initiatives: the Seton Hill Community Clinic, Aspire Homes for Veterans, and the planned Aspire Food Hub. Each serves a different community need, but all share the same purpose—to expand access to essential resources, create opportunity, and contribute to stronger and more resilient Baltimore neighborhoods.
With Seton Hill serving as the home base of the ASPIRE Project, our work begins with a commitment to the community in which we are rooted while extending to neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. Through collaboration with residents, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, veteran organizations, faith-based institutions, public agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders, we seek to build partnerships capable of creating lasting impact.
As ASPIRE continues to grow, additional projects will focus on restoring and repurposing properties, expanding housing opportunities, improving access to healthcare and nutritious food, preserving Baltimore's historic communities, and supporting neighborhood-based initiatives that respond to real community needs.
We believe successful community development is about more than buildings. It is about people, access, opportunity, dignity, and trust. Every ASPIRE initiative is guided by a commitment to responsible development, meaningful community engagement, and creating resources that can serve Baltimore residents for generations.
Our Mission
To strengthen Baltimore communities through nonprofit, community-centered development that expands access to healthcare, creates quality housing opportunities for veterans, improves access to nutritious food, preserves neighborhood character, and builds partnerships that create lasting opportunity.
Our Vision
To build a stronger Baltimore where healthcare, housing, food access, and community investment work together to improve quality of life—beginning from our home base in Seton Hill and growing responsibly into communities throughout the city.
Rooted in Seton Hill. Serving Baltimore. Building for Generations.
Baltimore Village Corporation
Ariel Barayev
General Partner
Ariel serves as a General Partner of Baltimore Village Corp., where he provides executive leadership for the organization's day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and real estate development initiatives. Working alongside the ownership team, he oversees property and land acquisitions, evaluates new investment opportunities, and helps direct projects that support the organization's long-term vision for responsible growth and community revitalization.
Ariel plays a key role in identifying and evaluating development opportunities, coordinating due diligence, negotiating acquisitions, and managing the progression of projects from concept through completion. His leadership helps ensure that each investment aligns with the organization's mission while maintaining a strong focus on financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and sustainable development.
Working collaboratively with public agencies, private organizations, development professionals, and community stakeholders, Ariel helps advance initiatives that expand access to quality housing, healthcare, and mixed-use development opportunities. His collaborative leadership style emphasizes strategic partnerships, responsible investment, and creating developments that provide long-term value for both residents and the communities they serve.
Through his leadership, Baltimore Village Corp. continues to pursue transformative redevelopment opportunities that promote economic growth, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting community impact throughout Baltimore.
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Joseph Rubinov
General Partner
Joseph serves as a General Partner of Baltimore Village Corp., where he provides executive leadership for the organization's day-to-day operations, real estate acquisitions, and development activities. Working closely with the ownership team, Joseph oversees land and property acquisitions, evaluates investment opportunities, and helps guide projects from acquisition through planning, development, and long-term ownership.
Joseph plays an integral role in identifying strategic development opportunities, conducting due diligence, coordinating acquisitions, and managing the operational aspects of the company's growing real estate portfolio. His hands-on leadership helps ensure projects move forward efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on financial stewardship, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
Working alongside development partners, architects, engineers, contractors, public agencies, and community stakeholders, Joseph helps coordinate the successful execution of projects that support housing, healthcare, commercial, and community development initiatives. His collaborative approach emphasizes responsible investment, strong partnerships, and sustainable growth that benefits both the organization and the communities it serves.
Through his leadership, Joseph continues to advance Baltimore Village Corp.'s mission of creating lasting community impact through strategic real estate investment, responsible development, and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities throughout Baltimore City.
Gabrielle Nisanov
President
Gabrielle serves as President of Baltimore Village Corp., providing executive leadership and long-term strategic direction for the organization. As President, he works closely with the ownership team to guide the company's vision, oversee major business initiatives, and support the continued growth of its real estate development and community investment portfolio.
With decades of business experience, Gabrielle has built his leadership on responsible investment, sound financial stewardship, and a commitment to creating projects that generate lasting value. His focus is on establishing strategic partnerships, identifying opportunities for sustainable growth, and ensuring that every development aligns with the organization's mission and long-term objectives.
In his leadership role, Gabrielle provides executive oversight of the company's operations, development strategy, and investment activities while working alongside public agencies, private organizations, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders. His guidance helps ensure that Baltimore Village Corp. continues to pursue projects that strengthen neighborhoods, expand access to housing and healthcare resources, and promote responsible economic development throughout Baltimore.
Through his vision and leadership, Gabrielle continues to position Baltimore Village Corp. as an organization dedicated to responsible development, community revitalization, and creating long-term opportunities that positively impact the residents and communities it serves.
Anthony T. Pressley
Executive Director | Community Development
Anthony is a lifelong Baltimore resident and an accomplished community development leader dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunities, and fostering meaningful civic engagement throughout Baltimore City. With a deep commitment to community revitalization, he has devoted his career to preserving neighborhood assets, supporting local organizations, and advancing initiatives that improve quality of life while promoting sustainable, long-term growth.
Throughout his career, Anthony has led the development of multiple newly constructed homes for first-time homebuyers and has directed a wide range of community-based initiatives focused on housing, neighborhood improvement, economic development, and resident engagement. His hands-on experience in project planning, property preservation, facilities management, and community outreach provides a strong foundation for building partnerships that create measurable and lasting community impact.
As Executive Director of Community Development, Anthony serves as the primary liaison between Baltimore Village Corp., residents, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, local businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders. He works to ensure that development initiatives are guided by community input, promote equitable growth, and reflect the needs and priorities of the neighborhoods they serve.
Anthony believes that successful redevelopment extends beyond buildings—it is rooted in trust, collaboration, and investing in people. Through his leadership, he continues to champion projects that preserve community character, expand opportunities for homeownership and economic mobility, and support the long-term revitalization of Baltimore's neighborhoods for future generations.
Cynthia Thompson
Administrator | Community Development & Organizational Affairs
Cynthia serves as Administrator of Community Development & Organizational Affairs for Baltimore Village Corp., bringing extensive experience in community development, organizational leadership, neighborhood revitalization, and stakeholder engagement. Through her distinguished work with the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, she has built a strong foundation in fostering collaborative partnerships, coordinating community initiatives, and advancing programs that improve the quality of life for residents throughout Baltimore City.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has worked closely with residents, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community leaders, and institutional partners to identify neighborhood priorities, develop practical solutions, and implement initiatives that promote sustainable growth and long-term community stability. Her experience navigating the complexities of urban redevelopment has established her as a respected leader committed to collaborative planning and community-centered decision-making.
As Administrator, Cynthia provides organizational leadership by coordinating strategic initiatives, strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, and supporting the successful implementation of the organization's development and outreach efforts. She helps ensure that community priorities remain central to project planning while fostering productive collaboration between public agencies, private partners, nonprofit organizations, and neighborhood leaders.
Through her leadership and dedication to public service, Cynthia continues to advance initiatives that promote neighborhood revitalization, preserve community assets, expand economic opportunity, and build lasting partnerships that strengthen Baltimore's communities for generations to come.
Development Partner & Operators
Marcello Sozio
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Director of Healthcare & Clinical Operations
Marcello brings more than 30 years of executive leadership in healthcare, with extensive experience in healthcare operations, clinical program development, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and medical facility management. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside physicians, hospitals, healthcare organizations, and clinical partners to develop patient-centered programs that expand access to quality care while maintaining operational excellence.
As Chief Operating Officer and Director of Healthcare & Clinical Operations for The ASPIRE Project, Marcello leads the organization's healthcare strategy and oversees the planning, development, and implementation of community-based medical services throughout Baltimore. His leadership focuses on expanding access to high-quality healthcare through innovative clinical programs, strategic partnerships, and integrated healthcare delivery models that address the unique needs of underserved communities.
In addition to overseeing healthcare operations for the Seton Hill Community Clinic, Marcello is responsible for clinical program development, provider relations, regulatory compliance, healthcare facility planning, operational readiness, quality assurance, and long-term healthcare strategy. He works closely with physicians, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure every healthcare initiative reflects the mission of The ASPIRE Project while improving health outcomes across Baltimore.
Marcello is dedicated to building sustainable healthcare programs that combine clinical excellence with compassionate, community-focused care. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and operational efficiency to create accessible healthcare services that strengthen neighborhoods and deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
Core Expertise
- Executive Healthcare Leadership
- Clinical Operations & Administration
- Community-Based Healthcare Development
- Medical Facility Planning & Operations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Provider Relations & Clinical Partnerships
- Hyperbaric & Advanced Wound Care
- Healthcare Program Development
- Quality & Performance Improvement
- Strategic Healthcare Planning
- Nonprofit Healthcare Operations
- Community Health Initiatives
Mo Khan
VP of Operations
Director of Development & Construction
Mo brings more than 12 years of experience in construction management, nonprofit project development, strategic planning, and community revitalization. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed residential, commercial, institutional, healthcare, and government-funded projects from initial planning through construction and project completion.
As Vice President of Operations and Director of Development & Construction for The ASPIRE Project, Mo provides executive leadership for a Baltimore-based nonprofit initiative focused on revitalizing underserved communities through healthcare access, affordable and supportive housing, neighborhood investment, and strategic community partnerships. The ASPIRE Project is committed to creating sustainable opportunities that improve quality of life while preserving community character and promoting long-term economic growth.
In his role, Mo oversees project planning, development strategy, permitting, design coordination, consultant management, construction operations, budgeting, scheduling, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, community leaders, and private stakeholders. He works to ensure every initiative is executed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with the organization's mission to create lasting, positive change throughout Baltimore.
Mo believes successful community development begins with listening to residents, building trusted partnerships, and delivering on commitments. His leadership emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources to create projects that generate meaningful, measurable, and lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
Core Expertise
- Nonprofit Operations & Leadership
- Community Development & Revitalization
- Affordable & Supportive Housing Development
- Healthcare Facility Development
- Project Planning & Strategic Development
- Construction Management
- Government & Agency Coordination
- Regulatory Compliance
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Organizational Leadership
Dr Adam Mauer
Medical Director
Dr. Mauer is a board-certified physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, regenerative therapies, and functional restoration. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to improving patients' quality of life by combining evidence-based medicine with innovative treatment approaches that restore function, reduce pain, and promote long-term health and independence. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University and is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
As Medical Director for the Aspire Project, Dr. Mauer provides clinical leadership for the organization's integrated healthcare initiatives supporting veterans, individuals with disabilities, and underserved members of the community. Working alongside multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, social service providers, and community partners, he helps guide the development of comprehensive medical programs that focus on rehabilitation, chronic disease management, pain management, wellness, and improving overall quality of life.
Dr. Mauer's expertise includes physical medicine and rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorders, regenerative medicine, pain management, minimally invasive therapies, functional restoration, physician leadership, and the development of patient-centered healthcare programs. His commitment to compassionate care and clinical excellence supports the Aspire Project's mission of delivering innovative healthcare services while empowering individuals to achieve greater independence, improved health outcomes, and lasting recovery.
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Candie Pinski
Director of Medical Training and Clinical Development
Candie brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience, specializing in clinical education, advanced wound care, medical technology, provider training, and strategic healthcare partnerships. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with hospitals, physicians, wound care centers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to introduce innovative treatment solutions through education, clinical support, and relationship development.
Prior to transitioning into healthcare leadership and business development, Candie served as a Trauma Nurse, where she gained extensive frontline experience caring for critically injured and medically complex patients. This strong clinical foundation provides her with a unique perspective that bridges direct patient care with the successful implementation of emerging medical technologies and evidence-based treatment programs.
As Director of Medical Training & Clinical Development for The ASPIRE Project, Candie leads the development of clinical education initiatives, provider training programs, and strategic healthcare partnerships that support the organization's mission of expanding access to high-quality, community-based healthcare throughout Baltimore. Working closely with the clinical leadership team at the Seton Hill Community Clinic, she helps ensure healthcare professionals have the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to deliver exceptional patient care.
Candie is responsible for coordinating clinical training, supporting medical technology integration, strengthening provider relationships, and advancing educational programs focused on wound care, hyperbaric medicine, and other specialized healthcare services. Her leadership is centered on empowering healthcare professionals, promoting clinical excellence, and helping build sustainable healthcare programs that improve patient outcomes and strengthen underserved communities.
Core Expertise
- Clinical Education & Training
- Advanced Wound Care
- Hyperbaric Medicine Support
- Trauma & Acute Care Nursing
- Medical Technology Integration
- Provider & Hospital Relations
- Strategic Healthcare Partnerships
- Clinical Program Development
- Healthcare Professional Development
- Community-Based Healthcare Initiatives
- Healthcare Business Development
- Evidence-Based Clinical Practices