Meet our Board of Directors
Volunteer Board Members needed!
If you have a passion for serving marginalized communities and 2 hours every other month, you could help guide our vibrant nonprofit by realizing our mindful mission, offering oversight and contributing to the governance of Upcounty Community Resources! We joyfully serve nearly 400 adults of all abilities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
We are seeking professionals, retired or employed, with experience in finance, human resources and/or outreach to join us
as we plan a flourishing and inclusive future for UCR family members!
Terms are 2 years. You're expected to volunteer
at our annual fundraiser and visit one program throughout the year.
Our work is supported by our County Council, local philanthropists, business owners and our generous families. Board meetings are energetic, vibrant and fast-paced with lively ideas and collaboration.
Please email [email protected] if this just pulled at your heartstrings. You don't want to miss this opportunity to work with an organization that pushes the limits of societal expectations, joyfully serves with laughs and smiles while meeting the needs of everyone in our community. The joy is in the service!
If you have a passion for serving marginalized communities and 2 hours every other month, you could help guide our vibrant nonprofit by realizing our mindful mission, offering oversight and contributing to the governance of Upcounty Community Resources! We joyfully serve nearly 400 adults of all abilities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
We are seeking professionals, retired or employed, with experience in finance, human resources and/or outreach to join us
as we plan a flourishing and inclusive future for UCR family members!
Terms are 2 years. You're expected to volunteer
at our annual fundraiser and visit one program throughout the year.
Our work is supported by our County Council, local philanthropists, business owners and our generous families. Board meetings are energetic, vibrant and fast-paced with lively ideas and collaboration.
Please email [email protected] if this just pulled at your heartstrings. You don't want to miss this opportunity to work with an organization that pushes the limits of societal expectations, joyfully serves with laughs and smiles while meeting the needs of everyone in our community. The joy is in the service!
Board of DirectorsRachel Chung, Chair
Levi Brandriss, Treas. Maureen Hanson, Vice Chair Melika Al-Kawas Danielle Bustos Henry Clarke Seth Duncan Sylvia Jones Mary Lawrence Phillips Raj Rajagopal Jenn Lynn E.D. Rachel Chung, Chair
Ms. Chung has been working for nearly 20 years supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of ways. This support has included job placement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, developing new initiatives such as retirement options for adults with developmental disabilities, and training for special education teachers in a Cambodian orphanage. She is currently the Disabilities Coordinator for the Department of Special Needs Ministries with the Archdiocese of Washington. Rachel has a BA in Social Work from the University Maryland Baltimore County. She is married and has two children. Danielle Bustos
Ms. Bustos serves as the Coordinator for the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum at Independence Now, where she empowers young leaders to find and use their voices. Her dedication to youth advocacy was recognized with a Governor’s Citation, and she was recently featured as a “DMV Doer” on DC News Now for her impactful work in the community. Outside of her professional role, Danielle enjoys attending concerts and festivals, as well as exploring new destinations through travel. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her focus on legislative advocacy to further support youth empowerment and inclusion. Henry Clarke
Mr. Clarke is an attorney in private practice, who has practiced for 38 years. His practice, Henry C. Clarke, Jr., P.A. is located in Gaithersburg, but he practices throughout Maryland. His practice focuses on estate planning, wills, trusts, special needs trusts, Advance Medical Directives, and, additionally, small business creation, contractual, sale and succession matters. Mr. Clarke is active on various boards including the non-profit Rockville Nursing Home and the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund. He is the sibling of a special needs adult. Maureen Hanson, Vice Chair
Ms. Hanson comes to us from National Institutes of Health / Fine Arts Collection program where she specializes in producing programs for the Center’s fine art collection, creates signage and tour programs. She used her multiple degrees in Communications and experience from an internationally acclaimed public relations company, to create her own freelance marketing design and communications firm serving several national clients in addition to Montgomery County Schools. With a degree in journalism we look forward to her insight and experience as UCR grows into its own and develops a more recognizable brand. She resides in Rockville. Melika Al-Kawas
Ms. Al-Kawas is the mother of 3 daughters, and a grandmother of two children. After raising her children, she went back to school and earned her degree from the University of Maryland. She has been with The Arc, Montgomery County for nearly a decade, focusing on Vocational and Day Services. Ms. Al-Kawas has a heart for volunteerism and believes deeply in giving back to the community. She was a Girl Scout Leader for 8 years, held every position on the PTA, including President of the elementary and middle school PTA’s. She also has been involved with SAWA, the Syrian American Women’s Charitable Association, since 1995, holding seats as Vice President and President for several years. |
UCR is a Maryland non-profit, 501(c)(3). We offer innovative programs, events, and social opportunities for adults with and without developmental and intellectual differences.
UCR’s program leaders are experienced professionals who work with our staff to ensure each members' experience is a success. Some programs run as drop-in and some run for several-sessions over consecutive months. Some activities are perfect for anyone; others require a particular interest or skill. Mary Lawrence Phillips is a native of Kensington, Maryland. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland and manages a permanent supportive housing program. She earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore with a specialization in Health Care and has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland. She has over 30 years working with families and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. She is a strong supporter of housing rights for people with disabilities. Mary has one daughter who has a Developmental Disability and a second daughter with a chronic health disease. She uses her personal and professional experiences to leverage her relationships with community service providers and people she serves. Mary started her career working in community based corrections and then moved into the housing arena. She is well versed with different types of subsidized housing programs, policy and landlord tenant regulations.
Mary has three thriving children, ages 30, 29 and 24. She is passionate about serving others and volunteers in her free time at a variety of local non-profits. Raj Rajagopal has worked in the Information Technology (IT) field, with different organizations including IBM, MITRE, IITRI, and others, for 35 years. He has an M.B.A in Finance and IT from G.W.U and an M.S. in Computer Science in addition to Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Electronics. He is currently a Chief IT Architect at MITRE Corporation, a nonprofit, Federally Funded Research and Development Center. He represents his company at IT Industry standards organizations. He is the author of a number of books published by McGraw-Hill, CRC Press, etc. He has authored a number of patents and has published several IT related articles in professional publications.
Raj is a very active member of the Indian community in the Washington metro area (WMA). He has been the President / Chairman of different Hindu Temples in the WMA. He is on the Board of Hindu American Community Services Inc. He is also on the Board of OASIS, a group founded by of parents with special needs children to promote the advancement of special needs individuals. His wife is a well-known Oncologist in Montgomery County. They have a son with special needs and have purchased a farm in Gaithersburg to provide work opportunities for members of the population. Sylvia Jones
Ms. Jones is an active contributor to community outreach & support for parents of children with Down Syndrome. She was a PTA volunteer and fundraiser. She has worked in science / technology field for over 30 years, as well as marketing & sales. She is the parent of young adult with Down Syndrome. Levi Brandriss, Treasurer
Mr. Brandriss is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bethesda, MD, in practice since 2004. He focuses on helping individuals and small businesses with comprehensive and holistic financial planning advice and services. He has served on various corporate, industry and non profit councils and boards locally and nationally. He is committed to helping all in the community where he lives and works. Seth Duncan
Mr. Duncan currently serves as the Program Director of Potomac Community Resources, a position he has held for 12 years. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, holding an undergraduate degree in Organizational Sociology, a Masters of Nonprofit and Association Management, and an MBA. He is the father of three girls; MacKenna, Siobhan, and Ainsleigh. |
Jenn Lynn, Executive Director of Upcounty Community Resources, Inc., is devoted to serving all families dealing with Autism and other Developmental/Intellectual differences and those living on the margins of society. To create well-rounded and unique curricula for all adults, she employs her extensive experience as an ABA technician, PBIS & MANDT behavior training, Trauma Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid and first-hand behavior management training from the Kennedy Krieger Institute. UCR was named Small Business of the Year in 2021.
Additionally, Ms. Lynn is a Certified Police Trainer. She educates law enforcement and advocacy groups worldwide, about respectful and patient care of those with invisible disabilities, as well as the need for family support. She brings a unique perspective of life lessons as a parent, a graduate of Maryland's Partners in Policymaking and MCPD's Citizen's Police Academy to advise families, state representatives, medical professionals and first responders.
Lynn was named the Public Safety Champion of the Year 2023 by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for her work educating law enforcement.
She is a published author, adoption advocate, and holds Directorships with the National Trauma Education Policy Board and the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild. Free time is filled with her faith development as a Third Order Franciscan, flute performance, tennis, hiking, and cycling with her husband Chris and son Jake.
Additionally, Ms. Lynn is a Certified Police Trainer. She educates law enforcement and advocacy groups worldwide, about respectful and patient care of those with invisible disabilities, as well as the need for family support. She brings a unique perspective of life lessons as a parent, a graduate of Maryland's Partners in Policymaking and MCPD's Citizen's Police Academy to advise families, state representatives, medical professionals and first responders.
Lynn was named the Public Safety Champion of the Year 2023 by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for her work educating law enforcement.
She is a published author, adoption advocate, and holds Directorships with the National Trauma Education Policy Board and the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild. Free time is filled with her faith development as a Third Order Franciscan, flute performance, tennis, hiking, and cycling with her husband Chris and son Jake.
Emeritus Board members & advisorsBarbara Pope, past member
Walter Flores, past member Hector Garcia, past member Vijay Krishnamurthy, past member Dan Finn, founding Chair Holly Andruscavage, past member Mark Waldman, executive advisor Mary McGinnity, executive advisor Steve Riley, founding member Teresa Perez, founding member Paula Kearney, founding member Jim Nalls, founding member Mary O'Meara, founding member Molly Myers, founding member Jean Jones, founding member Sharon Hume, founding member |
Board Member Emeritus (deceased)
Dr. Joette James
Meghan Jones founding member |
