Upcounty Community Resources -- Board and Staff members

Innovative programming for adults of ALL abilities.

Meet Our Team!

Haifa Aridi brings nearly 20 years of experience to UCR and is excellent with behavior management. She has grown to love and understand both children and adults with disabilities. She holds a degree in Elementary School Education from Montgomery College and is currently a para-educator with MCPS. Watch for Haifa at our Weekend Enrichment programs!

Kathy Clarke has 20 years of experience working as a special education teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland where she helped preschool children achieve developmental milestones through creative and sensory-based education. She also served as a Parent Educator for the families of her students. She supported the families by taking them on community outings and developing behavioral supports. Prior to teaching, Kathy worked as the Managing Editor of a journal for deaf educators. She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Humanistic Studies. In her free time, Kathy enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren in Boston, San Francisco, and downtown DC, taking walks with neighbors, and playing Pickleball.

Dr. Jeni Stepanek (“Mama Peace”) is professionally recognized as a bestselling author, a well-respected educator and advocate, and an award-winning inspirational speaker, but she is most proud of her purpose as a memory curator, peace cultivator, and “welcome mat.” Jeni serves as a Senior Faculty Specialist at the University of Maryland (Special Education) and is the President & Founding Chair of the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation. She is joining us to facilitate our relationships courses.

Mary Formeller has over 35 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools. Additionally, she served as the Transition Support Teacher developing and overseeing community worksites, school-based worksites, and assisted students and their families in navigating systems and resources to support their post graduation pursuits. Mary holds a Masters of Science degree and Graduate Certificate in Educating Students on the Autism Spectrum from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Trinity College.
She is a lifelong advocate for the special education community and is excited to bring her expertise and passion to the UCR team! In her free time, you can find Mary on a Pickleball court, traveling, cheering on Philadelphia sports teams, spending time with her husband and daughter, and walking her pug, Pearl.

Amy Gardiner brings over 25 years of experience as a music therapist to the Sunday Respite Program at Asheir. Receiving her music therapy degree from The University of Georgia as well as post graduate studies from UVA, Shepherd University, and Trinity University in Education/Special Education, Amy specializes in individuals with developmental differences. For 24 years she has been a music educator/therapist serving students with special needs for MCPS and other private schools. She is currently working on her National Board Certification for Music Education and is the lead music teacher for the Longview School serving individuals 5-21 with medical/cognitive challenges in MCPS. She has provided music therapy for PCR for over 20 years, originating several of the music therapy programs. Amy loves to combine humor, fun, and contemporary music (ok also the oldies and goodies) to her music programs to provide the members with a client centered uplifting experience. When she is not busy being a music therapist, Amy loves being the chaos coordinator to her three daughters Kara (20), Katie (18), and Lizzie (15), playing flute in her the music ministry at St Rose Catholic Church, serving on the advisory board for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society(LLS) and being new dog mom to her dachshund puppy, Tom Wilson.

Michael Favin earned his Masters degrees in Latin American history (Indiana University) and Public Health (University of Texas at Houston). We are so lucky to have him as one of our most reliable volunteers. Look for him at our Weekend Enrichment programs and WORKS Programs. He has been with UCR for several years and was the Volunteer of the Year in 2020.

Bob Brady is retired from the US Government. He earned a degree in Spirituality and Pastoral Care from Loyola University in Maryland, and led a pastoral care ministry in his parish for 8 years. He assists in the Thursday morning Music and Movement class, and helps with administrative tasks as needed. He enjoys college football, all kinds of science, and singing as a Cantor at his church. He works at UCR as a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps.

Leslie Gerran-Davison joins UCR to facilitate our WORKS 1:1 Intensive needs program. She brings decades of experience with adults, middle schoolers and children with a variety of Autism, Mental Health and I/DD challenges all across the state of Maryland. She currently works at William Gibbs Elementary School. Look for Leslie collaborating with our families enrolled in our 1:1 program!

Jenn Lynn, Executive Director, is passionate about helping all families dealing with behavior management, Autism, I/DD, public safety and law enforcement. Lynn is active with Montgomery County Government on various Commissions, committees and work groups advocating for the needs of those with Autism and Autism+ diagnoses. She also works nationally on the I/DD Work Group and Steering committee with the Department of Justice, sits on the National Trauma Education and Policy Board. As a Certified Police Trainer, behaviorist and ABA technician, she sits at the cross section with critical skills. She educated several thousand law enforcement officers about successful interactions and de-escalation with our community members.
Jenn was named the Public Safety Champion of the Year by Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 2022, holds certificates in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Exposed Workplaces, CPR, Montgomery County Police Citizen's Academy, and graduated from Maryland's Partners in Policymaking program.
She is a published author, adoption advocate, a Director on the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild and performs professionally as a flute/piccolo player. Free time is filled with ongoing faith development, tennis, hiking, cycling and time with her husband and son.

Barbara Natoli
recently retired from 29 years in Law Enforcement with the Montgomery County Department of Police. She is a highly motivated and committed professional with a strong commitment to public service and has dedicated much of her life to charitable work. Her passion is found when raising funds and awareness for the gifted athletes of Special Olympics Maryland through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) movement. She is the Mid-West Region Coordinator for the Maryland LETR Executive Council, as well as, the Parliamentarian. She also serves her community as an officer with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #3509, whose motto is “People Helping People”. She serves as their Secretary. She is our Financial Administrator and Assistant to our Executive Director! In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, CrossFit, and traveling.

Steven Isaacson
Steven is a Licensed Social Worker who enjoys facilitating connection in group environments, and thinking about inclusive disability policy. Steven is a job coach by training and enjoys working with folks on the spectrum to find new opportunities and meaning in their lives. He received his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. When he’s not working, Steven is tending to his plants, camping, hiking, and petsitting. Steven is on the autism spectrum.

Jeanie Glasser has 30 years experience working as a special education teacher in Farifax County Public Schools. The past 17 years she spent as a Vocational Coordinator. In this role she developed and oversaw community worksites, school-based student enterprises, and a school-based vocational program for students ages 14-22 with autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, and I/DD. She has a Master of Arts degree in Transitional Vocational Special Education from George Washington University. You will find Jeanie running WORKS programs!

Melika 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.

Active Staff List
Haifa Aridi, Weekend Enrichment Respite Oasis Manager & Mega staff
Kathy Clarke, CDS Program facilitator
Mary Formeller CDS & Weekend Enrichment
Leslie Gerran-Davison, CDS program facilitator
Jeanie Glasser, CDS program facilitator
Steven Isaacson, Men's Night Out, CDS Program facilitator
Jenn Lynn, Executive Director
Barbara Natoli, Financial Administrator & Assistant to Executive Director
Dr. Jeni Stepanek, Social & Communication

VOLUNTEERS
Lisa Alexander CDS
Melika Al-Kawas, Coffee Club & Let's Read Book Club
Bob Brady Therapeutic
Mike Favin Weekend Enrichment & CDS
Sylvia Jones CDS & large socials
Lina Ross Therapeutic programs
Ellen Stuhlman therapeutic CDS programs

THERAPISTS
Jennifer Steele music
Wendy Lanxner music
Amy Gardiner music
Yvonne VanLowe yoga
Patricia Han fitness

Jenni Steele is a Board-Certified music therapist who graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Duquesne University with a minor in Psychology. She completed her internship at A Place To Be in Leesburg, VA, a nonprofit music therapy organization that delivers inclusive, anti-oppressive, anti-ableist, community-based music therapy for neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and individuals with neurologic and mental health needs. Jenni recently began working as a music therapist at the Levine School of Music and has experience working with a wide range of populations. Originally from Mechanicsburg, PA, Jenni enjoys reading, going to coffee shops, and spending time with her dog.

Wendy Lanxner, MMEd, LPMT, MT-BC comes to us from Levine’s Music Therapy team. She is also a composer and music director for ArtStream, co-creating musicals with adults with developmental disabilities. Wendy worked for several years as Musician in Residence at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where she provided interactive bedside music sessions and drum circles for pediatric patients.
She has provided educational programming through several agencies, including Washington Performing Arts, the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, Lumina Studio Theatre, Carpe Diem Arts, and Arts For The Aging. Wendy is the author of Interactive Music in Pediatrics: A Handbook for Music Practitioners. She received her BA in Creative Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst before earning her Master’s in Music Education from the University of Florida. Wendy completed her music therapy training at Washington Adventist University.

Lina Ross is excited to be volunteering with Upcounty Community Resources this fall. I retired after 19 years with Montgomery County Public Schools, where I worked with preschool-aged children on the autism spectrum as well as children with a variety of other disabilities. That experience taught me so much about patience, creativity, and the power of connection, and I look forward to bringing that same energy to my time with UCR. My husband and I also have a 31 year old son with an intellectual and developmental disability, which makes UCR’s mission especially close to my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this welcoming community and look forward to getting to know everyone, learning from each other, and contributing in meaningful ways.

Ellen Stuhlmann comes to us from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. She utilizes all her skills developed through years in corporate america as well as deep faith formation to serve all with dignity. Look for Ellen subbing into all our programs as she can!

Yvonne VanLowe is an exercise enthusiast who first turned to yoga as a way to balance out her love of running—and it stuck!
Yvonne is passionate about helping others find strength, balance, and mindful movement through yoga.
Yvonne's warm, calm style and accessible sequences make her classes inclusive and welcoming for anyone who’s new to yoga, or coming back to the practice after some time away. Off the mat, she loves reading, volunteering, and getting involved in advocacy work. She holds a seat on the Intellectual & Developmental Disability Commission.
Yoga helps Yvonne clear her mind and stay centered —and she’s excited to share that grounding energy with you.