Upcounty Community Resources, Inc.
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    • WORK Programs >
      • WORKS: Mamma Lucia's Falls Grove
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    • Large Socials >
      • VisArts with UCR Wednesday Nights
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      • Small Social: Table Talk w/Mama Peace
      • Small Social: Mens' Night Out
      • Small Social: "Let's Read" Book Club
      • Small Social: Coffee Club
    • WE: OASIS Respite (blended needs)
    • Therapeutic & Intensive Needs >
      • Therapeutic: Finding the Artist Within
      • Therapeutic: Music & Movement
      • Therapeutic: Music Rhythm, Blues and Beyond
  • UCR 5K 2025
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    • (Photos) UCR 5K 2025 >
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2024
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2022
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2019
      • (Photos) UCR 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2021
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2023 >
        • (Photos) Inaugural Fun & Games Night 2020
    • (Photos) Holiday Party 2020 >
      • (Photos) Hayride & Bonfire 2022
      • (Photos) Winter Lights Festival 2018
      • (Photos) Cookies & Carols
      • (Photos) Wine Tasting 2018
    • (Photos) Neuro-Diversity
    • (Photos) Weekend Enrichment / Respite
    • (Photos) Therapeutic Art & Music
    • (Photos) Theatre & Dinner >
      • (Photos) Social Outings Large
      • (Photos) Dance, Dance, Dances
      • (Photos) Guys Night Out
      • (Photos) Girls on the Town

Meet Our Team!

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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! 

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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.

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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.

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Chitra Vijayakumar  is passionate about yoga and has more than 12 years studying techniques.  Ms. Vijayakumar discovered Yoga to be helpful and wondered if someone could teach yoga to her son, who has autism.  She was inspired by a Yoga instructor who was teaching to our population and signed up to become a certified yoga instructor herself. 
In 2018 she became certified (200 RYT) through The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda and licensed through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching Yoga to family, coworkers, and individuals with special needs. By breaking asanas into simple steps and making yoga fun and accessible appreciates every sincere effort all special yogis make.  You can experience her class as part of Weekend Enrichment Expressions! Ms. Vijayakumar has also worked for MCPS as a paraeducator.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.​

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Jenn Lynn, Executive Director, is passionate about helping all families dealing with 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 has educated several thousand law enforcement officers about successful interactions and deescalation 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 at 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 and funds for the gifted athletes of Special Olympics Maryland through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) movement. She is the Mid-West Region Coordinator on 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. 
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Sarah Schultze joined Upcounty Community Resources in September 2022 and serves as the Weekend Enrichment Director. She is responsible for planning and supervising day trips for the Mega Program as well as managing the Asheir program curriculum. She has spent her entire teaching career working in special education with over 15 years of experience in MCPS. Sarah recently became a stay at home mom and is looking forward to continuing her passion working for those with disabilities.

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 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!​

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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! 

Active Staff List

Barbara Natoli Financial Administrator & Assistant to Executive Director
Melika Al-Kawas Coffee Club & Let's Read Book Club  
Haifa Aridi Weekend Enrichment Respite Asheir Manager & Mega staff
Kathy Clarke WORKS Program Manager 
Leslie Gerran-Davison WORKS staff

Jeanie Glasser  WORKS staff
Sarah Schultze, Weekend Enrichment Director
Dr. Jeni Stepanek Social Communication/Caregiver support
Steven Isaacson Men's Night Out
​​​Chitra Vijay Adapted Yoga teacher

Zach Lasko Monday Night Jam 
Amy Gardiner Music Therapist
Jennifer Steele Therapeutic Music
Mike Favin Volunteer, Weekend Enrichment & WORKS 
Bob Brady Volunteer & Admin

Sylvia Jones Volunteer WORKS & large socials 
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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.

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Zachary Lasko After playing and teaching music professionally for over a decade, Zach now owns his own recording and therapeutic music center, Groovetoday where he provides customized arts and movement services of all types to all ages! 
Zach considers the student's unique needs and skill level then figures out how they learn the skills best.  He is excited to partner with Upcounty Community Resources to provide the full rock band experience for all, bringing local professionals together with teen and adult music players and appreciators of all types, for an immersive and inclusive musical experience! ​
Zack leads Monday Night Jam13, NeuroDiversity Jam band.

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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.

Michele Chais has a bachelor's degree in art education and psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master's degree in art therapy from George Washington University. Michele worked for MCPS and with individuals with special needs through Potomac Community Resources, Community Support Services, VisArts, Holton-Arms School, The Kennedy Institute, and the Izaak Walton League.
     During her leisure time Michele loves visiting her grandchildren. 
PictureSteve Waxman and Michele Chais
Steve Waxman is a volunteer assisting Michele Chais instill a sense of joy, pride, and empowerment in members through the various media of fine arts and crafts.
      Steven studied fine arts at American University, The Corcoran, A.Salon, and The Washington Studio School. He also worked for a time at The Smithsonian American Art Museum back when it was called The National Collection of Fine Arts.
When he is not assisting Michele, Steven is an offset and digital printing broker and consultant. He also writes articles for the Internet on current trends in the field of offset and digital printing and integrated media. Steven has been in the printing industry for thirty-six years, working as a graphic designer, art director, production manager, photographer, writer, and editor.

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Innovative programming for adults with Developmental and Intellectual disABILITIES
​(Adults 18+)
© 2013 --
​
Upcounty Community Resources, Inc 
P.O. Box 2982
Germantown, MD 20875-2982

240.614.0444
Send any questions and comments to
Jenn Lynn, Executive Director

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General Programming
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WORKS Job Skills
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Weekend Enrichment Respite
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  • Home
    • UCR Policy and Procedures
    • Our Board
    • Our Team
    • In the Community >
      • Black History Month Overcoming Disability
      • UCR All-Occasion Note Cards
      • Voting Rights Resources
      • Member & Contact Information
    • UCR News
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • CALENDAR
  • Programs
    • WORK Programs >
      • WORKS: Mamma Lucia's Falls Grove
      • WORKS: Mamma Lucia's Olney
      • WORKS: Catering Simply Fresh Events
      • WORKS: Farming Internship Hines
      • WORKS: Michaels Milestone Germantown
      • WORKS: Retail Old Navy
    • Large Socials >
      • VisArts with UCR Wednesday Nights
    • Small Social Classes >
      • Small Social: Table Talk w/Mama Peace
      • Small Social: Mens' Night Out
      • Small Social: "Let's Read" Book Club
      • Small Social: Coffee Club
    • WE: OASIS Respite (blended needs)
    • Therapeutic & Intensive Needs >
      • Therapeutic: Finding the Artist Within
      • Therapeutic: Music & Movement
      • Therapeutic: Music Rhythm, Blues and Beyond
  • UCR 5K 2025
  • Donors & Partners
  • Activity Photos
    • (Photos) UCR 5K 2025 >
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2024
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2022
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2019
      • (Photos) UCR 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2021
      • (Photos) UCR 5K 2023 >
        • (Photos) Inaugural Fun & Games Night 2020
    • (Photos) Holiday Party 2020 >
      • (Photos) Hayride & Bonfire 2022
      • (Photos) Winter Lights Festival 2018
      • (Photos) Cookies & Carols
      • (Photos) Wine Tasting 2018
    • (Photos) Neuro-Diversity
    • (Photos) Weekend Enrichment / Respite
    • (Photos) Therapeutic Art & Music
    • (Photos) Theatre & Dinner >
      • (Photos) Social Outings Large
      • (Photos) Dance, Dance, Dances
      • (Photos) Guys Night Out
      • (Photos) Girls on the Town