Upcounty Community Resources, Inc.
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    • UCR News
    • Director's Blog >
      • Questions for Director?
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • CALENDAR
  • Empowerment Programs
    • VisArts Courses
    • Large Social Events >
      • Hayride & Bonfire Butler's Orchard
      • Kinky Boots @Olney Theatre
    • Small Social Literacy: "Let's Read" Book Club
    • Small Social: Mens' Night Out
    • Small Social: Coffee Club
    • WORKS: Catering Simply Fresh Events
    • WORKS: Farming Internship
    • WORKS: Intensive 1:1
    • WORKS: Motors & Mechanics
    • WORKS: Neuro-Diversity Rock Band
    • WE: Asheir Home (3 hours) Blended needs
    • WE: Mega Respite (6 hours) Blended Needs
    • Therapeutic: Art In Person
    • Therapeutic: Art Virtual Art & Chat
    • Therapeutic: Music
  • UCR 5K & DANCE PARTY 2023
  • Donors & Partners
  • Activity Photos
    • (Photos) Hayride & Bonfire 2022
    • (Photos) UCR 5K 2022 >
      • (Photos) UCR 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon
      • (Photos) Inaugural Fun & Games Night 2020
    • (Photos) Holiday Party 2020 >
      • (Photos) Winter Lights Festival 2018
      • (Photos) Cookies & Carols
      • (Photos) Wine Tasting 2018
    • (Photos) WORK: Dawson's
    • (Photos) WORK:Bota
    • (Photos) Neuro-Diversity
    • (Photos) Weekend Enrichment / Respite
    • (Photos) Therapeutic Art & Music
    • (P) Fitness
    • (P) Walking Workout Club
    • (Photos) Theatre & Dinner >
      • (Photos) Social Outings Large
      • (Photos) Dance, Dance, Dances
      • (Photos) Guys Night Out
      • (Photos) Girls on the Town
  • Product

Meet Our Team!

Current Staff 

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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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Elizabeth Fagan has gained extensive experience working with people of varying disabilities through her employment with Montgomery County Public Schools as a Special Education Para-Educator.  Beth is the parent of two young adults with different learning challenges.  Watch for Beth at the Weekend Enrichment program and helping us behind the scenes.

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Suzy Haug earned her Bachelor's Degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland. She has worked as a Special  Education Para educator for 28 years with MCPS. Her experience includes working with the Infant and  Toddlers Program ,E.S. Autism Program, Carl  Sandburg Learning Center, Pilot High School class  for the School Community Based  Program and  The Transition Class for high school students. She is so thankful for the students  and their  families who have shaped her into the Educator she is today.  Suzy enjoys the 1:1 Intensive WORKS program.

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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.  As a UCR WORKS Program Manager,  Kathy is excited to help empower young adults with developmental differences by building self-confidence through hands-on work experiences.  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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Kyle Mulcahy travels to us from Frederick County. He is an employee of MCPS as a para-educator in the Extensions program at Quince Orchard High School, has extensive behavior experience and is a recent college graduate himself.  We are excited to bring an experienced, charismatic and thoughtful partner to our Men's Night Out Program.

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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.

Permanent Volunteers 

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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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Marianne Green comes to us as a volunteer!  We're thrilled to have her in our therapeutic classes.  She has extensive experience working with people with special needs and is very attentive and intuitive to the needs of our UCR adult members!  We're excited Marianne will join our Weekend Enrichment / Respite Program.  She was Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

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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.​

Reliable Leadership 

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  • Jenn Lynn, Executive Director, is passionate about helping all families dealing with Autism and is active in her community. Lynn was appointed to the Montgomery County Policing Advisory Commission and was formerly on the Commission for People with Disabilities.  She sits on the National Trauma Education and Policy Board as well as the Board of Directors for the Benedictine School.  She held positions on Lt. Governor Rutherford's Commission to Study Behavioral and Mental Health for Maryland and is a Certified Police Trainer.  Certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Exposed Workplaces, Montgomery County Police Citizen's Academy, and a graduate from Maryland's Partners in Policymaking program helps her advise families nationally and create well-rounded curriculum for UCR.   She is an ABA technician, with experience in PBIS training, MANDT trained, first-hand behavior management training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, as well as her work in special education (public/private schools). ​ She is a published author, adoption advocate, is 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 Chris and son Jake.

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Donna Dangle worked in the for-profit arena of finance and accounting before bringing those skills to our non-profit world.  She has a passion for those with developmental differences, and is the Grand Aunt of a child with special needs.   Additionally, she owns her own business -- Body & Soul Shepherd -- where she provides holistic healing as a Reiki Master and Certified Hypnotist.  Donna manages the books for for UCR! 

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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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Ellen Stuhlmann comes to us from the Ignatian Volunteer Corp. A retired publishing industry executive and entrepreneur, one of her current ambitions is to provide time and talent in virtually assisting the Executive Director managing registrations, payments and donation communications. When needed, she provides onsite back-up support for programs.
Ellen was Volunteer of the Year in 2021.

Active Staff List
Melika Al-Kawas,  Coffee Club & Let's Read Book Club & Walking Club 
Haifa Aridi, Weekend Enrichment Respite Asheir Manager
Kathy Clarke, WORKS Inclusive Manager
Suzanne Haug, WORKS Intensive 1:1 Program Manager
Donna Dangle​, Bookkeeper 
Elizabeth Fagan, Weekend Enrichment Respite & Admin 
Sarah Schultze, Weekend Enrichment Director
Kyle Mulcahy, Men's Night Out facilitator
​Karen Goss, Dawson's Market staff
​Chitra Vijay, Adapted Yoga teacher

Zach Lasko, Monday Night Jam & Glee Club
Amy Gardiner Music Therapist
Michele Chais, Therapeutic Art 
Steve Waxman Therapeutic Art
Emily Bruestle, Therapeutic Music​
Mike Favin, Volunteer, Weekend Enrichment 
Marianne Green, Volunteer Therapeutic music
Ellen Stuhlmann, Registrar & Assistant to Executive Director 
Lisa Alexander, Volunteer Therapeutic art
ArtStream & Spirit Club (various staff)

UCR's Current Contractors
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Emily Bruestle received her M.M. in Music Therapy from Florida State University and her B.M. in Violin Performance from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to being a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), she completed a six-month clinical music therapy internship at HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama where she worked with patients recovering from brain injuries.
​        She is also certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapy. In addition to her violin studies, Emily has training in guitar, voice, and piano. Emily joined the music therapy department at Levine Music in August of 2015 where she leads individual and group music therapy sessions. Through Levine she also contracts to multiple community locations in the Washington metropolitan area. When she isn't providing music therapy services Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, and traveling.
Emily leads our Rhythm, Blues and Beyond class.

Michele Chais' passion for art began in early childhood. She shares that enthusiasm and inspires UCR members through her work as an art therapist. Michele 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 as an art teacher at all levels for Montgomery County Public Schools for almost twenty years. More recently over the past decade, Michele has worked with individuals with special needs through Upcounty Community Resources, 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 three grandchildren. In addition, she does hot yoga several times a week. Michele also enjoys thrift store shopping and creating art installations for her home.



PictureSteve Waxman and Michele Chais
Steve Waxman is a volunteer assisting Michele Chais with her art therapy work at UCR. Steven works with Michele to 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.
His specialties are painting and drawing. Steven has worked with individuals with special needs for the past six years through Upcounty Community Resources, Potomac Community Resources, Community Support Services, The Kennedy Institute, and the Izaak Walton League.
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.
​      Steve and Michele team up to lead our Finding the Artist Within

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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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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
    • 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
    • Director's Blog >
      • Questions for Director?
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • CALENDAR
  • Empowerment Programs
    • VisArts Courses
    • Large Social Events >
      • Hayride & Bonfire Butler's Orchard
      • Kinky Boots @Olney Theatre
    • Small Social Literacy: "Let's Read" Book Club
    • Small Social: Mens' Night Out
    • Small Social: Coffee Club
    • WORKS: Catering Simply Fresh Events
    • WORKS: Farming Internship
    • WORKS: Intensive 1:1
    • WORKS: Motors & Mechanics
    • WORKS: Neuro-Diversity Rock Band
    • WE: Asheir Home (3 hours) Blended needs
    • WE: Mega Respite (6 hours) Blended Needs
    • Therapeutic: Art In Person
    • Therapeutic: Art Virtual Art & Chat
    • Therapeutic: Music
  • UCR 5K & DANCE PARTY 2023
  • Donors & Partners
  • Activity Photos
    • (Photos) Hayride & Bonfire 2022
    • (Photos) UCR 5K 2022 >
      • (Photos) UCR 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon
      • (Photos) Inaugural Fun & Games Night 2020
    • (Photos) Holiday Party 2020 >
      • (Photos) Winter Lights Festival 2018
      • (Photos) Cookies & Carols
      • (Photos) Wine Tasting 2018
    • (Photos) WORK: Dawson's
    • (Photos) WORK:Bota
    • (Photos) Neuro-Diversity
    • (Photos) Weekend Enrichment / Respite
    • (Photos) Therapeutic Art & Music
    • (P) Fitness
    • (P) Walking Workout Club
    • (Photos) Theatre & Dinner >
      • (Photos) Social Outings Large
      • (Photos) Dance, Dance, Dances
      • (Photos) Guys Night Out
      • (Photos) Girls on the Town
  • Product