Upcounty Community Resources -- Board and Staff members

Meet Our Team!

Reliable Leadership

Current Staff

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marianne Green is our longest serving 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. She was Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

Lisa Alexander is a stay at home mom with more than 30 years experience! A great multitasker, juggling kids and balancing family life while making time to train for triathlons, army 10 milers and turkey trots with her adult children and mud runs with her youngest daughter. She is a garden enthusiast who loves growing vegetables and herbs in her backyard and loves baking; making delicious desserts for the family and friends!

Jenn Lynn, Executive Director, is passionate about helping all families dealing with Autism and law enforcement. Lynn is active with Montgomery County Government on various boards and work groups to promote 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 and the Board of Directors for the Benedictine School. As a Certified Police Trainer, behaviorist and ABA technician, she has educated several thousand law enforcement officers about successful interactions with our community. Jenn holds certificates in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Exposed Workplaces, 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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
Melika Al-Kawas, Coffee Club & Let's Read Book Club
Haifa Aridi, Weekend Enrichment Respite Asheir Manager & Mega staff
Kathy Clarke, WORKS Program Manager
Donna Dangle, Bookkeeper
Leslie Gerran-Davison WORKS 1:1
Sarah Schultze, Weekend Enrichment Director
Dr. Jeni Stepanek, Social Communication
Karen Goss, WORKS support
Kyle Mulcahy, Men's Night Out facilitator
Chitra Vijay, Adapted Yoga teacher
Zach Lasko, Monday Night Jam & Glee Club
Amy Gardiner Music Therapist
Michele Chais, Therapeutic Art
Steve Waxman Therapeutic Art Volunteer
Emily Bruestle, Therapeutic Music
Mike Favin, Volunteer, Weekend Enrichment & WORKS
Bob Brady, Volunteer & Admin
Marianne Green, Volunteer Therapeutic music
Emily Kohlenstein, Therapeutic Music
Ellen Stuhlmann, Registrar & Assistant to Executive Director
Lisa Alexander, Volunteer Therapeutic Art
Sylvia Jones, Volunteer WORKS & large socials

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.

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.

Emily Kohlenstein received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology from Montclair State University. She completed her music therapy internship with Levine Music and recently joined their team as a music therapist. Emily has training in piano, voice and guitar. Outside of music therapy, Emily enjoys going to the beach, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

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.

Steve 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.