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.

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.

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.

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 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 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!

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.

Active Staff List
Melika Al-Kawas, Coffee Club & Let's Read Book Club
Haifa Aridi, Weekend Enrichment Respite Oasis Manager & Mega staff
Bob Brady Volunteer & Admin
Kathy Clarke, CDS Program facilitator
Mike Favin Volunteer, Weekend Enrichment & CDS
Amy Gardiner Music Therapist
Leslie Gerran-Davison, CDS program facilitator
Jeanie Glasser, CDS program facilitator
Steven Isaacson, Men's Night Out, CDS Program facilitator
Sylvia Jones Volunteer WORKS & large socials
Ronny W. Kempenich, LCPAT, LCPC, Art Therapist
Jenn Lynn, Executive Director
Barbara Natoli, Financial Administrator & Assistant to Executive Director
Lina Ross, Volunteer, Therapeutic programs
Jennifer Steele Therapeutic Music
Wendy Lanxner MMEd, LPMT, MT-BC
Therapeutic Music
Dr. Jeni Stepanek, Social Communication & community immersion

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.

Ronny W. Kempenich, LCPAT, LCPC is the founder of Branching Out Art Therapy, LLC. Ronny is a Licensed Clinical Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. Ronny is a trauma informed, bi-lingual art therapist who is passionate about helping her clients become the best versions of themselves. She uses a client-centered approach and strongly believes in meeting clients where they are.She is currently working as a consultant at several High School Wellness Centers in the Montgomery County Public School system. She runs art therapy groups for recently arrived immigrants and other students, as well as providing one-on-one therapy sessions. Ronny also runs virtual groups for women who want to use art to reconnect with themselves and/or find their voice. Before establishing her own practice Ronny worked for three years at JCADA, a nonprofit that provides free therapeutic services to survivors of domestic violence. Ronny used art to help clients process trauma and explore their identity and reconnect with the parts of themselves they lost during their abusive relationships.

Art therapy is Ronny’s second career, previously she worked as an early childhood educator, Hebrew immersion teacher and English as a second language teacher. She has taught students from preschool to college and strongly believes that everyone can learn if taught in the right way for them.

Ronny is originally from Mexico. She has lived in Brazil, United States and Israel. She loves to travel and has been fortunate to spend time in Costa Rica teaching English and in India, Ecuador and Kenya doing art therapy. She loves to learn about other cultures and experience their food, customs and tradition.

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.