“We believe in SPARC’s mission to ensure all adults with severe disabilities live a
productive and meaningful life.”

Cayley Tullman

President, Tullman Family Office

SPARC BOARD & Staff

ELLEN DYKE

Chair
Term Date: 2025

Attorney, author, and educator

Individuals with severe disabilities have far too long been treated unfairly, inequitably, and unjustly. The words “tikkun olam”, a signature theme of my faith, has taught me not to stand by silently watching injustice, especially when a small act of caring often gives hope and can alter the course of someone’s life.

Will SchERmerhorn

Vice Chair, Communications Committee
Term Date: 2025

Owner, Blueberry Shoes Productions

Every day, SPARC is where people with disabilities feel welcome. I see it every time I visit. SPARC participants are with friends and staff who embrace their hearts, minds and personalities in a way many people don’t. As the father of an adult with a disability, I see how SPARC creates a space of belonging for a population that is too often lonely.

Ed Herbst

Treasurer
Term Date: 2025

Managing Director, EY

I am passionate about justice and protection and giving my time and talents to organizations that support the advancement of vulnerable persons. Previously, I served on the board of a not for profit located in Western New York that teamed hundreds of volunteers with persons with disabilities to learn to ice skate. It is this intrinsic drive that connected me to serve SPARC and their incredible mission to provide richer, fuller, and healthier lives to persons most in need of physical and social activity.

Gaston Aaroz

Member-at-large, Development Cmte.
Term Date: 2025

Dominion Energy

Serving on SPARC’s board has been a distinct honor and privilege. I firmly believe that every single person should be able to live her or his best life. As a parent of two young boys, I want to make sure that families with adults with disabilities have access to high-quality programs such as the ones that SPARC offers. These amazing adults are an integral part of our community, and together, we will make sure that they feel this way.

Dave Adams

Member-at-large
Term Date: 2025

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty

Everyone has the right to live their best life. Being on SPARC board has given us the opportunity to help create a more inclusive environment and contribute to the well-being of individuals with special needs. JoAnne and I are privileged to serve on the board and to help make a positive impact on the lives of those facing unique challenges.

JoAnne Adams

Member-at-large
Term Date: 2025

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty

I am on the board of SPARC because I am deeply committed to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of individuals in our community. SPARC’s mission to provide a safe and engaging environment for young adults aligns with my values and my desire to make a positive impact. I believe in the importance of offering alternatives to traditional programs, and SPARC’s innovative approach through its public-private partnership with Fairfax County is something I am proud to support. Being on the board allows me to contribute to the expansion and enhancement of these vital services, ensuring more individuals and their families benefit from the educational and social opportunities SPARC provides.

Mary Burger

Member-at-large
Events Committee
Volunteer Administrator
Term Date: 2025

Sr. Office Administrator, Juniper Networks

Our son, Kyle, became a SPARC club member in 2007 and as we came to know the other members, their families and their aides, we realized how valuable SPARC was to us and to all of them. The next and last 4 years of his life were spent in the SPARC environment that brought friends, fun, stimulation, activities and rewards to his life and ours. Since that time we have continued to support SPARC as we can and are grateful for all who have come forward to provide the additional support and funding to keep this program alive for the segment of our population that is too often overlooked and underserved.

shawn flaherty

Member-at-large
Chair, Communications Chair
Term Date: 2025

President, Creative Strategies Public Relations

SPARC brings people together who are often forgotten, providing them dignity, hope and purpose. I am honored to serve SPARC and its amazing clients, helping amplify their voices and ensure that more have a chance to be part of the SPARC family.

The Honorable John W. Foust

Member-at-large

Fairfax County Supervisor (2008-2023)

During my prior service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I had many opportunities to work with SPARC. From my initial contacts with SPARC, I realized that this was a very special non-profit that provided life-changing programs for people who need and deserve to be part of a welcoming and supportive community. I believe in SPARC and the important work it does to reach and serve young adults with severe disabilities. I am honored to serve on SPARC’s board and to be part of an organization that provides essential services and life-changing programs to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Sheila Grant

Director, Correctional Health and
Human Services
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

Term Date: 2026

I believe in the importance of supporting and empowering communities, and SPARC has an important mission and is a vital platform for making a positive impact.

My background in Health Services Administration and Health Education and Promotion provides an important lens in helping guide strategic initiatives and fostering collaborative efforts.

Advocating for diverse perspectives and ensuring that all voices are heard in our decision-making processes is important to me. I am excited and inspired to drive meaningful change on behalf of SPARC’s clients.

hannah irsfeld

Member-at-large
Chair, Governance Committee
Term Date: 2025

General Counsel to NVCC Educational Foundation

Alice Liddle

SEG Relationship Manager
Northwest Federal Credit Union

Term Date: 2026

My youngest sister was born with Down syndrome in 1982, and that event was life-changing for our family. From that moment on, we were blessed with the opportunity to appreciate how truly special individuals with “special needs” are. While the medical profession may define them by their disabilities, we’ve come to see the incredible abilities they possess.

This realization drives organizations like SPARC to support every individual in achieving a fulfilled life, regardless of their limitations. SPARC not only provides essential services but also celebrates the unique strengths of each participant, helping them thrive in a supportive community.

Through our experiences, we’ve learned that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and SPARC embodies that belief, empowering individuals and enriching the lives of families like mine.

Nancy Lu

Member-at-large
Term Date: 2025

Client Relations and Project Manager, GRAPHEK

I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best lives. Serving on the board for SPARC provides an opportunity to foster support, create an inclusive environment where adults with severe disabilities can thrive, receive the care and understanding they deserve, and empower them with fulfilling experiences.