Our Team

Nicole Sullivan, ATR-P

Art Therapist

Develops and adapts group art therapy directives to support participants in their social and emotional goals. Facilitates art therapy groups daily and writes the monthly Newsletter Publication. Nicole holds an M.A. in Art Therapy from George Washington University (summa cum laude) and a B.A. in Art Therapy from University of Tampa.

Alonzo Patterson

Program Staff - Loudoun County

Dynamic Program Coordinator with over 15 years of experience in education, special programs, and community development. Coordinates and implements educational and life-skills programs, tracks participant progress, and facilitates group instruction using evidence-based strategies. M.Ed. in Adult Education (in progress) - University of Phoenix; B.S. Political Science - Lincoln University.

Leah Bansleben

Program Staff - Loudoun County

Therapeutic Recreation professional with 9+ years of experience strengthening physical, cognitive, and social wellness. Leads inclusive adaptive enrichment programs, plans themed activities and outings, and maintains program documentation. B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Radford University.

Andrew O'Dell

Program Staff - Alexandria

Plans recreational programs and activities based on leisure learning for adults with disabilities. Leads Thursday Night Virtual Bingo, Agents of Change, Social Group, and the Hydroponic Gardening Initiative. Contributes to the monthly newsletter. B.S. in Recreational Therapy from George Mason University (Magna Cum Laude, 2025).

Elijah Tracey

Program Staff - Alexandria

Plans recreational program activities for adults with disabilities with weekly documentation of participants' mood, activities, and personal growth. Develops goals and evaluates progression quarterly. Background includes teaching and case management. B.A. in Sociology from Georgia State University.

Jessica Escobar

Program Staff - Fairfax

Plans and facilitates daily programs promoting inclusion and social engagement. Leads weekly social groups and coordinates monthly community events. Former President of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Skills include Spanish, American Sign Language, and 12+ years childcare experience with 6+ years focused on special needs.

Dominique Williams

Program Staff - McLean

Part-Time

Assists in planning and facilitating social and recreational group activities for adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Applies person-centered approaches to enhance participant involvement and autonomy. Currently pursuing M.S.W. at Louisiana State University; B.S. in Psychology from LSU.

Linda Booth

Program Assistant

Part-Time

Linda provides compassionate program support and peer mentoring, helping foster a respectful, person-centered environment for participants. She is a graduate of the Arc of Northern Virginia Peer Mentor Training Program.

Elissa Jamaldinian

Occupational Therapist

Part-Time

Licensed Occupational Therapist with experience providing guidance and training to children, adults, and the elderly. Expert in planning, implementing, and assessing progress. Previously worked at Early Start Therapy, INOVA VNA Home Health, and Fairfax County Public Schools. M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University.

Audrey Rader

Executive Assistant / Data Entry

Manages high-volume email correspondence, creates and maintains detailed RSVP lists for events including formal galas, and designs event invitations and mailing materials. Professional musician with diverse experience in guest services and event coordination.