Staff
Jennifer Cunningham, Executive Director
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Jennifer joined DSANV as a member in 2007, when her son Gray was born. She began volunteering on the Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2011. In 2015, she stepped down from the board and became the bookkeeper for the organization. Jennifer graduated from James Madison University in 1999. She previously was an auditor at a public accounting firm. She is a devoted parent advocate and continues to volunteer in many community organizations. She spends her little bit of free time running, reading and enjoying the little things in life.
Anita Phares, Director of Operations
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Anita joined DSANV as a member in 2006, volunteered in the office in 2011, and served in the role of Program Assistant from 2012-2017 and is currently serving as the IT Manager. She earned a Masters degree in Information Systems from Virginia Tech and has experience in computer programming and management information systems. She has worked with constituent management systems, multiple listing services and mortgage payment processes. Ms. Phares is delighted to be involved with all things technical and functional and to work alongside the dedicated volunteers and knowledgeable staff of DSANV.
Stacy Engels, Director of Programs
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Stacy received a BA in political science and
worked in financial services as a stock broker in Boston for 10 years. She moved to Northern Virginia in 1999 and had three boys. She became an active DSANV volunteer in 2016 through the Young Men’s Service League, which is a charity league for moms and their sons. Her volunteer work led to her position as Program and Activities Assistant, and she was hired to the DSANV staff in August of 2019.
Heather Trammell, Director of Family Support
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Heather serves as the DSANV Director of Family Support. She has been welcoming families to DSANV and the disability community for many years. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in music performance (percussion) and holds a paralegal certificate from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. She previously worked as a concert promoter/booking agent, paralegal, file space manager, and legal conflicts specialist. In her “free time” Heather likes to scrapbook and organize things.
Matt Reinke, Director of Business Development
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Matt Reinke joined DSANV as the Director of Business Development October 2021. Matt brings years of experience as a sales account manager for national level organizations to DSANV to help us diversify and grow our revenue by developing relationships with local corporations and community foundations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to boost our grant writing, and to develop new fundraising events.
Programs
Proposed Dates DADS (Dads appreciating Down syndrome) meetings 7:00 -9:00 PM September 21st (Thursday) October
In 2024, DSANV is continuing to offer three options for BINGO. The third Wednesday of
If you are an expectant parent or have been parenting your child with Down Syndrome
Apple Day – Sunday, September 24, 2023 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come join is in
DSANV Events
Sunday October 1, 2023 Workhouse Art Center Register here
Community Events
Legal and Financial Planning Workshop
Legal and Financial Planning Workshop for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
AAC Parent Support Group- November 18, 2023 10:00AM
Our AAC Parent Support Group seeks to connect parents of individuals using AAC to share successes and challenges, gather helpful ideas and resources, and empower families to support the development of successful communication skills for their AAC user. This group is free of charge and open to all. Feel free to share with others who may be interested!
Chipolte Fundraiser to benefit the 2023DSANV Buddy Walk®
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER FORDOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OFNORTHERN VIRGINIA33% OF EVENT SALES GET DONATED TO THE CAUSEMONDAY,
The Elder and Disability Law Clinic at the College of William and Mary is offering
Infant Brain Imaging Study Recruiting Participants
Hello! Happy New Year! I hope your year is off to a great start at
News
November 2023 DSANV Newsletter
November 2023 DSANV Newsletter
October 2023 DSANV Newsletter
September 2023 Newsletter