Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to helping adults with disabilities thrive

Leadership

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Debi Alexander, J.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Northern Virginian of the Year (2013) | Non-Profit Leadership Award (2024)

Senior nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience advancing inclusive, community-based services for individuals with disabilities. Since 2020, Debi has led SPARC's expansion across Northern Virginia, establishing public-private partnerships with Fairfax and Arlington Counties. Under her leadership, SPARC achieved state budget recognition in 2023 as a vital component of Virginia's social safety net, and launched partnerships with George Washington University and NOVA integrating arts, technology, and academic collaboration.

Previous: Director of Development & Communications at PHILLIPS Programs; Executive Director at Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center; Director, Presidential Letters and Messages at The White House

Education: J.D. - Antonin Scalia Law School; B.A. Philosophy - George Mason University; Leadership Fairfax Institute

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Kat Rader, MAT

Program Director

Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Dedicated educator and program leader with over 15 years of experience in special education, community-based instruction, and nonprofit program management. Kat oversees daily operations for four Northern Virginia centers, managing staff, budgeting, payroll, and program delivery. She leads grant programming and implementation with AIM AHEAD and GWU, and supervises 9 staff members, interns, and volunteers. Previously, Kat served as Special Education / Transition Lead Teacher and Education Program Supervisor at Phillips Programs.

Education: M.A. in Teaching, Special Education - Liberty University; B.A. in Arts - Southern Methodist University

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Erica Gaffney

Director of Development and Communications

Results-driven operations and fundraising professional with extensive experience in cultivating data-driven organizational outcomes. Erica leads all aspects of grant and contract management, develops and manages multimillion-dollar funding portfolios, and oversees proposal development, compliance, and reporting. She has strengthened partnerships with funders, government agencies, and community stakeholders while implementing data-driven fundraising strategies. Previously served as Director of Development at OAR NOVA where she achieved a 127% increase in funding over two years.

Education: M.A. Forensic Psychology - GWU; M.A. Criminal Justice - SUNY Albany; B.A. Criminal Justice & Psychology - SUNY Albany

Clinical Staff

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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.

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Elissa Jamaldinian

Occupational Therapist

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.

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Linda Booth

Program Staff & Therapy Dog Handler

Compassionate support professional with experience in program support, peer mentoring, and certified therapy dog handling. Linda provides therapeutic support through her certified therapy dog while maintaining a positive, person-centered environment. Arc of Northern Virginia Peer Mentor Training Program graduate.

Program Staff

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Alonzo Patterson

Program Staff

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.

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Leah Bansleben

Program Facilitator - 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.

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Andrew O'Dell

Program Staff - Tysons

Plans recreational programs and activities based on leisure learning for adults with disabilities. Leads After-Hours Bingo, Agents of Change, Social Group, Weekly Bulletin, and the Hydroponic Gardening Initiative. B.S. in Recreational Therapy from George Mason University (Magna Cum Laude, 2025).

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Elijah Tracey

Program Staff

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.

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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.

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Dominique Williams

Program Staff - McLean

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.

Administrative Staff

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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.

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