Our Team
In her role, Ann oversees all operations of the ASCV, supporting both program and development initiatives. Ann joined the ASCV in January of 2018. Ann has over fifteen years of development and non-profit management experience. Ann has a 32-year-old brother with autism and has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by individuals and families in the autism community. She is honored to lead a team with a mission to provide much needed programs and support to our local autism community.
As the Program Director, Kaitlyn manages several core social, recreational, and support programs, and as well as oversees ASCV’s Camps and membership program and events.
Kaitlyn has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education from James Madison University. She previously taught in self contained Autism classrooms for 6 years and joined ASCV to provide even more to her students and families. Kaitlyn is passionate about supporting and empowering those with Autism and their families while also connecting them with resources to enable their success.
As the Community Engagement Director, Debra leads the Resource Navigation and Information & Referral (I&R) services. She also oversees ASCV's Community Education Programs, including First Responder training, Autism Friendly Communities initiatives, and educational workshops.
Debra has been working with non-profit organizations for almost 20 years, including leadership positions at the Arc of Virginia and the Brain Injury Association of Virginia where she worked on training, resource navigation and advocacy and is a Medicaid Waiver Mentor. Debra's passion for her work is driven by ensuring that families like hers – she has an adult daughter with a developmental disability – understand and can navigate myriad resources and support programs
In his role, Jon oversees all of ASCV's adult programs, as well as support groups and information and referral.
Jon has 20+ years of experience working with children and adolescents with Autism and other developmental disabilities in a variety of settings, including residential homes, clinical, in-home, private schools, and most recently as a teacher for students with autism requiring extensive supports in a local high school. Jon enjoys connecting Autistic individuals of all ages and their families with their communities, and feels passionately about the contributions that they can make.
As the Youth Program Manager, Tammy manages several core social, recreational, and support programs.
She has a Masters in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University, and experience as a Behavioral Health Technician and as the Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at The Heights Baptist Church.
Tammy looks foward to building relationships with the ASCV's participants and families, ensuring each member of our local autism community feels encouraged, supported, and loved.
Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her husband and two adult children, and being adventurous with her friends!
Courtney first became involved with ASCV in the fall of 2020 leading elementary art workshops through ART180 and is excited to join in this new capacity as the Program Communications Manager.
She received a BA from the University of Virginia, earning a unique Interdisciplinary Studies degree concentrating in Arts Administration, Youth & Social Innovation, and Drama. With over 8 years of experience developing and facilitating creative arts programming, Courtney is passionate about creating time, space, and resources for people to explore their passions and engage with their community.
Outside of work she enjoys running, spending time with family and friends (both furry and human!), and reading.
Ian first joined the ASCV in the Fall of 2020 as a member of our Adult Social Group and FreeHorse Arts programming, and is a founding member of the ASCV Self-Advocate Council.
In his role, Ian will assist with administrative tasks associated with the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of programs, with a particular focus on Membership and Information & Referral.
Ian holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information and Systems Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys bike riding, yoga, and meditation.
McKenzie is a recent graduate of Long Island University Global, where she majored in Global Studies and minored in International Relations, Spanish, and Arts and Communications.
She first became involved in the ASCV as a Programs and Development intern in Fall 2023 and is excited to continue supporting the organization in her new role! Outside of work, McKenzie loves to travel, learn languages, eat vegetables, and play sports.
Giovanni Knight
Community Educator
Giovanni was diagnosed with autism alongside her younger sisters when she was 8 years old. Since then, she has navigated how best to operate in a neurotypical world in a way that suits her best. Her passions for patterns, solving problems, and helping others led her to her current job as a Senior Data Analytics Consultant with CapTech Consulting. She has been with CapTech for over 3 years, and she’s had fun learning all types of things related to data and being a working professional.
In her spare time, Giovanni can be found at the gym, meditating, writing, or reading. She loves walks in the warm weather and listening to music. Giovanni’s favorite animal is a panda, and she can be seen sporting some type of panda wear on a regular basis.
Giovanni is passionate about Autism as it’s been such a huge part of her entire life, and she loves sharing it with others. Giovanni believes that when we are 100% of ourselves, we make our communities better places to work and live. She engages regularly with her organization’s employee resource groups where she speaks about neurodivergence as well as other Diversity and Equity topics.
As Resource Coordinator, Megan responds to incoming inquiries via email and phone, helping to connect individuals and families to the resources and supports they need.
Megan’s family has a long history with the ASCV, participating in their first 5K after her son’s autism spectrum diagnosis in 2006. They have been a part of the ASCV family ever since.
After taking some time off and working in a volunteer capacity on the 5K and Gala committees, Megan is thrilled to be back working with the ASCV on a daily basis. When she’s not busy sharing information & referral resources, Megan enjoys traveling with her husband, crafting with her daughter and riding roller coasters with her son.
“I am honored to be a part of the ASCV team and look forward to continuing to help our self-advocates and families connect with our local autism community.”
Bradford responds to inquiries of any nature, with particular expertise in Medicaid waivers, special education, and resources for adults on the spectrum. Bradford has been affiliated with the ASCV since 1994, first as the parent of a newly diagnosed child, then as a volunteer and Board member. She is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and a Medicaid Waiver Mentor. Bradford presents workshops on Medicaid waivers, person centered planning, transition to adulthood, and IEP development at local and state conferences. Bradford volunteers on many local and state disability related work groups and advisory boards on behalf of the ASCV.
In her spare time, Bradford enjoys traveling with her husband, Chuck, and spending time on the Northern Neck with her children and grandchildren. Bradford is passionate about providing individuals with autism and their families with vital information to navigate the complex disability systems in Virginia and to maximize each individual’s gifts and talents.
With over 15 years experience in fundraising and event management, Adira has worked with non-profit organizations throughout the country, including both grassroots and national organizations.
Prior to joining the ASCV team, Adira served as Campaign Manager at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, setting fundraising records for the Virginia Chapter. When she is not serving the organization’s mission, Adira is busy “mommying” her three children, Lilah (age 8), Shemaya (age 6) and Akiva (age 3) with her husband, Michael. Together they enjoy hiking, traveling, and many many movie nights!
Katie joined the ASCV in January 2022. As the Program and Events Manager, she supports the four major fundraising events through assisting the planning committees, participant engagement, and core event elements.
Katie has experience in executing a variety of events and autism friendly programs through her work with The Eliza Hope Foundation.
As a parent of a daughter with autism, Katie offers a personal perspective on the challenges individuals and families impacted by autism may face. Katie is eager to work with ASCV families in creating events that are inclusive and exciting for everyone!
Outside of work, Katie can be found checking out local parks with her daughter, Audrey, exploring new restaurants with her husband, Dan, or walking her dogs, Shelia and Penny.
Current Openings
We are currently hiring for an Events Director. This critical role combines strategic leadership, creative vision, and hands-on coordination to plan and execute the organization’s signature fundraising events. See the full job description and learn how to apply below.