Nicole P. Ware, DNP, RN, CNL, the Magnet program director at Inova Fairfax, has over 20 years of experience in education, frontline leadership, and executive roles within the nursing field. As an advocate for equitable care for people of all abilities, Nicole has developed systems of support for safe, person-centered care.
Gabriel Homes’ mission and vision of independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities resonates with Nicole’s values of fostering inclusion. Her work in leadership and partnerships equips her to help lead the organization’s strategic planning and programming development. As a passionate leader and strategic thinker, Nicole also brings commitment to service, collaboration, creativity, and empathy to the board and Gabriel Homes at large.
Outside of Gabriel Homes, Nicole enjoys traveling with her husband, twin teens, and two dogs. She has volunteered for other organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Black Girls Code. Ultimately, Nicole is a passionate mentor who looks to help others grow no matter their journey.
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Alex is the founder and managing advisor of Cottage Hill Capital, where he creates personalized financial plans supported by investment management for individuals, families, and businesses. Gabriel Homes’ vision of an inclusive community drew Alex toward serving on the board of directors. As a board member, he aims to raise awareness of the organization and use his fiduciary expertise to support the residents. Alex also serves on the finance committee for the board of St. John’s Community Services, a nonprofit that supports people of all abilities experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Outside of work and nonprofit service, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife Erica and their dogs Johan and Oliver. You may find Alex playing golf, going fly fishing, and cooking for family and friends. As an active runner, Alex participates in marathons around the country.
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Kendall Heren first discovered her love of people with disabilities through volunteering at Special Olympics at Virginia Tech. She never looked back from the experiences that led her to her career in special education. Working with people with disabilities from ages 2 to 72, Kendall’s favorite experience was at a post-secondary program with young adults focusing on independent living and vocational skills.
Kendall has undergraduate degrees in Human Development and Psychology from Virginia Tech and earned her master’s in Special Education at Johns Hopkins. She taught special education in Fairfax County Public Schools for six years and chaired the special education department. Now, Kendall owns her own business, KNH Advocacy, as a special education advocate. Her ongoing partnership with a nonprofit organization provides advocacy services to families in need.
Kendall was drawn to Gabriel Homes because she champions independent living skills for adults with disabilities. The stories of hope and confidence bring light to the community she cares strongly about. With her special education knowledge, Kendall brings unique passions and experiences to the board.
In her free time, Kendall loves to travel, read, hike, and spend time with her husband. The couple is expecting a daughter due in August 2025.
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Alex Rough, a systems engineer, is a lifelong volunteer with local communities. Service to others is considered his highest privilege. As an environmental rights advocate, Alex served in the town of Herndon’s first sustainability committee and was the political chair of the Sierra Club’s Great Falls chapter. For the former, Alex helped organize Herndon’s first comprehensive energy and sustainable city plan. He currently serves on the Arlington County Climate Change, Energy, and Environment Commission and Eco Action Arlington board of directors.
Alex has been on the Gabriel Homes board since 2025 to help provide safe, productive environments for residents. His sibling has been a resident for over ten years, Alex has seen them flourish and grow independently since moving to Gabriel Homes. Alex’s favorite memories with his sibling have been seeing them make lifelong friends and compete in the Special Olympics.
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Shannon is a first-generation Barbadian American and a mother of a child with autism on a mission to promote growth and independence in individuals' lives in the human services field. She has a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Studies, Master's in Counseling and Human Services, and Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling.
For over 14 years, She's been working tirelessly with individuals who have intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. From residential programs to day programs, vocational programs to crisis services, counseling to education – you name it, She's done it. She is currently the Program Director of the Public Guardianship Program at the Arc of Northern Virginia.
In her free time, She enjoys traveling to learn more about people and their culture, watching Bollywood movies and K-dramas, and spending time with her wife and two boys.
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Jack graduated in 1972 with a degree in accounting from Villanova University. He has been involved with Gabriel Homes for a number of years both on the Board of Directors and as a member of the Work Crew.
As a retiree, Jack has time to spend with his wife and family, especially his grandchildren.
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Leslie is a Courage Coach as the host of the "Why Not Today?" Podcast. The Why Not Today podcast interviews guests as they share their courage stories. We also share ways to live our lives and have the courage. to say "Why Not Today?". She is passionate about creating a community of like minded people who want to connect!
Leslie Kane has also been a Sales Director in Mary Kay Cosmetics for nearly 30 years. She has an undergraduate and MBA in Finance from Va. Tech. Leslie has also been very involved in the local community and was a Best of Reston Honoree in 2018.
Cheryl is grateful for the opportunity to support individuals with special needs through the mission of Gabriel Homes.
Cheryl began her professional career as a special education teacher in Wisconsin. She moved to Virginia in 2008 to work at an education non-profit organization, supporting other teachers, and then, as an education lawyer.
Cheryl recently started her own practice, Cardinal Law, PLLC, a values-based estate planning firm. She is also the proud mother of two adult children and enjoys running and driving a race car in her spare time.
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Donna joined the Board of Gabriel Homes in 2020. She has thirty years’ professional and personal experience in disability issues, in areas including accommodations, compliance, advocacy and training. She recently retired from a career in higher education, most recently as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University. She continues to take occasional consulting opportunities in disability services in higher education.
As the parent of an adult with intellectual and physical disabilities, Donna has firsthand experience with Medicaid Waivers, group homes, and employment and day support services. A long time Reston resident, she enjoys her neighborhood book club, Zumba and Pilates at local gyms, and is attempting to improve her golf game.
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Shalini is the VP – Treasury Services Sales Manager at John Marshall Bank, a $2.36 B, fast growing, community bank based in Reston, VA. She has over 18 years of banking experience and currently oversees the digital banking and treasury management services at John Marshall Bank. Community involvement has been a big focus in her career, and she is involved with various organizations including the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.
Shalini was born and raised in India and moved to the US in 2004. She and her husband, Charles, live in Bristow, VA with their two daughters. She and her family are active members of All Saints Catholic Church. Shalini and her husband’s evenings and weekends are often spent driving around the region to their children’s many activities. In giving back to the community, they hope to create a legacy of giving to those that help the community while showing their daughters the importance of service to others.