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.
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Karen has a strong connection to our Gabriel Homes community - a family member has been a resident for a number of years. Karen is passionate about ensuring people with disabilities reach their life goals in a supportive and caring environment. This passion began when her sister was born and led her to a degree in Special Education and subsequent teaching positions all over the world - which led to other passions such as travel, cooking and eating! Joining the board at Gabriel Homes as the family liaison allows her to continue supporting amazing people with disabilities and their families in reaching for the stars.
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Sarah is a Managing Consultant at J.S. Held in litigation support and forensic accounting consulting services. Her prior experience includes working at a public accounting firm where she provided assurance services to predominately not-for-profit clients.
Sarah holds a BSBA in Accounting from Christopher Newport University and a Master of Accountancy from George Washington University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Additionally, Sarah is on the Young Professional Board of Special Olympics Virginia. Sarah is also a Special Olympics swim coach.
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Gary retired as the head of Transwestern’s Mid-Atlantic property management engineering team, he assesses operating conditions and establishes preventive maintenance procedures for existing and newly acquired projects, performs annual inspections of TCS managed properties, provides expertise on tenant construction, HVAC system retrofits and replacements, and other capital projects. He also serves on Transwestern Investment Company’s due diligence team to evaluate properties before purchasing and prepares and presents engineering and O.S.H.A safety training for property managers and building engineers.
Prior to joining Transwestern, Gary served as chief engineer for both Cushman & Wakefield and Smithy Braedon Property Company. He has completed training courses with Carrier, Trane, York, Bryant, and Siemens, and completed apprenticeships in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems, and sheet metal.
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Elaine Bickel has been associated with Gabriel Homes for many years. First as a part time bookkeeper in the early 1990s and for the last several years as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors. The Gabriel Homes' mission is one she feels is important both for the residents and for the broader community.
Elaine is a long time Northern Virginia resident having moved here after graduating from the University of VA with an accounting degree in 1975. She spent most of her career working for companies in the software technology field, and she focused on Federal Government customers.
As a retiree, Elaine enjoys spending time with her 3 children and especially her 2 grandsons.