The Arc of Northern Virginia Staff Bios
Rikki Epstein, Executive Director—
Rikki Epstein has been working with people with disabilities for over twenty years. She was previously with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), where she directed a community outreach and travel training program and her responsibilities included serving people with disabilities. Earlier in her career, Rikki was the director of therapeutic recreation services for the City of Alexandria and she also served as Executive Director of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. She holds a Masters degree in education, specializing in therapeutic recreation, from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in human development, family, and community relations from Buffalo State College.
Cheryl Johnson, Director of services—
Cheryl Johnson, MSW has been involved in system advocacy and direct services for people with disabilities for over 15 years. She began her career by volunteering for Special Olympics at an early age. The compassion and wanting to work with individuals with disabilities grew through her work experiences as a group home manager, in-home support coordinator, and vocational specialist. In addition to work experiences, Cheryl pursued higher education and received an MSW degree from George Mason University in May of 2006 and at the same time received best thesis award for developing a dental program to better serve the disability community. In her position as Director of Services at The Arc of Northern Virginia, Cheryl oversees several programs including Guardianship of Last Resort (GOLR), Medicaid Waivers, and Rep. Payee services. Most recently, she was appointed by Governor McDonnell to serve on the State Rehabilitation Council Committee.
George Edwards, Client Advocate—
George Edwards brings many years of experience to his 14 years as a Client Advocate of The Arc of Northern Virginia. As a former staff member of the personal support network, George was referred to as the companion’s companion. This really means that he understands the importance of taking care of people in the community as well as taking care of the caregivers and knows how to do it right.
Lisa Fong, Client Advocate—
Lisa Fong is a DD Waiver Case Manager and Public Guardianship Representative, serving individuals with disabilities and assisting them to access the supports they need and the opportunities they wish to pursue. She has been in these roles with The Arc of Northern Virginia since 2007. She has a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
Lynn Ruiz, Director of Community Relations—
Lynn Ruiz has a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts from the Corcoran School of Art and Design and has owned her own business as a portrait photographer. Lynn is a parent of a teenager with a disability and her desire to find appropriate services and navigate the system brought her to The Arc of Northern Virginia in 2000. She is involved in outreach, event planning, fund raising, development, and creating a new “look” for The Arc with her design expertise. Lynn also focuses on membership, donations, and volunteer relations.
Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts—
Tia Marsili is responsible for marketing The Arc of Northern Virginia's Special Needs Trust program, presenting to groups, community members and agencies, and assessing families' situations and guiding them through the futures planning process. Tia is also currently overseeing the implementation of the Transition Series grant. She has a degree in sinology, has an international background, and has worked as a child advocate for 20 years.
Raji Azar Jr., Director of First Impressions—
Raji Azar Jr. is a self-advocate, a member of The Arc of Northern Virginia, and Director of First Impressions. He has been with the Arc of Northern Virginia for two years. Raji runs the front desk with tasks that include responding to e-mails to Info@thearcofnova.org, adding events to the social calendar on The Arc of Northern Virginia’s website, and answering and transferring phone calls.
Jessica Utterback, Trust Manager—
Jessica Utterback is a sibling of an older brother who has an intellectual disability. She began at The Arc of Northern Virginia as a volunteer in 2009 and then came back as an intern in 2010. She graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. Jessica serves as Trust Manager for the Special Needs Pooled Trust program. She offers Trust clients and primary representatives daily on-site support by providing personal contact, troubleshooting issues, and processing Trust documents and disbursements.
Lucy Beadnell, Client Advocate—
Lucy Beadnell has been working and volunteering for various Arcs in Virginia for many years and found her passion in advocacy. In her role as a Client Advocate, she served as a DD Waiver Case Manager to support individuals with disabilities and their families find services to improve their lives through the Medicaid waiver and community resources. Additionally, Lucy worked as a public guardianship representative to assist individuals with disabilities and mental health needs in making their voices heard. Lucy also handles Medicaid and insurance billing for The Arc. Lucy loves participating in all of The Arc's campaigns to support A Life Like Yours for all.
Katherine Montgomery, Trust Associate—
- Katherine Montgomery, Trust Associate with The Arc’s Pooled Trust Program works on disbursements, processing paperwork and filing documents. Katherine has volunteered throughout the community for nine years, one and a half years of those at The Arc of Northern Virginia before being hired. Katherine has an A.A. Degree in Psychology from Northern Virginia Community College. She was selected to participate in Partners in Policymaking, Class of 2012 and is very interested in access for all and universal design.
Savina Avila, Case Manager and Public Guardian Representative—
- Savina Avila is a Client Advocate and serves as a Case Manager and Public Guardian Representative. As a Case Manager, Savina supports and helps link services to help meet the needs of individuals under the DD waiver. In addition, Savina works side by side with individuals to help ensure that their needs, wants, and desires are met as their Guardian Representative.
