Executive Director Announced

NEW Executive Director, Heather Padgett

DSANV is thrilled to announce our NEW Executive Director, Heather Padgett.

The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) Board announced today the appointment of our new Executive Director, Heather Padgett. Heather comes to DSANV from Fairfax County Public Schools, where she served as an Educational Specialist of Adapted Curriculum for the Office of Special Education Instruction. Heather’s expertise in leadership, management, strategic planning, and educational advocacy increased FCPS’ ability to deliver direct and systematic instruction for students with Intellectual Disabilities, increased data collection and data-based decision making, the creation of new classes and after-school programs, and improved student outcomes in the areas of math, literacy, and workplace readiness.

Her personal connection as a sibling to a younger brother with Down syndrome has given Heather a unique and valuable perspective and led her to be a life-long advocate for people with Down syndrome and their families.

In making the announcement, the DSANV President, Kimberly Hudson, said, “The DSANV Board is excited to welcome Heather at a critical inflection point for our organization and community. Her mission-focused, collaborative leadership style and unique skill set will assist DSANV in growing the reach and impact of our organization across our region.

Heather’s passion and background matches our organization’s commitment to expanding resources and programming to meet the needs of our members across the many counties we serve in Northern Virginia. Over the next several years DSANV will focus on engaging new members, reducing financial, location, and language barriers to access DSANV events and resources, and ensuring our inclusive offerings span all ages and abilities.”

Heather said, “Working in Fairfax County Public Schools for the past fifteen years has allowed me the opportunity to support hundreds of diverse students with disabilities (ages 3-22) and their families. While I have served in various capacities, one of my favorite roles was supporting students as they aged out of FCPS into various post-secondary options. I am passionate about accessing the educational abilities of people with Down syndrome and building their independence to support meaningful inclusion and employment within the community.

As the older sibling of a thirty-one-year-old man with Down syndrome, I’ve witnessed first-hand how critically important access to resources and family support is to our community. Simply put, access to the right resources at the right time is life changing.

My personal and professional experiences have allowed me to serve families within Fairfax County and I am thrilled and humbled at the opportunity to expand my support to the entire Northern Virginia region. Thank you to the DSANV Board of Directors for recognizing my strengths and for trusting me to lead the organization toward meeting its goals. I look forward to working collaboratively with the DSANV team to streamline our organization’s communication to better engage with our community, increase membership engagement across our region, and expand and update our offerings and resources.”

Heather will begin the position of DSANV Executive Director on July 29, 2024. Please join DSANV in welcoming Heather. Several meet and greet community events and strategic planning town hall events will be announced in the coming weeks.