Meet our team

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Marissa Downs is a dedicated professional in the Richmond, Virginia area with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating consistent, compassionate, and individualized care in both educational and residential settings.

Marissa is also part of a sponsored residential program, where she welcomes two individuals with special needs into her home. She provides a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages independence, dignity, and a strong sense of community.

Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to person-centered support, blending structure and empathy to help individuals thrive in all areas of life.

Angela is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience and advanced degrees in both philosophy and special education. Her diverse background has allowed her to teach everything from college-level philosophy to specialized reading, always with a focus on meeting students where they are.

For the past ten years, Angela has worked at a private day school for students with learning differences, where she has served as an IEP/IAP Liaison and Lower School Instructor. She currently teaches Reading and English, specializing in supporting students who thrive when information is presented in creative and unconventional ways.

Angela is passionate about the joy of discovery and brings that passion into every lesson. Her work is grounded in the belief that learning should be meaningful, inspiring, and tailored to the unique strengths of each student.

Erin Smith is an Adaptive Art Teacher in Chesterfield, Virginia, with nearly two decades of experience in special education. Her work bridges the worlds of art and accessibility, ensuring that every student has meaningful opportunities for creative expression. Erin designs inclusive art experiences that honor individuality and promote independence, communication and joy.

In addition to her classroom work, Erin leads professional development workshops across the country, helping teachers integrate adaptive art practices into their programs. Her work blends compassion, innovation and artistry to make art accessible to everyone.

Spencer Moum is an emerging leader in special education with four years of experience working in private day schools. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Special Education K–12 at Virginia Commonwealth University, Spencer is committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed.

Beyond the classroom, Spencer leads cheer and theater clubs, offering students creative and confidence-building outlets for self-expression. She also tutors in reading outside of school, helping learners build essential literacy skills through personalized, one-on-one support.

Spencer’s work is driven by a passion for equity, creativity, and student empowerment. Whether in academic, artistic, or social settings, she strives to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Kristi Barsby is an experienced educator with 16 years in a variety of educational settings, including both public and private day schools. Her work spans classroom instruction, behavior support, and curriculum development, with a consistent focus on meeting the unique needs of every learner.

Currently, Kristi oversees curriculum and individualized behavior supports, ensuring that educational experiences are both meaningful and accessible for all students. Her approach combines structure, creativity, and a deep understanding of diverse learning profiles.

Outside of her professional work, Kristi is an active member of local community recreation leagues, reflecting her belief in the importance of connection, inclusion, and well-rounded development both in and out of the classroom.

Emily is an experienced educator in both general secondary education and special education, with thirteen years of combined teaching experience, and eight years of experience in special education.  She has taught English, Reading, and social/emotional skills classes. 

With a Bachelors of Arts in English from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and her history teaching both English and Reading classes, Emily has a deep love of reading, writing, and story-telling. She would love to impart her knowledge and joy of books, stories, practical and creative writing, and adaptive story creation, and make them accessible to all. 

Lauren is from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Communication Studies with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership from Clemson University. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

For the past twelve years, Lauren has lived in Richmond, Virginia, where she enjoys life with her three children and pets. She currently serves as an Applied Curriculum Teacher at Shineforth Charterhouse School, where she is dedicated to supporting diverse learners and fostering meaningful educational growth.