Our Staff

	Virginia Bonham Lead Teacher Virginia has an extensive background in theatre including a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. She brings to the Connection a passion for teaching children and youth of all levels theatrical and dramatic techniques to bolster their skills.
	Laura Briggs A.A., Lead Teacher Laura brings over 17 years of experience in working with children, the last fourteen with children with special needs. She brings both her love of the work and wide ranging experience, having worked with children of all ages and with many different types of disabilities. In fact, just two classes short of earning her Preschool Certificate in Early Childhood Education Laura began her most valuable education as mother to a son with Down syndrome.
	HAROLD BURNS Assistant Teacher Harold Burns is a dancer and educator based in Oakland. He moved to the Bay Area from Connecticut to study movement and performance. He currently works most frequently with the Olimpias Project, a dance & disability performance group based in Berkeley. Harold has volunteered with DSCBA since Spring 2009. He also works as a Community Living Assistant for adults with developmental disabilities who are seeking to create or maintain an independent lifestyle.
	Laura DiSessa Lead Teacher Laura DiSessa is a credentialed general education teacher. She is very excited to join the DSC team and brings over ten years of experience working with children and families. Laura’s teaching lies at her core beliefs that every child can learn and grow and deserves the best education possible.
	Bernadette E. Fatehi Buddy Play Coordinator Bernadette became a member of the "Connection" back in 2004 when her daughter Lily was born with Down syndrome. Seeing a need for more social, inclusion opportunities for kids with special needs and their typically developing peers, she started "Buddy Play" in 2007. Bernadette loves to play and learn with the kids that come to each group, and strives to be an advocate and support for participating families.
	KATHY HARKINS Operations Manager Operations Manager, a mother of 2 boys, past vice-president and Board president, long time supporter of the Down Syndrome Connection. Staff member since 2002-"paper pusher" as she says, vital part of our staff-we say.
	MARTHA HOGAN Director of Parent Advocacy and Support Director of Parent Advocacy and Support, is one of the cofounders of the Down Syndrome Connection. Proud mother of four boys, the youngest one born with Down Syndrome. Loves to work with parents and has a passion for golf and life in general.
	Marianne Iversen Program Coordinator/Teacher Marianne has been a longtime friend of the DSCBA. She became a board member in 2008 and in 2009 joined the staff part time as the Program Coordinator, Assistant Teacher in Team Cool and Lead Teacher in the Next Step class. She also works part time as a Para Educator teaching vocational and basic life skills in a transition class in the SRVUSD. After owning and operating a small business for many years she is happy to be back in the area of special education where she feels her heart truly belongs.
	Nancy Labelle Executive Director Nancy has had an extensive business career that has included several Executive Management positions such as Product Marketing and Product Development Director. During her 24-year employment in a Fortune 500 company she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Master of Science degree in Technology Management. Nancy’s experience of leading several multi-million dollar projects, and the budgets, timelines, and people that go along with them, has provided her with a well rounded view of what businesses—and nonprofits—need to thrive. Nancy brings to the Connection not only her educational and background experience but her love and compassion for people, desire to break down barriers, and commitment to serving the community.
	Jamie Lantz M.A., Head Teacher Jamie brings over sixteen years experience in working with people with disabilities and their families. Jamie integrates her passion for expressive arts and therapeutic groups (support, recreational and social) with her dedicated love of the people with whom she works.
	Christina Lewis Drama Therapist, Special Ed. Christina Lewis is a drama therapist and a special education teacher. She works in the San Francisco Unified School District with students with severe developmental disabilities, and teaches Clowning to children of all ages in a variety of settings throughout the Bay Area.
	Tamara Reed Lead Teacher Tamra is a mother and animal lover. Her background includes working with children and adults who have developmental disabilities through Special Olympics, group homes, and more.