Our Leaders

The Arc of North Central Virginia Staff

Marilyn McCombe holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology. After ten years in the U.S. Air Force and the birth of her two daughters, Marilyn moved back to her home state of Virginia in 2003 to live near family. Her youngest daughter who has Down syndrome launched her into a second career supporting people with disabilities. In 2007, after graduating from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Partners in Policymaking 10-month training program, Marilyn worked for 12 years as the Parent Resource Center Coordinator for the Fauquier County Public Schools. She was a founding board member of The Arc of North Central Virginia, and currently serves as the founding Chair of the disAbility Coalition of North Central Virginia.

Marilyn has served for 17+ years on the Fauquier County Special Education Advisory Committee and was a member of the 2016 Leadership Fauquier graduating class. Marilyn’s daughters are a daily source of inspiration and encouragement for her growth and learning.

Maria Basileo holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Descriptive Linguistics from Central Connecticut State University. Maria worked in the print news field for five years, working her way from a reporter to editor-in-chief. She has experience in writing, editing, social media, marketing, graphic design, photography and videography. She is originally from Connecticut, but now lives near family in Warrenton. She enjoys spending her time at the Warrenton Dog Park with her lab/husky named Lincoln and watching her nieces, Laurel, Colette, Lili and Natalie, grow up.

Amy Hunter is a summa cum laude graduate of Trinity College in Washington, D.C., with a degree in Public Affairs. Her 20-year career in state government relations included positions in the Idaho State Legislature, a national organization of state legislators, and a government relations consulting firm specializing in 50-state issues management, where she was a principal and senior vice president. Amy is now a self-employed tutor and parent consultant/advocate. She chairs the Fauquier County Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and is the Region 4 Parent Representative to the Virginia State SEAC, where she is a member of the Executive Committee and chairs the Policy and Regulation Subcommittee.

Mrs. Hunter and her husband live in Fauquier County. They have seven children, including four young adults in college and graduate school. Among these are children with autism, Down syndrome, and ADHD, including those identified as 2E. Amy is a dedicated advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in our schools and communities. Her advocacy training began as she watched her mother, who had physical disabilities resulting from polio, advocate for enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Kelly Jo Robson holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Agriculture. Kelly previously worked as a High School teacher, Softball Coach, and FFA Advisor for ten years. After Kelly’s son, Remington (9), was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome and other health complications, Kelly transitioned to a part-time job as a Community-Based Counselor and Qualified Mental Health Professional with Chrysalis Counseling Centers in Culpeper. Kelly has also served for five years on the Culpeper County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee. Kelly prioritizes advocating for inclusion and equal opportunity for children and adults with all levels of ability.

In addition to Remi, Kelly’s Uncle Ricky has Down syndrome and has always been an important part of the family. Both Remi and Ricky served as inspiration and motivation to found Shooting Stars, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which focuses primarily on providing congratulatory birth bags to new families of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Recently, Kelly has shifted her focus back home. Along with her husband Ted and her parents, she owns and operates Anchor Mere Farm LLC, a family-run cattle, hay, and crop operation. Kelly and Ted have 4 other children: Ted Jr. (30), Gaige (17), Trinley (11), and Browning (6), and one grandchild (Reed age 2).

Frédérique Vincent is a French Sorbonne graduate who spent most of her early career working in the field of translation and editing. The birth of her daughter with Down syndrome motivated her to shift her interests towards advocating for, and supporting, people with disabilities. She has been a Medicaid Waiver Service Facilitator for 15+ years, and recently rejoined Independence Empowerment Center, a Center for Independent Living located in Manassas. She is also dedicating her time to her young adult daughter with disabilities, and to community advocacy. Frédérique is a founding Board member of The Arc of North Central Virginia.

Frédérique has held many volunteer positions in and around Fauquier County, and currently serves as a volunteer with Special Olympics and a member of the DisAbility Coalition. She is graduate of the VCU Va-LEND 300-hour training program, completing a project entitled: Virtual Communications 101: A Quick Guide to Empower Users with Disabilities to Access the Internet and Video Calls. Frédérique is a former Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) Parent Representative and Secretary, former Virginia State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC) Regional Representative, former Fauquier County Public Schools SEAC Chair, and former Warrenton Civitan Board Secretary.

Denise King holds a BA in Management from the University of Redlands in California. She is a resident and small business owner for the past 30 years in Nokesville, Virginia. In 2005, she welcomed her youngest child with Down syndrome. Receiving support, guidance and direction from the Arc, Denise is passionate to spread the word of its fundamental value to the community.

Denise spent ten years in Indonesia during her formative years, her father was a missionary pilot, and it has resulted in a love to travel. She has two other children, Hunter and Britta and enjoys spending time. Denise has had an interest in photography from her years abroad and most recently birdwatching combines the two. Participating in community of special olympics, event planning and church activities are other areas that hold an importance.