Professionals who work with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in local nonprofits like in Virginia...

... can offer first-hand knowledge about challenges and recommendations nonprofit boards may face.

An IDD professional serving boards like Gabriel Homes can ensure that adults with IDD are heard and can also lead to fairer policies in Virginia.

Shannon Bond-Young, one IDD professional in Virginia, joined the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors in 2024.

Her career started as a direct support professional (DSP) for adults with IDD. She served adults with IDD in residential, day, and vocational programs and worked in crisis services, counseling, education, and more. Today, she’s the director of the Public Guardianship Program at the Arc of Northern Virginia.

“My style is getting to know adults with IDD personally and treating them like family. We joke with each other, but I’m also a straight shooter because I’m honest about helping adults meet their needs.”

Shannon Bond-Young
Shannon Bond-Young portrait.
Shannon Bond-Young (left), an IDD professional in Virginia, with staff.

When the weather changes from cold to warm...

Shannon sees spring as a time of faith and hope for the people she serves. Some staff work with adults’ challenges over decades, but Shannon assures herself everyone can work through obstacles together. 

The Season of Change

In the new season, Shannon and other IDD professional workers in Virginia self-reflect and seek growth. Shannon believes people constantly change, and she sees success as a chance to improve herself.

“My grandma said, ‘You stop changing when you’re dead,’” Shannon says, laughing. “I start a list of things I can add to my life and not be stagnant, because we constantly change.”

People Bloom in Spring, Too!

Blooming flowers and rain showers signal growth in the new season. Shannon says adults with IDD should push themselves to try new things. Using person-centered support, according to Shannon, is a partnership between adults with IDD and their guardians.

“Growth is talking to adults with IDD about topics they’re uncomfortable with and suggesting ideas or solutions together,” Shannon says. “You see them grow when they make their own choices, including small ones like going on dates or changing hair color.”

Personal Spring Goals

Shannon says she’s ready to get to work with Gabriel Homes. As part of the Health & Welfare Committee, Shannon walks away with action items after every board meeting. Some of her goals this season include having accessible resources for adults with IDD and their families and looking at residents’ needs as they continue to get older.

“I love being hands-on with projects for the residents,” Shannon says. “Starting as a DSP and working my way up, I look forward to being a resource people can turn to for Gabriel Homes’ services and recommendations.”

Mental Health Matters

Shannon advocates for a greater focus on mental health for adults with IDD. She explains that people with autism and ADHD often lack support and but can grow with help from mental health resources. As a therapist, Shannon takes pride in providing services and partnering with experts at the Arc to help others with IDD.

“Professionals don’t talk about mental health enough,” Shannon says. “Encouraging more conversations about it and getting help from your community can make a difference in people’s lives.”

The March 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter, The Treehouse, celebrates physical and mental health for adults with IDD.

Read stories about mental health and our residents at gabrielhomes.org/stories, and get future editions in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
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