Meet Our Professionals

Sandra V. Simon, MSW, LCSW Program Director

Sandra is the Founding Director of Community Assistance Network (CAN) in Richmond Virginia and a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the human services field. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to designing, leading, and strengthening high-quality services for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD), ensuring each person is treated with dignity, respect, and full person-centered care.

As a licensed psychotherapist, Sandra provides clinical services to individuals with disabilities, as well as members of the broader community. Her therapeutic approach integrates trauma-informed practice, evidence-based interventions, and a deeply held belief in the inherent value and potential of every individual. She is committed to helping people build autonomy, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections in their daily lives.

In her leadership role at CAN, Sandra oversees the development and implementation of community-based programs that include Sponsor Residential, Day Support, and Community Engagement services. She works closely with providers, families, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure that supports are compliant with DBHDS and HCBS standards, rooted in person-centered planning, and aligned with best practices in safety, risk management, and community inclusion. Sandra’s extensive experience, clinical insight, and passion for the IDD community continue to guide CAN’s mission of empowering individuals to live fulfilling, self-directed lives with maximum independence and community involvement.

Lisha Holloman, M.A., QMHP Director of Operations

Lisha is a dedicated mental health professional with more than 15 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), and mental health (MH) needs. Her career began in a group home setting, where she discovered a natural talent for person-centered care, advocacy, and crisis intervention—an unexpected start that evolved into a purposeful and impactful career.

She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.A. in Human Services with an emphasis in Life Coaching from Liberty University. Lisha is a Certified TOVA Instructor and a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Her leadership experience includes serving as a Senior Director in the human services field, and she continues to bring compassion, strength, and dedication to every role she undertakes.

Guided by her belief that every seed planted produces a harvest, Lisha is passionate about empowering individuals to live meaningful, self-directed lives. She finds joy in teaching, encouraging, and uplifting others, and strives for every person she encounters to feel a sense of love, hope, and possibility.

Outside of her professional work, Lisha enjoys vacationing, reading, and spending time with her blended family of five adult children. She is very proud of completing her master’s degree, becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serving her church community as the Leading Lady alongside her husband, who serves as Pastor.

Lisha continues to embrace her own journey of discovering her passion and calling. Her short-term goal is experiencing a Broadway show in New York, and she has a few long-term goals such as publishing her journal and becoming an entrepreneur. She remains rooted in faith, inspired by sisterhood, and motivated by the pursuit of growth, purpose, and balanced success.

Dr. Wilhelmina (Mina) John Day Support Program Director

In March 2024, Dr. Mina John became our new Day Support Program Director, bringing a compassionate, purpose-driven approach to supporting individuals with diverse needs. She holds a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ghana Medical School, and her lifelong desire—sparked at age 10—helping people and making them happy, continues to guide her work today.

Dr. Mina believes that every person she supports teaches her something new about patience, resilience, and individuality. Witnessing even the smallest steps of progress fuels her passion and reaffirms her commitment to service. Her guiding principles—her faith in God and her dedication to integrity—shape every decision she makes. Simply put, God inspires her daily, and through her work, she strives to be a blessing to everyone she encounters.

Outside of her professional role, Dr. Mina is a devoted mother of three and takes pride in both her pastoral calling and her family, who keep her grounded. She enjoys traveling, walking, and serving in the church—the cause dearest to her heart. Her short-term goal is to strengthen her time-management skills, while her long-term aspirations include finding more time to explore the world.

For Dr. Mina John, success is measured by simply accomplishing her tasks for the day and knowing she has made a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Luella Hackett Human Resources Coordinator

With over 30 years of experience in Administrative Management, Luella is a seasoned professional known for her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, MD, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC.

Luella’s career began with a desire for financial security, purpose, and personal accomplishment. Over the years, she has cultivated a deep passion for supporting individuals and helping organizations function at their best. She discovered her calling unexpectedly while attempting a “side hustle”, which opened the door to meaningful work centered on people, empowerment, and positive change.

One of the aspects she values most about working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is the empowerment that comes from proper support, accommodations, and meaningful life transformation. She strives to make a positive, supportive impact as a committed team player and believes in leading with integrity, respect, accountability.

Luella is especially proud of her greatest accomplishment—raising two boys, who continue to inspire her. Her daily motivation comes from devotion, exercise, and a love of learning new things, while her faith, family, and friends keep her grounded. She is also deeply connected to her church community and women’s ministry, where she finds purpose and belonging.

Outside of work, Luella enjoys taking long walks, watching re-runs of Magnum P.I., and shopping. Her current goals include organizing all four of her email inboxes, and long-term, she hopes to learn another language. Luella defines success as the fulfillment of one’s purpose, a belief reflected in her lifelong dedication to growth, service, and personal improvement.

Georgia Spruiel Office Manager

Georgia is a dedicated direct support professional with seven years of experience in the field. Her journey began in New Jersey, where she completed training as a Home Health Aide. Since then, she has continued to build a meaningful career centered on compassion, respect, and service to others.

Georgia is inspired daily by her roots—having come from the caribbean island of Barbados to create a better life for herself and her family. This personal journey fuels her commitment to helping others live safely, comfortably, and with dignity. She finds joy in helping people accomplish their goals and creating moments that bring a smile their face. Her short-term goal is to provide residential support for another individual, and her long-term dream is to own multiple group homes, a reflection of her ambition and support-focused outlook.

She is the proud mother of two children and takes great pride in watching them grow into wonderful individuals. Her children and grandchildren keep her grounded, reminding her of the importance of love, purpose, and legacy. Guided by the belief that respect is reciprocal, Georgia places great value on how we speak to each other, how we treat others, and how we show up in each other’s lives. She defines success not by perfection, but by a life that feels safe, healthy, and peaceful.

In her spare time, Georgia enjoys spending time with her family, watching old movies, and writing down her thoughts, which allows her moments of reflection and creativity. The communities that matter most to her include persons battling cancer and the individuals she serves in her daily work. Her goal is to show people that they are never alone—that someone will always be there to support them.

Gladys Azi Community Engagement Coordinator

Gladys has been with CAN almost two years and brings dedicated experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and approaches her work with a deep sense of purpose, fueled by her desire to make lasting, positive change.

Guided by her faith and a natural eye for detail, Gladys is passionate about uplifting others and leaving people better than she found them. She is committed to continuous growth, with a short-term goal of sharpening her professional skills and a long-term goal of enhancing the overall quality of the care she provides. What she enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to make meaningful impacts in the daily lives of those she serves.

Proud of her dedication to selfless service and the appreciation it has earned, Gladys strives to help individuals live richer, more fulfilling lives. She defines success as consistently doing her very be so distinct, that others can testify to it. Grounded by her strong faith in God, her inspiration comes from living each day with intention and excellence.

Outside of work, Gladys enjoys peaceful moments alone, spending time with her family, and participating in church activities. As a mother of three, she remains firmly connected to the values that shape her life. She is especially committed to advocating for the voiceless, defending the rights of others, and supporting underprivileged communities.

Devin Hamlett, QMHP Sponsor Residential Case Coordinator

Devin Hamlett is a compassionate behavioral health professional with two years of formal experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Devin has also spent many years advocating for, and supporting people with mental, behavioral, and health challenges; especially those who lack advocates to speak on their behalf. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is a certified Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), approaching her work with heartfelt dedication and a deep commitment to social justice.

Rooted in personal family experiences and a steadfast belief in equity, Devin champions the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, children, and low-income communities. She values respect, empathy, and personalized care, and believes in the transformative power of collaboration to create meaningful change.

Outside of her professional life, Devin enjoys yoga, hiking, and research. She finds strength and grounding through faith and resilience. With aspirations to pursue post-graduate education and drive systemic improvements, Devin remains passionate about enhancing the quality of life and empowering those she serves.

Ngozi Bennett Sponsor Residential Case Coordinator

Ngozi is a dedicated professional with over seven years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Liberty University, a Postgraduate degree in Chemistry from Lagos State University, and a BSc in Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry) from Akanu Ibiam Polytechnic College in Nigeria.

Driven by compassion and a strong public health foundation, Ngozi is committed to helping individuals with IDDs grow, gain independence, and achieve meaningful, person-centered goals. She discovered her calling through early exposure to science, health, and community service, and has since advanced from a Direct Support Professional to a Case Coordinator.

Her short-term goal is to apply her public health education to enhance service quality, while her long-term aspiration is to contribute to global and community-level public health initiatives. She is inspired daily by opportunities to make a positive impact and is grounded by her faith, moral values, and supportive relationships.

In her spare time, Ngozi enjoys spending time with family, reading about health and wellness, and engaging in community health advocacy. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, and empowering underserved communities.

Travis James IT and Media Coordinator

With a decade of experience in the Information Technology field, this dedicated IT professional brings both technical expertise and a people-centered approach to every role. Holding a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, he has built a strong foundation for understanding both organizational needs and effective technological solutions. His seven-year tenure as an IT Specialist with the U.S. Department of the Treasury—where he earned multiple performance awards—stands as a testament to his commitment, skill, and reliability.

Driven by a desire to make meaningful, positive change, he values the opportunity to simplify life for others through thoughtful, well-executed IT support. His strong attention to detail and natural problem-solving inclination shapes both his professional path and personal philosophy. Guided by the principle of treating people the way he wishes to be treated, he approaches each challenge with integrity, patience, and professionalism.

He is continuously focused on growth, with a short-term goal of sharpening his support techniques and long-term visions of earning a postgraduate degree and building a portfolio of rental properties. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through workouts, cheering on his favorite soccer team, and spending quality time with his three sons, who—along with the memory of his mother—inspire him daily. His grounding comes from his faith and his belief in the power of positive energy.

Passionate about equity and opportunity, he is committed to causes such as civil rights, affordable healthcare, and equal access for minorities. His goal is to use both his skills and his compassion to make life simpler and more accessible for the people he supports.

Katherine Henry Accounts and Billing Specialist

Katherine is a dedicated Billing Specialist who transitioned into the field two years ago, bringing a strong background in wellness, nutrition, and program support. She holds certifications in Autism Advanced Competencies (PBC University), Nutrition & Wellness Coaching (Cornell University), Airline Marketing & Accounting (IATA, Montreal), and Marketing (Brock University).

Passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Katherine values the meaningful relationships she has built and the daily opportunities to make a positive impact. Guided by her Christian faith, she leads with integrity, compassion, and respect.

Her short-term goal is to continue expanding her skills to better serve individuals, while her long-term goal is to move into a specialized wellness role focused on lifestyle and nutrition support. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, personal development, quality time with loved ones, and activities that promote creativity and wellness. Inspired by her two children, her coworkers, and the resilience of the people she serves, Katherine remains committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment.