Meet our staff
Myriam Brown: Executive DIRECTOR
Myriam was born in Bogota, Colombia, and immigrated to the United States as a child. She spent most of her formative years in Northern Virginia, going through the Arlington County Public School system. Myriam was fortunate to grow up in such a vibrant and diverse community, and it shaped the person she is today.
In the 1990s, she helped start and grow a family business and is grateful to have been part of a fantastic company where she had the opportunity to learn and develop her skills. Ten years later, she took an opportunity in the nonprofit field, and although it only lasted one year, it sparked a new interest. Myriam spent the next stage of her career working in support of the Department of Defense and the Department of State, eventually leaving to start a family.
In 2019, her family moved to the Stafford area, and she was fortunate to find Stafford Junction for her entry back into the workforce. She fell in love with the organization, its mission, and the people they serve. She has over 20 years of administrative experience and is looking forward to igniting that passion for nonprofit work again as this incredible organization's Executive Director. Myriam is grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving those in need in our community.
RACHEL DANO: GRANTS MANAGER
Rachel, who comes from a Navy family, considers Altoona, PA as her closest hometown. She takes joy in her three dogs, three cats, two nephews, and one niece, whom she adores. Rachel's educational background revolves around youth programs, having worked for several years as a leader and manager in YMCA Before and After-school Programs. She supervised 16 elementary school locations, with over 500 students under her care. Rachel possesses exceptional organizational skills, as well as experience in budgeting, accounting, and marketing. She holds both a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University.
GREg minor: Field Manager
Greg, a native of Fredericksburg who attended James Monroe High School and Virginia State University, where he earned a degree in Visual Communications. After serving as a multimedia illustrator in the U.S. Army stationed in Alabama, he returned to Virginia and settled in the Olde Forge Community. His friendship with Theresie, the organization's former director, led him to become involved with Stafford Junction in 2006. Since then, Greg has dedicated his time and skills to volunteering in various roles, including serving as a bus driver for the Helping Us Grow Strong program and as a Brain Builder site coordinator for Drew Middle School. He also interned for Summer Junction in 2010 and worked as a Healthy Living Pays program assistant. As a Field Manager, Greg plays a crucial role in connecting Stafford Junction with the Olde Forge Community and beyond, while building strong relationships with the local children.
Crystan rice: Youth programs manager
Crystan graduated from North Stafford High School and is currently attending Germanna Community College, studying education K-8. After she earns her degree, she plans to transfer to Longwood University to get her master’s in special education. Crystan enjoys being able to work with the children at Stafford Junction. After being introduced to Stafford Junction, she always knew she would have a future here.
Crystan started volunteering as a tutor with Brain Builders, then Summer Junction, and was the Youth Program Intern. She enjoys being a part of the Stafford Junction Team and learning and connecting with the children and families in our programs.
Crystan teaches children at Fredericksburg Church of Christ and has a strong faith. She has been to 27 countries due to her father’s job. She also enjoys spending time with her pets, two cats, and two dogs.
gail leitch: office manager
A native of Stafford County, Gail graduated from Stafford Senior High School and James Madison University with a BS in Communication Arts/Data Processing. She enjoyed many years in Direct Marketing, from data entry to software engineer positions, but found her greatest joy as the office coordinator for community outreach. This led to volunteering and working for other Rappahannock area non-profit organizations and now Stafford Junction.
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