Our adult children, David and Sarah, are amazing individuals and are the inspiration behind the creation of Dash and Scout.  We wanted to create a space where adults with Down syndrome could learn to be more independent, build confidence, improve their problem solving and communication skills and become better advocates for themselves; all in a safe immersive environment.  We are thrilled to be able to bring this experience to our community.

Carol + Terri, Founders

At Dash and Scout, we are focused on improving opportunities for growth and independence for adults with Down syndrome in Virginia.
We are goal-focused and growth-oriented, seeking to find the strengths in every individual with whom we partner. We then create opportunity for real independence in the pursuit of a meaningful life path.

a young man with Down syndrome is playing the guitar and smiling
a beautiful young woman with Down syndrome is smiling and having an ice cream cone as she happily leans against a counter
Five women sitting around a table enjoying pizza and drinks on a screened porch overlooking a lake with a large tree and a dock in the background

We are a place to find friends.
A place to build relationships.
And a place to be independent.

Meet the Team

  • A woman with short light brown hair, smiling, wearing a pink sleeveless top and a gold necklace, against a light blue background.

    Carol Williams

    President/Co-Founder

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing glasses and earrings, posed against a blue background.

    Terri Lancaster

    Executive Director/Co-Founder

  • Gaby Osborne Brooks

    Program Director

  • Allison Wixted

    Allison Wixted

    Communications Director

  • Portrait of a woman with short blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a black top with a white collar and a gold chain necklace, against a light blue background.

    Ginny Graef, CPA

    Treasurer

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair wearing pearl earrings and a pearl necklace.

    Sheri Tew

    Secretary

  • Close-up of a smiling middle-aged man with glasses, wearing a blue collared shirt, with a plain light blue background.

    Teelo Rutledge

    Director

  • Smiling woman with glasses and long hair against a blue background.

    Jill Taylor

    Director

  • Close-up of a smiling middle-aged man with light-colored hair, wearing a navy blue jacket, against a plain blue background.

    Wayne Tinsman

    Director

  • Illustration of the letter D, a stylized question mark, and an upward arrow in orange.

Job Openings and Volunteer Opportunities

  • Our Volunteers at Dash and Scout are an important part of the family! We would love to share the opportunities we have to serve in our community with Dash and Scout.

    Volunteer Application

    Questions? Email us at hello@dashandscout.org

  • We welcome experienced teachers, occupational therapists and students, along with individuals who have experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities.

    Currently, all positions are full, but check back soon as we grow!

    Questions? Email hello@dashandscout.org for more information.

Email the Team

“The team behind Dash and Scout has some of the most innovative minds I’ve seen in over two decades as a parent of a child, now adult, with Down syndrome. They are incorporating ideas that solely focus on providing options for adults with Down syndrome to seek more independent lives, full of their own personal dreams.”

- Jill Taylor, mother to Hope

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Get started with
Dash and Scout today.

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