Dignity-Centered Support for Disability Caregivers.

I'm Teona Stanfield, a caregiver, advocate, and founder of DJ's Care Village, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and educating caregivers of individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

My journey into advocacy began with my son DJ's autism diagnosis, a moment that changed everything for me. Like many caregivers, I left that appointment with more questions than answers and little to no guidance on what to do next. Instead of staying in that place, I turned my frustration into purpose.

Through DJ's Care Village, I'm building a community where caregivers are seen, supported, and never alone. From hosting "Buy Nothing" caregiver events that provide free essential items, to connecting families with meaningful resources, my work is rooted in dignity, compassion, and real-life experience.

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, I bring both personal and professional insight to this work. I understand systems, I understand families, and most importantly, I understand what it feels like to navigate it all without support.

At the heart of everything I'm building is my family. I'm a devoted wife and mother, and I credit my husband as a strong and steady support system behind my journey. My daughter has also played a meaningful role in supporting DJ and shares in the compassion and care that fuels this work. I'm also supported by a strong extended family who plays an active, hands-on role in helping care for DJ, creating the village that makes this work possible.

As a mother, I'm not only creating a better path for my son, but also laying the foundation for generational impact. My vision is to build something my children can one day be part of, creating opportunities, stability, and purpose that extend far beyond me.

Today, I continue to use my voice and my platform to create change, educate through my personal experiences, and build community, making sure no caregiver has to walk this journey alone.

"What I didn't receive at the beginning of my journey, I've made it my mission to build for others."— Teona Stanfield

Daniel Chaney has dedicated the past 16 years to the field of Early Childhood Education. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of roles, including resource special educator, self-contained Pre-K teacher, and educator supporting multilingual learners.

Daniel began his journey in education as an additional adult at Ridge Ruxton School, working with students with global developmental delays. It was in this role that his passion for education first took root and has continued to grow ever since.

Committed to ongoing professional growth and supporting families, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, a master's degree in special education with an emphasis on Autism, and most recently, an administrative certification in Educational Leadership.

Currently, Daniel works with Baltimore County Public Schools, where he supports educators across the county in Early Childhood programs. He provides direct coaching, facilitates professional development focused on improving outcomes for all learners, and leverages his extensive experience to ensure every child has meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed in the classroom.

Daniel believes that all children have the ability to learn and thrive. He is equally passionate about empowering families to advocate for the supports and services their children need to be successful. Inspired by his experience as DJ's former teacher, Daniel felt called to be part of his care village in a deeper way, further strengthening his commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities for all families impacted by disability.

Danielle Rigby serves as the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for DJ's Care Village, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, financial management, and community advocacy. She is a dedicated public service professional with a strong background in budgeting, grant management, financial oversight, and program administration.

Danielle currently works in financial operations within the healthcare and nonprofit sectors and is pursuing her doctoral studies in Public Administration at the University of Baltimore. She also holds a Master of Science in Human Service Administration and is working towards her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).

As a mother of a child with disabilities, Danielle is deeply passionate about improving resources, support systems, and equitable access for families caring for children with special needs. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to advocacy, strategic planning, and creating meaningful community impact.

Through her role at DJ's Care Village, Danielle is committed to helping strengthen the organization's financial sustainability while supporting its mission to empower and uplift caregivers and families navigating the challenges of disability care.

With a career anchored in a profound passion for advocating for underserved communities, Sarita Sullivan brings over a decade of specialized expertise in ASD and self-contained classroom leadership to the Culpeper community. Her journey began with a highly impactful tenure within Baltimore City Schools, where she honed her skills as an Early Learning educator before returning to her roots in Northern Virginia.

Currently serving as a Learning Support Teacher for second and third grades, Sarita is a tireless champion for the philosophy that every student deserves a seat at the table. Her work is defined by a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive environments and expanding equal opportunities for all learners.

Beyond her professional dedication, Sarita is a lifelong explorer and green thumb who finds joy in traveling and nurturing her garden. A dedicated community member, she remains deeply involved in local volunteerism.

Sarita is a passionate advocate for the mission of DJ's Care Village, Inc., driven by the core belief that empowering caregivers is essential to successfully navigating the complexities of the special needs journey.