Meet the CHADD of Northern Virginia and DC Board of Directors

Dr. Karyn Ewart is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in public and private schools for over 25 years. She is the Founder and Head of School of The Sycamore School, an independent nonprofit secondary school in Arlington, Virginia. The Sycamore School provides personalized, engaging and experiential learning, helping students make connections across content areas and to the real world. Karyn holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in psychology from American University, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has extensive experience working with adolescents in schools, including students with learning differences. She believes that engaging students to be active members of a community, within a school setting, serves as a catalyst for developing positive relationships, facilitating growth, and effecting change. Karyn is a Leadership Arlington alumni. She joined the CHADD board in 2025 and serves as the Board’s Director of Communications and Outreach.

Kathy Essig, M.Ed., Founder and President of Essig Education Group, has spent 30 years working in special education. In 2022, she was named CHADD’s Educator of the Year at the International Conference on ADHD. Prior to starting her current practice, she worked in public and private schools as an educator and educational diagnostician; in private practice as an executive function coach; as a curriculum consultant to private schools in the Metro DC area; and as an owner and founder of a learning center in McLean, VA. Essig Education Group is an Executive Function coaching group that works with k-12 through adult clients in individual and group sessions.   Kathy has been a member of the CHADD Board of Directors since 2020.

Dr. Sarah Robison is a longtime educator, executive functioning coach, and the parent of a child with ADHD. Her professional work and lived experience shape a compassionate, practical approach to supporting neurodiverse learners, their families, and her own household. With over 20 years in non-traditional educational settings in the U.S. and abroad, Sarah is passionate about executive functioning skills, ADHD-informed parenting, transition planning, and strength-based supports for neurodivergent students. She is known for translating research into realistic strategies that work in everyday life—at home, at school, and beyond. Sarah holds a doctorate in education and spent a decade supporting transition-aged young adults with autism, deepening her expertise in independence, self-advocacy, and life skills development. As a coach, speaker, and parent, she partners with families and educators to reduce overwhelm, build systems that stick, and help neurodivergent students thrive.

Dr. Salya Namazi is a clinical neuropsychologist and principal owner of The Stixrud Group, a lifespan neuropsychology practice specializing in the evaluation of developmental differences such as ADHD. Renowned for her clear, actionable recommendations, Dr. Namazi is committed to direct, thoughtful communication with clients, families, and educators. She is a frequent lecturer on developmental differences, has published on the early identification of autism, and brings a deep passion for supporting individuals with ADHD. Dr. Namazi joined the CHADD board in 2025 and serves as the Board’s Secretary.

Thea Mullis is the founder of Camp On Tour and Camp Independence. She is deeply committed to supporting young adults, particularly those with social, emotional, learning, and cognitive differences as they build the skills needed for greater independence and confidence. For over a decade, Thea has led groups of neurodiverse travelers around the world, creating opportunities to explore new cultures while strengthening social, emotional, executive functioning, and independent living skills all in a fun, supportive environment that fosters meaningful friendships. Camp Independence, her nine-month residential launchpad program, provides comprehensive daily support for young adults with social, cognitive, and intellectual challenges. The program is designed to cultivate essential life skills within a structured setting that encourages genuine independence and personal growth. In addition to her program leadership, Thea has served for many years on the board of CHADD, further demonstrating her dedication to the ADHD and neurodiverse community.

Carmen Zahra knows what it feels like to sit across from a family that is scared, exhausted, and quietly wondering if their child is going to be okay. As National Director of Outreach & Admissions for College Living Experience (CLE), she guides families of students with ADHD, autism, and related conditions toward a program that meets students exactly where they are and walks alongside them toward real independence. Her Master of Education in Special Education, combined with a background in Public Relations & Journalism, gives her a rare ability to bridge two worlds—understanding what students need and knowing how to communicate it in a way that reaches people, not just professionals, but parents searching for answers at midnight. Carmen co-founded the Student Success & Wellness Professionals Alliance (SSWPA), advises the CSahm Foundation for ADHD, serves as a Commissioner on Montgomery County's IDDC, and sits on the WISER Board. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is the kind of person families remember—not because of her title, but because she walked into their fear and walked out with a plan, leaving no doubt that their student's best days were still ahead.

Wendy Weinberger is the Co-Founder and President of Illuminos Academic Coaching, where she is the heart and soul of the organization’s mission to help students and neurodiverse young adults build executive-function skills, confidence, and independence. Inspired by ADHD’s impact across generations of her own family, Wendy co-founded Illuminos in 2016 and has spent the past decade supporting individuals navigating ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, emotional-regulation challenges, and other complex needs. Wendy brings more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, entrepreneur, and board member. Her career has encompassed organizational leadership, corporate governance, operations, strategic growth, partnerships, and legal and regulatory strategy. Her nonprofit and community leadership includes co-founding the Student Success + Wellness Professionals Alliance, serving on the Executive Board of WISER-DC, and leading significant fundraising efforts benefiting children and families. Wendy holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of Maryland. As a member of the CHADD of NoVA/District of Columbia Board, she brings professional expertise, personal understanding, and a deep commitment to expanding trusted resources, meaningful connections, and effective support for people affected by ADHD.