CSWE Gero-Ed Center Staff

Ashley Brooks-Danso, MSW, Co-Director
Ashley holds a BSW from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a MSW from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. With a background in direct practice in various long-term care settings, Ashley's areas of interest are both gerontology and management, specifically: long-term care, dementia, HIV, mental health, and education. Prior to the Gero-Ed Center, she was Project Coordinator for a geriatric research study at Washington University, lead by Drs. Nancy Morrow-Howell and Enola Proctor. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor at George Mason University and is a member of the AGE-SW Board.

Suzanne St Peter, MSW, Co-Director
Suzanne comes to the Gero-Ed Center after three years as Director of the Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education (GeroRich) Program, where she worked closely with Nancy Hooyman, PI. She brings extensive project management experience, and a solid understanding of social work and gerontological issues. Suzanne received her MSW from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Hartford-funded Practicum Partnership Program.

Shannon Dorsey, Project Assistant, MAC Project
Shannon graduated from Radford University in Radford, Virginia where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. As a student, she volunteered at Beans and Rice, Inc. a community economic development organization for low and moderate income families. Prior to becoming the Project Assistant for the MAC Project, Shannon was the Administrative Assistant for the Gero-Ed Center.

Jason Echols, Program Assistant
Jason received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jason brings to the Gero-Ed Center a background in writing and office experience, in addition to a passion for social justice. While at Mary Washington College, he established the first annual Week of Social Activism for Homelessness, among other leadership activities.

Varya Gracheva, MA, Program Coordinator
Varya received her Master of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Varya brings to her position extensive experience in client relationships, logistics coordination, and office administration. As a student, she volunteered for several non-profit agencies, including work with the immigrant population at the Operational Emergency Center, a non-profit organization addressing the needs of low-income residents of King County, Washington.

Arya Karki, Administrative Assistant
Arya graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. While at William and Mary, Arya volunteered in Nepal and Tanzania to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.