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At 29, Ann has always loved being active and connecting with others, but she wanted more opportunities to learn and grow beyond home. When Melwood introduced a hands-on culinary arts course, Ann jumped in with enthusiasm. Cooking had always been a special activity she shared with her mom, Karen, but this program gave her the chance to expand her skills in a professional kitchen.
Wearing her own chef jacket and apron, Ann learned new techniques and proudly brought home dishes she prepared herself. “She was so proud of her work and couldn’t wait for us to try it,” Karen said. “And the food was really good!”
For Karen, Melwood Community Services’ approach makes all the difference: “They show these individuals that their voice matters. They’re not just told what to do—they’re encouraged to have their own interests and independence. That’s golden.”
For Ann, the program sparked something powerful: the joy of learning, the pride of accomplishment, and the dignity of independence.
Around Melwood Community Services’ Arlington Day Program, Katina Smith is known as “Miss Get Things Done.”
As a program specialist for the day program, she helps facilitate engaging activities for adults with disabilities who call Northern Virginia home. Her days include teaching and coaching participants in life skills, playing leisure activities like Monopoly or UNO, and accompanying participants on outings into the community.
What Katina loves most about her role is watching someone develop new skills and grow in confidence.
Every Tuesday, Katina teaches either money management or time management, two areas where many participants need additional support. Recently, she watched with pride as participants began mastering the basics of working with money, including remembering to place a decimal point before the cents.
“I’m very patient with the participants. I don’t mind taking the extra steps to see them through,” she said.
Katina had the chance to see that growth unfold during a six-week culinary arts class attended by several day program participants. She went along every week, offering support as our participants in the class learned how to safely hold a knife, chop vegetables, and prepare meat.
