Larrie Ellen Randall - Founder and Executive Director

Larrie Ellen Randall is the founder and executive director of Starfish Savers. She began her career as a volunteer at Kilmer Center during the summer therapeutic recreation program and continued on at Kilmer Center as a summer school aide throughout high school with specific interest and attachment to those kids with complex needs and limited communication skills. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education at Rhode Island College and while there worked full-time for over a year at a residential state school in Massachusettes earning additional college credit. Larrie Ellen continued her formal education at George Mason University earninig a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Special Education which included training in discrete trial and applied behavioral analysis. Additional specialized training has included training in visually structured teaching from TEACCH at Chapel Hill, NC, Picture Exchange Communication from Pyramid Educational Systems and certification in assistive technology from George Mason University.

Larrie Ellen went on to create the intervention/behavior specialist position for the Leisure Program for  Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services, as well as leading a weekly hobby class, adult social group and the dance club for people with mild to moderate disabilities. She served as an autism resource teacher for Fairfax County Public School before founding Starfish Savers. She has spent that the last 13 years as a consultant to families throughout Northern Virginia, a behavior specialist and consultant to the Fairfax County and Prince William County Community Services Boards serving adults and children, an in-home provider through the Comprehensive Services Act, a social coach and an advocate for people with complex disabilities.

Larrie Ellen has been married for 25 years, raising two boys into men and many animals to old age. She also enjoys creating her oasis of gardens, costumes and choreography for children's plays, and squeezes in time to sew, make cards, scrapbook and watch "CSI".  She is very proud of her two boys who have joined her in creating and implementing the Exploration Adventure Camp along with the great folks at Adventure Links.

Tyrone Matthewson - Social Coach

Tyron Joined Starfish Savers in January of 2009 as a social coach. Tyrone is a full-time certified school psychologist at a public day school for students with significant emotional challenges. He earned  a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master of Science in Education degree. Tyrone's areas of expertise include conflict resolution, behavior intervnetion and interpersonal skills training and over five years of experience. He enjoys sports of all kinds, but especially enjoys playing basketball.

Jason Froelich - Social Coach

Jason joined Starfish Savers in January of 2009 as a social coach. Jason is a school social worker at a public day school for students with significant emotional challenges. He earned his Bachelors of Social Work at Longwood University and his Master's in Social Work from George Mason University. He began his career as a home-based counselor for the Northern Virginia Counseling Group. Jason believes that everybody deserves to live a postive, enjoyable and fulfilling life.

Jason is happily married to his wife Karen and is a new father. He continues the animal lover theme with his dog Shadow and cat, Shelby. In his free time, Jason enjoys reading, listening to music, watching and playing basketball, miniature golf and bowling, as well as watching TV and movies. Jason strives to provide the best possible services to his clients toward attaining their social goals.

Nicholas Searle- Meet-up Co-ordinator and Social Skills Coach

Nicholas moved to the USA from England and began working for Starfish Savers in March 2011.  He earned his Batchelor's degree (with Honors) in Psychology from the University of Wales, Swansea and completed a Master's in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, also from the University of Wales, Swansea.  Nicholas has a history working in schools and the community with children and teenagers who have social, emotional and educational difficulties.  In his free time Nicholas enjoys relaxing with his wife, walking his dog and participating in a wide range of sports including soccer and rock climbing.  He is passionate about his work and is always looking for opportunities to better himself

Patty Dshuhan - Public Relations Specialist

Patty is joining us part-time to assist with outreach and serve as the office administrator for our camp programs. She has a strong background in public relations as well as her enthusiasm for serving people. She is currently a part-time preschool teacher and brings with her the enthusiasm and good nature required for that position.  Patty is married with two boys and enjoys singing, swimming and cooking. Patty also adores her golden retriever,  Amber.

Nina Reinfried - Book Keeper

Nina Reinfried has served as the Starfish Savers accountant for the past eight years, providing bookkeeping and payroll services. She is the founder and president of In The Black, Inc. Her flexibility and committment to helping Starfish Savers as it has grown and changed has been exceptional and much appreciated. Nina is yet another animal lover. Last year Nina became the proud owner of Larrie's dog Amy, a golden chow, when Larrie Ellen's other dog became blind. Larrie Ellen highly recommends Nina for small business bookkeeping and payroll services!