Our Staff

Dr. Sarah Kranz-Ciment, PT, DPT

Founder and Director of Friendship Circle of Virginia

Dr. Sarah Kranz-Ciment (she/her) is a physical therapist and has been a strong advocate for the disability community for more than fifteen years. She serves on the Virginia State Board for People with Disabilities and the Disability Board for Jewish Federations of North America.

Tanya Buresh-Werby

Program Director

In her 5 years as Director of Marketing and Office Operation at the Friendship Circle of San Diego, Tanya (she/her) contributed to the organization’s growth and success via her involvement in event management and numerous other functions. In her prior roles with state government organizations and within the private sector, Tanya honed her project management, personnel management, and administrative skills. She has a passion for helping others and is excited to be part of the core visionary team of Friendship Circle of Virginia.

Susanne Dokovna Aguilar

Friends Coordinator

Susanne is very excited to join Friendship Circle of Virginia as the Friends Coordinator. Susanne comes to us with a background in public health and community engagement and outreach. Susanne is energetic, empathic and loves bringing people together and making friends with everyone she meets! She loves serving the community and working with families and making connections! She is a mom of three and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family while enjoying nature, traveling, ceramics, kite surfing and skiing!

Carolyn Marks O’Donnell, M.A.T.

Teen Leadership Board Director

Carolyn (she/her) joined the Friendship Circle of Virginia after experiencing LifeTown in Columbus via the Friendship Circle of Ohio. She looks forward to supporting the Teen Leadership Board. Carolyn has ten years experience as a special educator, working with children K-12. Most recently, Carolyn worked as a teacher in the Integrated Services program at Glen Allen High School.