BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEET THE BOARD
Tom Worosz
President & Founder
Tom is Conner’s father. Tom has spent over 20 years in the IT consulting and sales field. He is a data center account executive at Dell Technologies, working with the Centers for Disease Control and The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. A native of Northern VA, Tom graduated from Paul VI High School in 1988, then attended the University of Dayton. Very active growing up, Tom attained Eagle Scout and played baseball, soccer and wrestling. Wrestling became his sport of choice and he excelled at his craft, capturing a VISAA state championship title. He has coached youth baseball and soccer in Northern Virginia and resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife Mindi and son, Jack. During his “free time” Tom enjoys golfing, fishing and spending time with his loved ones.
Mindi Worosz
Vice President
Jack Worosz
JP Egbert
Funding and Special Events
Suzanna Gonzalez
Secretary
Ashley Thorpe, LMSW, QMHP-C
Director of Programs
Ashley was born and raised in the City of Alexandria, VA. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Minors in Gender & Women’s Studies and LGBTQ Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Posse Foundation Scholar. She continued her education at the University of Washington-Seattle, earning a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Community-Centered Integrative Practice. As a licensed master social worker, Ashley strives to create more compassionate spaces for mental wellness, especially for youth. She is committed to social justice and healing-centered practices in both her career and personal life. She hopes to establish inclusive connections with the local community to foster more resiliency, eliminate stigmas surrounding mental health, and create multifaceted cultural and systemic shifts towards mental wellness. She is a regional Sources of Strength trainer and has trained hundreds of middle and high school youth in Northern and Central Virginia and Washington, D.C. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being in nature, practicing yoga, viewing and making artwork, and having authentic conversations with others. In her role, Ashley will be responsible for all strategic and tactical aspects of our programs.
Samantha R. Tolan
Programs
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Samantha is a product of Fairfax County Public Schools, where she now works as an assistant principal. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and earned a MEd in Special Education and Educational Leadership at George Mason University. Extensive experience supporting students with learning and emotional disabilities has shown Samantha the importance of differentiating and diversifying education about mental health for all individuals. Day in and day out, she sees the difficulties that students deal with due to social emotional awareness. Samantha wants to encourage help-seeking behaviors through strength-based education for adolescents. She is energized and rejuvenated by her work with The Conner Strong Foundation and humbled by the opportunity to impact not only her school and students, but also many more in communities throughout the greater DC area.
EMERITUS ROLE
Tom Worosz Jr.
Ann Marie Worosz
Ann Marie is Conner’s “ Grammy”, and he is her first grandson. Born in Atlanta, Ga, Ann Marie grew up and became a nurse. After marrying, she became a stay at home mom to 7 wonderful children, raising them in Annandale, Va. Although she retired from the nursing job where she got paid $$$, she continued the “nursing” at home where the pay was incalculable and the benefits never ceasing. She and her husband now live in Zion Crossroads, Va, just outside Charlottesville, where they relax and enjoy a peaceful and southern Va. lifestyle. Ann Marie spends her time crocheting, reading, and loving on her grandchildren.