Board of Directors

Jacqueline O’Reilly, President

Cheryl Jacobs, Vice President

Cheryl Jacobs is a science policy analyst working for the federal government working on data sharing policies to responsibly share participant data with research investigators. She also is working to support the federal government’s efforts to refine its disability research portfolio. She serves as Vice President of the United Spinal DC Chapter and looks forward to continue the great work of United Spinal in improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury her role.

Natalie Volostnykh, Secretary and Fundraising

Natalie Volostnykh works in the Continence Care division at Hollister Inc, where she gets to work with local Spinal Cord Injury rehab hospitals in Washington DC and the surrounding areas providing support for intermittent catheterization and bladder management. Working with the spinal cord injury community in the inpatient and outpatient environments, she was introduced to the United Spinal Association. She enjoys being involved with the local adaptive sports groups, including the Maryland Adaptive Golf league. She’s passionate about community re-integration to promote an independent and healthy lifestyle.

Natalie graduated from Oakland University studying Business and Health/Nutrition. She enjoys spending her free time being active outdoors and baking.

Emily Costa, Treasurer

Emily Costa works in outpatient neurological rehabilitation, specifically the Spinal Cord Injury Day Program at Medstar National Rehabilitation in Washington DC. Through the USA – DC Metro Chapter, Emily has assisted with advocacy, membership events, and finance. Emily is very passionate about helping those with SCI/D feel supported and equipped with knowledge to live life fully! 

Emily moved to DC 2.5 years ago from Minnesota and recently graduated from Creighton University where she received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys dance, volleyball, traveling, and baking!  

Samantha Anscher

Samantha Anscher has been working as an occupational therapist at MedStar NRH since June 2018.   She is actively involved in MNRH’s spinal cord injury program and has worked on the SCI team for over 5 years. Sam has professional interests in improving accessibility inside and outside the community and with assistive technology.  She also leads an adaptive boxing fitness class through MedStar NRH’s adaptive fitness program.  She serves as one the SCI mentors for the American Occupational Therapy Association Neurological Fellowship program and has mentored two fellows. Sam holds a BS in Psychology from Rhodes College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University.