Ms. Gambone’s primary goal is to encourage her scholars to overcome challenges and grow socially, academically, and emotionally. Working at IDEA gives her the opportunity to build relationships with her scholars that aids them in that academic and personal growth. What she loves best about working here is knowing that she is part of a staff team that has scholars’ best interests at heart.

She came to IDEA in 2022 from a position as behavior and autism special education teacher and team lead in the Loudoun County Public Schools for four years. Prior to that, Ms. Gambone was a program coordinator for the Arc of Northern Virginia, specializing in independent living skills for adults with disabilities, and a program coordinator at the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center for children and young adults with disabilities.

She has a Bachelor of Science in special education, K-12, from Penn State University.

Ms. Gambone seeks a healthy life balance by making time to take of herself while also giving time and attention to her career. She enjoys working out, being outside, going for walks and hikes, reading, traveling to national parks, live music, and spending time in the kitchen.

Her favorite inspirational quote is: “There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night, and if you go, no one may follow; that path is for your steps alone.” - Robert Hunter