Providing Access to the Faith
At Witness to Dignity, we are dedicated to empowering Catholic Parishes and Schools to serve individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. Our mission is rooted in the Catholic faith and in upholding the dignity of the human person. We work to ensure all have accessible Faith Formation and belonging in their Parish and Schools.
Our Story
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Uniting a passion for the Catholic faith and the dignity of belonging
We equip and empower clergy, staff, and volunteers to serve people with Disabilities and Mental Health Needs effectively in Catholic Parishes Schools. We help you develop skills and strategies without maxing out on time or causing a strain on resources.
Our mission is to help you have the confidence and capacity to serve those with Disabilities and Mental Health Needs in your Parishes and Schools. Our team has years of experience in Ministry, Theology, Education, Mental and Social-Emotional Health; and Disability Access. We are experts in helping you elevate practices for Kids, Teens, and Adults with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions without putting a strain on your time or resources. From one non-profit to another, we will meet you wherever you are in the process of becoming more accessible and walk (or wheel) alongside you.
Advocating for Access
We have the resources you need to take your ministry further.
We strive to celebrate each person as made in God's image.
We seek the health and well-being of the whole person, especially Spiritual Health. We want to witness to the dignity of those with varying needs and abilities, which includes, but is not limited to, those with:​
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Autism
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Mental Health Conditions, such as Anxiety, Depression, Mood Imbalances, etc.
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ADHD
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Down Syndrome and Other Syndromes
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Physical Disabilities, such as Arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or Spinal Cord Injuries
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​​Cognitive or Processing Disabilities
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Deafness or Hearing Loss
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Vision Loss
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Learning Disabilities, such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, etc.
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Medical Conditions, such as Diabetes, Heart Conditions, AutoImmune Conditions, etc.
Meet Our Team
Anita is a retired Special Education Teacher and Mother of five adult sons, one of whom has Down Syndrome and is hearing impaired. She worked as a Director of Religious Education for a Catholic church in the Chicagoland area before moving to Virginia. Practicing her faith is very important to her. Anita's son has been involved in many faith-based programs which have enriched his life greatly. It is her hope that everyone will be able to have wonderful faith-based experiences, too!
Anita Schilling
Board Director
Ashley is currently a Campus Minister at a Private High School in Alabama. In the past, she has worked as a Youth Minister in urban, suburban, and rural settings in various cities on the East Coast. One of her passions is experiencing music, art, and culture in a space of creativity through the lens of faith, truth, beauty, and goodness.
Ashley Arominski
Board Director
Irene has been serving in youth ministry for over 2 decades in a variety of settings as a Teacher, Parish Youth Minister, and as a Girl Scout. Having grown up with Arthritis, she is passionate about making her community a more accessible and welcoming place for everyone, especially young people. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in western Tennessee and enjoys making rosaries and jewelry in her spare time.
Irene Viorritto
Board Director
Katie received her undergraduate degree in Music from UVA (2010) and her master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University (2012). After working as a youth minister at Saint Edward the Confessor in Richmond for six years, she began working as the Associate Director of Youth & Young Adults for the Diocese of Richmond's Office for Evangelization in 2018. She also leads the 5pm Sunday music group at Saint Edward.
Katie Yankoski
Board Director
Emily received her undergraduate degrees from Mount St. Mary's University before returning to her hometown. After doing social media and communications for the Diocese of Richmond for three years, she relocated to Lynchburg with her husband where she is a full-time writer and part-time explorer of churches and museums.
Emily Pugsley
Social Media Manager
Sarah (Korfonta) Schmitt
M.Ed.; Certified Crisis Prevention & Intervention Instructor
Sarah is an Educational Consultant, Speaker, and Professional Development Trainer. She has been a Consultant/Coach for just short of a decade and a Disability-Inclusive Educator for years prior to that. Sarah completed an undergraduate degree at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master's at George Mason University. She started her career by helping found and start a private school for Autism, where she lead the efforts of starting the Autism preschool program. Sarah has worked and volunteered in various roles in education and ministry for 20 years. Her experience in ministry ranges widely in various work and volunteer roles, as well as, various types of ministry from youth ministry to liturgy and worship. She lives in central Virginia with her husband, Adam and her three Foster children. One of her biggest passions is advocating for disability accessibility in Church so that everyone can experience true community and belonging.