Dion Cheatham
Youth Program Coordinator
Dionna “Dion” Cheatham is the Youth Program Coordinator at the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, where she designs and coordinates inclusive, evidence-based programs for school-aged youth. Her work applies a public health approach to youth development, focusing on academic growth, social-emotional learning, and leadership development through intentional, data-informed programming. Beyond program design, Dion builds partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations to expand inclusive opportunities. She leads DSNMC’s Education Committee and the organization’s scholarship program to reduce financial barriers for families. Dion also designs the program evaluation framework and contributes to grant reporting.
Prior to her current role, Dion spent ten years in the public sector at the United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Global Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, working on international and domestic youth program design, implementation, and evaluation. She also conducts primary disability research focused on Black children and mothers, informing culturally responsive and equity-centered policies and programming. Dion holds a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Public, Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University.
Outside of work, she is a Pilates instructor, Master Gardener, and junior board member with Washington Performing Arts.
