Our Team

Achla Marathe

Achla Marathe is a Professor at the Biocomplexity Institute and at the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Virginia. Over the last few years she has been exploring ways to give back to the community to fulfill her own longstanding aspirations of serving people.

Her humble beginnings serve as her motivation to alleviate struggles of the underprivileged. She believes that empowering individuals by providing them the right opportunities and just a little support at a critical time can turn their lives around.

Lynda Fanning

Lynda is a retired Director of Clinical Nutrition at the University of VA Health System. She found that StepForward’s mission resonated with the work of all other groups she has joined during retirement: promoting food justice, health and sustainability via the Virginia Food System Council; tutoring for LVCA (Literacy Volunteers for Charlottesville/Albemarle); and leading racial affinity groups with IMCC (Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville). 

She especially values StepForward’s uniquely personal nature, encouraging the clients to discern their larger purpose, supporting their aspiration, and helping them make connections that will propel them on their individual paths.

MaryLewis Meador

MaryLewis has taught yoga in private and group settings for over twenty years. She is passionate about helping others find the joy, freedom, peace, and fun in yoga. As a native of Charlottesville, she wants to empower others to build their best lives in this community. She has worked with LVCA since 2016 as a tutor, class leader, and board member. She previously served as a member and president of the ReadyKids board. MaryLewis writes fiction, and she is particularly inspired by people overcoming obstacles to achieve their dreams. Drawn to StepFoward’s mission of removing barriers to a better life, job, and future, she is grateful to be part of creating success stories in Charlottesville.