Richmond - Relationships & Dating Educational Series

The Virginia Down Syndrome Association plans to offer an 8 week educational series presented by Ame Branam, Education Director, and Rachel Goldman, OTS at Virginia Commonwealth University. We have class offerings for self-advocates with ID/DD in high school and beyond. Sessions will be offered at the Virginia Down Syndrome Association office at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229.

Class Dates/Times:

• Session 1: Thursday, February 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 2: Thursday, February 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 3: Thursday, February 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 4: Thursday, February 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 5: Thursday, March 5th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 6: Thursday, March 12th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 7: Thursday, March 19th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm
• Session 8: Thursday, March 26th High School 6-7pm; Young Adult 7-8pm

Presenter Bios:

Ame Branam (she/her/they/them) is the Education Director for the Virginia Down Syndrome Association. Ame has a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina - Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to her work at VDSA, Ame serves on the Board for Friendship Circle of Virginia. In September 2025, Ame completed the Sexuality Educator training from Elevatus Training in order to provide programming on relationships, dating, and self-advocacy to individuals with ID/DD. She is the proud mother to one teen and one tween, who are both neurodivergent. In her "spare" time, Ame enjoys reading, writing, and taking her children to various programs held by the Virginia Down Syndrome Association, the Autism Society of Central Virginia, Jacob's Chance, and Friendship Circle of Virginia whenever possible.

Rachel Goldman (she/her) is a third-year doctoral student of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. She has her bachelor of arts in psychology and religious studies from the University of Virginia. She has a strong background in supporting adolescents and young adults through skill-building, self-advocacy, and community participation. Rachel previously worked as a job coach with the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA), where she supported individuals in developing vocational and social skills. She will complete the sexuality educator training in January 2026. Rachel is passionate about creating accessible, respectful education that empowers young people to build safe, healthy relationships. In her spare time Rachel enjoys running, baking, and any social events.