Who We Are | Stepping Stone

Who
We Are

We are a trusted local organization dedicated to meeting essential needs during the most critical stages of a child's life. When our neighbors thrive, our entire community prospers.

Our Story

Charlottesville is home to a wide array of nonprofits, each playing an important role in improving our community's quality of life. Stepping Stone was established in 2022 to meet a unique need: providing diapers and essential supplies to families across Central Virginia — strengthening child health, restoring dignity, and supporting economic stability. The items we provide include diapers and wipes, new and gently used baby clothes, strollers, car seats, and pack 'n plays (view full list here). By focusing on this underserved demographic and age range, we help ensure the most vulnerable members of our community start life on the right foot.

Our Leadership

Ashely Schneider

Extending compassion to those in need has always been a top priority for Ashely Schneider. At a young age, she read to residents at a retirement home in Richmond and interned with an organization that provided summer camp experiences for children whose mothers were incarcerated. Through Stepping Stone, Ashely continues to show her deep concern for people who need a touch of grace.

Since moving to Charlottesville in 2013, she has invested her time and heart in this community. Ashely serves on the Friends of the Library Board for the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and the Hummingbird Fund Board, an accelerator for innovation in ALS research and advocacy.

The mother of ten-year-old twins, Ashely knows firsthand what's needed at each phase of raising infants and young children. As Executive Director of Stepping Stone, she puts that knowledge to work, making sure children have the resources they need to grow and thrive.

Mary Knerr

Mary Knerr serves as Volunteer Coordinator at Stepping Stone. Before joining Stepping Stone, Mary worked in healthcare consulting and strategy for 16 years. Those experiences taught her the importance of listening, building relationships, and finding thoughtful solutions.

Giving back has always been an important part of Mary’s life. She has traveled to El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes and has mentored girls as a Girls on the Run coach. She currently serves on the executive leadership committee of the Parents’ Association at her children's school.

Mary first connected with Stepping Stone as a volunteer when she was looking for a meaningful way to donate her children’s items. That initial experience introduced her to the organization and its mission, and ultimately led her to become more deeply involved. She is blown away everyday by Stepping Stone’s dedicated group of volunteers and how each is willing to go above and beyond to share their time, talents, and hearts to strengthen the Charlottesville community and help our neighbors thrive.

Our Parters

When it comes to ensuring children have access to daily essentials, Stepping Stone relies on referrals from organizations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County that share our mission and have identified families in need.

Albemarle County Department of Social Services (ACDSS)

Albemarle County Public Schools

Benjamin Hair Just Swim for Life

Birth Sisters of Charlottesville

Blue Ridge Health District

Care Portal

Central Virginia Violence Interrupters

Charlottesville City Schools

Charlottesville Department of Social Services

Charlottesville Health Services CVHS

Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Child Health Partnership