INFORM.
SUPPORT.
ADVOCATE.
EMPOWER.
ABOUT CA SIBS
OUR STORY
BOARD
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JULIE PAYNE NEWARD
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JAQUELINE MORENO
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EUNICE IM
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KALYN FARIS
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NIKKI DONNELLY
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KAELY SHILAKES
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MAE PENNINGTON
VOLUNTEER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTE
KALYN FARRIS
PRESIDENT
Kalyn’s brother, Jonathan, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 3, shortly before Kalyn’s birth. As a result of his treatments, Jonathan was left with IDD and physical disabilities; he functioned at a 12 year old level, and was able to hold a part-time job in early adulthood.
JULIE PAYNE NEWARD
VICE-PRESIDENT
Julie’s younger sister- Natalie Rose, was born typical, but fell into a coma which left her brain damaged. Together, they are the eldest of four siblings spanning 8 years. Natalie’s diagnosis is, “Encephalopathy Unknown Origin”.
MAE PENNINGTON
TREASURER
Mae has three siblings - Cole, Sadie, and Ian, who lives with Down Syndrome. Mae got involved with the Sibling Community after starting the arduous process of obtaining adequate services from the state of New Jersey, where Ian lives with their parents.
BOARD MEMBERS
NIKKI DONNELLY
BOARD MEMBER
Nikki is a special education teacher, adjunct faculty for a private University, and a Program Specialist for preschool/ kindergarten autism programs. She is one of three children, with the youngest sibling being an adult with autism and intellectual disability.
EUNICE IM,
BOARD MEMBER
Eunice has a younger sister with autism, who is one of her closest friends.
VIVIAN HAU
BOARD MEMBER
Vivian Haun is a Senior Attorney at Disability Rights California. She has a master's degree from Stanford University and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law. Vivian previously worked as a special education attorney and most recently served as a special education policy analyst for the California Charter Schools Association. Her brother Brian has autism and is in the process of moving out to live independently for the first time. Vivian is based in Los Angeles.
JAQUELINE MORENO, BOARD MEMBER
Jaqueline is the older sister of a very special, strong-willed, inspirational young lady. Her younger sister, Jessica, was diagnosed with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities when she was a toddler.
KAELY SHILAKES
BOARD MEMBER
Kaely is the younger sister of an amazing man with Down syndrome. Her experience growing up with him led to a path in psychology, a career in developmental disabilities, and a passion for supporting vulnerable populations.