INFORM.
SUPPORT.
ADVOCATE.
EMPOWER.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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.
Vivian Haun
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.
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...
LIZA STACK
BOARD MEMBER
Liza is the older sibling of an individual with autism, and is interested in taking a more active role in his life, encouraginig him to actualize his dreams...
PATRICIA JACKSON
BOARD MEMBER
Patricia has been strongly shaped by being a sib. As a mom, Patricia’s experience seeing the transformative effect of education on her sibling lead her to seek schools for her children that mainstreamed children with disabilities.