OUR LEADERS



JULIE NEWARD
Vice President
Julie wears many hats of Sib, wife and mother while balancing a career in retail real estate. She is the co-founder of CaliforniaSibs, a Councilwoman with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and founder of The Natalie Project. She hopes to bring like-minded Sibs together to organize around and implement needed changes for the Sib community on a state-wide level. Her sister Natalie was born typical and fell into a coma at 27 mnths of age that left her brain damaged- with very high support needs.


VIVAN 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.


KAELY SHILAKES
Board Member
Kaely is the younger sister of an amazing man who has Down syndrome. Her experience growing up with him led to a career in developmental disabilities at the Regional Center and a passion for supporting vulnerable populations. She also participates in the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles adult sibs group, has volunteered with Club 21 Learning & Resource Center for Individuals with Down Syndrome, and is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth.