OUR TEAM

Kalyn is the Sib of the late great Jonathan, who left a huge impression on Kalyn in both their childhood together and after his passing. Kalyn found the Sib movement during a period of grief, and has found that giving back through the Board has been healing in her journey to understand her Sib experience and honor the memories of her sibling relationship. Kalyn works in human resources strategy for a large healthcare company, and lives with her husband, cat, and dog. Although her life looks different, Kalyn has nothing but admiration for Sibs that are in the thick of the Club Sandwich Generation - playing a care role for aging parents, young children, and their sibling - and hopes that the work of CaliforniaSibs can provide them with the information, support, advocacy and empowerment they need to thrive in their lives.

I have a younger brother on the autism spectrum. As a big sister, I always knew that I would help care for him in my adult life, but that realization came sooner than expected after our mother and my stepfather, his father, passed. My sister and I are now his primary support providers, but we’re really teammates. Together, we are learning how to build a new life full of growth, and excitement; bravely facing the unknown and any challenges that come our way. As my brother likes to say, “adventure is out there” and we plan on finding it. Through CASibs, I have a better understanding of myself and have connected with other siblings in ways I had not expected. This group is a place of support, empowerment, and a welcome home when you find yourself lost.

Alison is a sibling caregiver to her older brother who is on the autism spectrum. She works in public policy analysis within a university healthcare setting, and has a background in communications in both industry and academia. She is also pursuing a certificate in patient advocacy. Watching her brother grow up without an accurate diagnosis, and fall through the cracks in the education system, increased her commitment to ensuring people's experiences and stories are heard. As her brother -- now in his fifties -- found support through social services by receiving an accurate diagnosis, he began and continues to flourish with friends, and adventures of his own. He currently lives with their father, with Alison providing caregiving to both as needed.

Carrie is the devoted big sister of Greg, who was born with a rare and severe form of epilepsy and later sustained a traumatic brain injury. From a young age, she has played a central role in managing her brother’s care as her family navigated the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. Today, Carrie proudly serves as Greg’s certified In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregiver and remains deeply inspired by his resilience and determination.

Professionally, Carrie spent a decade as the fundraising director for the nation’s oldest and largest brain injury advocacy organization, where she built revenue-generating partnerships with major corporations. Currently, she works for an organization that provides care and resources for disabled adults and seniors who wish to remain in their homes and is honored to serve on the Advisory Council.

In her free time, Carrie enjoys traveling, writing, photography, and spending time with family and friends.

Serena is an occupational therapist who lives and works in the Bay Area. She is the older sister to Savanna, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. As her sister transitioned into adulthood with high support needs, Serena researched and continued to advocate for her sister to get the right support system for her to be able to do things that are meaningful to her. Serena is excited to be more involved in the CaliforniaSibs community and provide knowledge and support to others navigating care for their siblings as they transition into adulthood and beyond.

My younger sister Natalie has shaped my life in ways I never imagined or knew existed. I feel like I live in two different worlds by having a family of my own and a full-time career, but understanding that my future involves supporting and caring for my sister. I see the hour glass filled with sand and wait for the transition day to approach. With that, I co-founded CaliforniaSibs realizing that I am not alone on this journey. I am incredibly passionate about making sure that Sibs are supported and do not have to feel alone if they should face their sibling becoming a survivor of sexual assault, like my sister. (www.thenatalieproject.org). I look forward to our Community growing and there is a place for everyone.

Diane is the younger sister of an autistic woman, and she is also mother of a young adult on the spectrum. In recent years, with the aging of their parents, she has needed to advocate for her sister and also to reconnect her with some of the resources available to help her thrive. Diane is also a pediatrician who advocates for those with special needs. She has seen improvements and changes that have been put into place over the years to help those with special needs, but believes much more needs to be done. Ever since seeing the movie Rain Man, she has felt a connection with other siblings, but was never able to engage or brainstorm with any in a group. She is excited to join the CaliforniaSibs community and looks forward to helping with advocacy. She lives in the San Diego area with her husband, daughters, and cat. She enjoys genealogy and traveling around to see trains with her younger daughter (a train enthusiast) and husband.

Nikki is co-founder of the Oregon Sibling Leadership Network. She is one of three children in her family, with the youngest sibling being autistic. Her brother, Robby, has guided her career path in special education and her passion for advocacy for people with diverse needs. Watching her brother grow from a non-verbal, self-injurious child to a well-functioning adult inspires her to help other families. She currently serves as an Autism Consultant in Southern Oregon and is pursuing her Doctorate degree in Education with a focus on inclusive practices. She was previously a special education teacher and administrator in CA. She still sits on the Board of Directors for the California Sibling Leadership Network and also is a Board Member for the national Sibling Leadership Network and the Advisory Council for The Natalie Project. She serves Adjunct Faculty roles at Portland State University, Fresno Pacific University and the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. In her leisure time, Nikki enjoys fly-fishing, snowboarding, hiking and backpacking.

I have dedicated my professional career to psychology and education, with an emphasis on developmental disabilities, special education, and advocacy. Having had a sister born with Down’s syndrome, I have been dedicated to this field, both personally and professionally, and strive to support individuals of determination achieve their fullest potential. I received my doctorate degree in Psychology from the Wright Institute, in Berkeley, California in June 2001. My professional experience entails having worked with and collaborated with regional centers since 2001 (as a vendor in the past and also as an Independent Facilitator for the self-determination programs). I currently also serve as the President of the California Association of Independent Facilitators (Cal-IF). Furthermore, I have worked with neurodivergent populations and age groups and have expanded such skill sets across behavioral health and mental health treatment and education for over 30 years. Overall, I have undergone significant clinical training while disseminating information regarding evidence-based treatment and research across such populations. I dedicate my full attention and energy in supporting and advocating for each individual's path toward living a self-determined life.

Having an older sibling with multiple disabilities has shaped my life in many ways. My career is in education, where I assist in helping people like her. My employer hired me directly because of my ongoing lived experiences supporting my sister with things like dressing, social skills, and having a sense of accomplishment despite her limitations. As a child, there was limited support for siblings of special needs children, and I joined California Sibs to help others in a way I did not have. My personal passion is finding ways to help siblings get emotional and relational support, in addition to practical things, because so many of us give of ourselves and need more self care. My hope is that other sibs will come together and create a new culture of support around special needs families and siblings in particular, since we are so frequently overlooked.

Andrea is an Licensed Clinical Social Worker residing in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. Prior to becoming a social worker Andrea worked in the nonprofit and public relations fields. As an older sister to a person with disabilities, she understands first hand the complex experience of being a Sib. Drawing from her lived and professional experience, Andrea hopes to make a meaningful impact on CaliforniaSibs as an advisory counsel member. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with family and finding treasures at thrift stores and flea markets and learning to play guitar.

Mo is the founder and executive director of Sandy Feet Initiative. Sandy Feet provides where they support and create community for the brothers and sisters of children with special needs using the Sibshop model. Sandy Feet takes the Sibshop model and brings the siblings to the beach for afterschool and summer programs, where they learn surfing, ocean conservancy and safety as well. Mo founded Sandy Feet Initiative after encountering them while volunteering at Adaptive Surf programs. Sandy Feet was founded in 2017 in San Clemente and hosts programs in Huntington Beach, Oceanside and Encinitas. Mo joined the Advisory Council of California Sibs to create a connection and future support for her siblings entering adulthood. Mo has been a personal trainer and works with several individuals with special needs.

Acrystal is the proud big sister to her one and only baby sister (and BFF), who has developmental disabilities and has taught her the greatest lesson of all, and that is of patience and unconditional love. Her motivation behind joining the Council was primarily to support and help in improving the well-being and future of siblings with disabilities and to connect with other siblings by being a part of a group that is relatable and shares the same passion as she does. It is important for siblings to be a part of the disability rights movement, because other than our parents, we are the closest to them and can attest to their fears, ambitions, and needs. Also, when our parents grow older and are no longer able or available to care or advocate for them, siblings are their next best "line of defense,” and it takes all family members to help in supporting important initiatives on their behalf. Being a member of the CASibs Advisory Council gives her another opportunity to help in expanding connections and advocacy efforts within the Sacramento area.