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 thirty-three year old 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, excitement, and 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.

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. Currently, she is continuing her career as the incoming Executive Director for L.A. Goal, a non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives.

Ace is a sibling caregiver to his younger brother (currently in his early teens) who has a rare genetic disorder under the autism spectrum. Ace works as a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Scientist (CGMBS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Molecular Department: Center for Personalized Medicine. He attended University of California, Davis and received his Bachelor's in Genetics & Genomics.Watching his brother grow up without an accurate diagnosis until Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) became available (free of charge for families) through covered health insurance around 2013-2014 catapult his direction in switching majors involving the growing field of Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics. He hopes to inspire other family members to not be afraid to pursue testing when available to better understand their family member with special needs. His little brother currently lives with their parents while Ace provides assistance to both as needed. Ace is excited to be more involved in the CaliforniaSibs community as an Advisory Council Member.

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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.

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.

Andrea Carpena 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.

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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.

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.

Jaqueline is the older sister of a very special, strong-willed, autistic young woman, and works as a Behavior Analyst in Los Angeles. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, where she teaches as an Adjunct Faculty in the Behavior Analysis Department. In her free time, she loves squeezing in trips to Disneyland or Universal Studios, reading mystery or thriller books, or running around local trails.

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.

Alejandra Mejia is a first-generation Chicana from Salinas, CA. She is currently studying to obtain a Master’s of Social Work (MSW). Alejandra works as a Community Navigator at Special Kids Connect, serving families with loved ones with special needs in Monterey County. She has a twin brother who has Down syndrome. Alejandra is excited to become more involved in the CaliforniaSibs community as an Advisory Council Member.