OUR LEADERS

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.

E-mail Kaylin Farris

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, encouraging him to actualize his dreams...

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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.

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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.

E-mail Kaely Shilakes

TERQUOISE GWYN

Board Member

Terquoise is a younger Sib and paraeducator in Southern California. In her free time she likes to read mysteries and work on her graduate thesis.

E-mail Terquoise Gwyn