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.

Jaqueline is the older sister of an autistic young woman who inspired her academic and personal journeys. She earned her Bachelors in Neuroscience, Masters in Human Development, and PhD in Psychology, and she lives and works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Los Angeles. She also guest reviews submissions to peer-reviewed behavior science journals, helps coordinate research projects at the Center for Behavioral Health and Addiction Studies (CBHAS) at Cal State Fresno, and teaches classes in behavior analysis at Purdue University and The Chicago School in Los Angeles. In her free time, she loves squeezing in trips to Disneyland or Universal Studios, reading mystery and thriller books, or running around local trails. One of the original co-founders of California Sibs, she is back as an Advisory Council Member and excited to support Sibs!

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.

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.

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 a Voliunteer.

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.

Wendy has been working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than thirty-five years. Wendy moved to California and began working for Home of Guiding Hands as a residential supervisor twenty-eight years ago. In 2005 she transferred out of the residential department and managed the agency respite program. She has been implementing the Life Planning Project since its inception and it became her full-time position in 2022. She presents a Life Planning workshop series in both English and Spanish. Wendy is active on committees to support information dissemination and can regularly be found speaking about services at resource fairs throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. She is a well-respected support for the IDD community. Wendy is also the parent of a 32-year-old son on the spectrum.