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Meet the Sibshop
Facilitator Team

Erica Dresslar

Erica Dresslar

Adult Sib

Erica Dresslar is an adult Sib, advocate, and care provider. She has a younger brother with Autism and they both live in the Lake Tahoe area. Erica was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a B.S. in Business Administration in 2012. She previously lived in San Francisco when she worked as a director at a global consulting firm. Erica has volunteered in the San Francisco and Lake Tahoe areas at non-profit organizations that support the disability community and their families. She currently is employed as an In-Home Supportive Services care provider. In her free time, she enjoys reading, snow skiing, playing tennis, hiking, and traveling. Erica is excited to offer Sibshops to support younger Sibs throughout Northern California.

Message from Erica: “I really wish I could have had the opportunity to participate in Sibshops in my youth, but I am so grateful to be able to offer Sibshops and support others as an adult Sib. Having a safe space to share and learn from each other is so valuable. It is really rewarding to connect with other Sibs who ‘just get it’ and to see the positive benefits that validation and community can offer us all no matter our age!”

Sarah Barukh

Sarah Barukh

Adult Sib

Sarah Barukh is an adult Sib, and recent graduate of the Masters in Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Washington, Seattle. Sarah has experience with case management and community organizing and is excited to start her career as a therapist post-graduation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Sarah has a younger brother, Alex, who lives in the Los Angeles area. They are both excited for her move back so they can continue some of their shared favorite pastimes: going out for ice cream and dancing to pop music.

Message from Sarah: “It’s important to know that even though our problems may look and feel different from our sibs, they are equally as important, and we deserve to have the space to share them with people who understand us. If you’re searching for that space, look no further!”

Amanda Macias

Amanda Macias

Adult Sib

Amanda Macias is an adult Sib, and a Certified Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (C-SLPA). Amanda works full time in Glendale as a speech therapy assistant. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from California State University Los Angeles and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Communicative Disorders (CDS) program at California State University Northridge. Amanda has an older brother with Autism, Albert, and they both live in the Los Angeles area. In Amanda’s free time, she loves reading, exercising, spending time with her friends and family, and supporting her brother at his Special Olympic Games.

Message from Amanda: “I am excited to be a part of this spectacular team of dedicated sibs and families who strive to support each other in all facets of life.”

Jazzlene Herrera

Jazzlene Herrera

Adult Sib

Jazzlene Herrera is an adult Sib, and a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student at Samuel Merritt University. Jazzlene was born and raised in the east Bay Area, she has four siblings with her youngest sister being born with a rare chromosomal disorder called Pallister Killian Syndrome (PKS). PKS affects her sister physically and cognitively, requiring 24/7 support as she is completely dependent. Jazzlene acted as a secondary caregiver at just 14 years old when her sister was born. Jazzlene is a first generation college graduate and will become the first one in her family to receive a doctorate degree. Jazzlene’s goal is to help children like her sister and support families. Jazzlene enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, playing soccer, trying new coffee shops, and traveling.

Message from Jazzlene: “Growing up I had to face many changes and challenges alone being a Sib and through those experiences I was able to come out the other end stronger. I hope to help guide and support other Sibs through this journey and empower young sibs that they are just as important and their needs matter too.”

Merissa Weiland

Merissa Weiland

Adult Sib

Merissa Weiland is an adult Sib, advocate, and part-time care provider. She has an older brother with Down Syndrome and they live, together with their parents, in Los Angeles. Merissa was born and raised in West Los Angeles. She currently works as a luxury travel advisor. Merissa worked as a Support Staff at Creative Support Services from 2008 to 2012, assisting a variety of clients with varying developmental disabilities with managing day-to-day Independent Living skills. She has also previously volunteered with both the SoCal Special Olympics & with her brother’s day program, Performing Arts Studio West. In her spare time, she enjoys watching true-crime documentaries, going to the movies, traveling, and is a major foodie! Merissa is incredibly excited to work with Sibshops and get to know all the younger Sibs!

Message from Merissa: “My first thought when I discovered Sibshops existence: why didn’t we have this when I was these kids’ age? My second thought: I am so happy that kids now have this outlet to talk through their feelings! It’s been so wonderful getting to know these kids and sharing my experiences with them. I hope we can all learn from one another, and I can’t wait to see our groups grow, both literally and figuratively!"

Rachel Sing

Rachel Sing

Parent/Caregiver

Rachel Sing is the parent/caregiver of three teenagers/young adults. Her eldest has co-occurring developmental disabilities, FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder), and Autism. Before stepping away from her career to focus on her children, she worked with youth in underserved communities. She has a doctorate in education, with a focus on adolescent development, intersectional identity formation, and resilience. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with compassionate, insightful adult Sibs to offer Sibshops. As a parent/caregiver, she appreciates the balancing act that parent/caregivers must finesse in a family with a child with a developmental or other disability, and hopes Sibshops will help lighten the load of parent/caregivers, as well as brighten the journey of young Sibs. Rachel lives with her family, including two dogs, in San Francisco’s East Bay.

Message from Rachel: “I am grateful for our Sibshop team and know my younger two children would have benefited tremendously from Sibshops to connect with other Sibs and affirm shared experiences that are unique to Sibs.”

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