Our Team
Kayla Albrechtson, MPH
Senior Membership Coordinator
As Senior Membership Coordinator, Kayla maintains GLOBAL’s Membership program by supporting new and returning members, maintaining membership benefits, and other membership duties. Kayla works with all individual members. Before joining GLOBAL, Kayla worked in nonprofit public health programs, where she found a love for the IDD community.
Read more about Kayla Albrechtson
Anca Elena Call
Senior PR Advisor
Anca Elena Call is the PR and Communications Consultant at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Anca is responsible for GLOBAL’s awareness outreach to the general public.
Read more about Anca Elena Call
Bryn Gelaro, LSW
Research & Medical Care Senior Director
Bryn Gelaro is a Licensed Social Worker with a background in behavioral health for adults with Down syndrome. Her work includes furthering GLOBAL’s adult care initiatives, serving as an executive committee member and co-author of GLOBAL’s Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, and managing the development and operations of GLOBAL’s efforts to open a World Class Medical Clinic for adults with Down syndrome.
Shaqaula Habinsky
Website & Digital Marketing Manager
Shaqaula Habinsky is a digital marketing expert with a passion for driving results through data-driven strategies. With 7 years of experience in the for-profit industry, she has developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that have generated revenue and grown brands. Her goal is to leverage her skills to make a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. She is excited to bring her marketing expertise to a mission-driven organization like GLOBAL and help create meaningful change in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
Read more about Shaqaula Habinsky
Jill “Kat” Loewen
Office Assistant
Kat is an Office Assistant for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She joined GLOBAL in 2011 and is responsible for assisting with programs and office administration.
Read more about Jill “Kat” Loewen
Tamara Pursley
Events Senior Director
As the Events Senior Director, Tamara manages the logistics of GLOBAL’s two marquee events, the award-winning Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show and the AcceptAbility Gala, as well as other GLOBAL events highlighting the Down syndrome community.
Read more about Tamara Pursley
Colleen Rankin
Communications Specialist
Colleen Rankin is the Communications Specialist at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She is a primary writer and editor for GLOBAL’s award-winning Down Syndrome World™ magazine, coordinates GLOBAL’s monthly eNewsletter, and assists with other public relations and communication projects.
Read more about Colleen Rankin
Katie Reddington
Community Development Director
As Community Director, Katie supports the revenue and engagement goals for GLOBAL’s many programs and events, including GLOBAL’s award-winning Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.
Read more about Katie Reddington
Sarah Schaefer
Events and Programs Specialist
Sarah Schaefer is the Events and Programs Specialist at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She helps organize several well-known GLOBAL programs, including the I Love You Dance Parties, GLOBAL Webinars, and the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Classes
Read more about Sarah Schaefer
Ashley Sparhawk
Executive Assistant & Awards Program Manager
Ashley Sparhawk is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and GLOBAL’s Awards Program Manager. She is responsible for assisting with multiple tasks and multi-faceted projects, including but not limited to calendar and time management, overseeing event and travel logistics, managing talent and donor relationships, and establishing and implementing processes and protocols for all staff. Ashley also manages GLOBAL’s three annual award programs which provide much-needed funding to local Down syndrome organizations, the GLOBAL Education Awards, Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Awards, and the COVID-19 Emergency Relief GLOBAL Awards.
Read more about Ashley Sparhawk
David Tolleson
Vice President, Strategic Alliances
David Tolleson is Vice President-Strategic Alliances for Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the world’s leading Down syndrome medical and research advocacy organization. David oversees GLOBAL’s Membership Programs, the award-winning Down Syndrome WorldTM magazine, and multiple existing and new strategic alliances.
Read more about David Tolleson
Richard Waysdorf
Legal Consultant
Richard is responsible for providing legal counsel to the Foundation, negotiating and drafting agreements, and advising on a wide range of legal and policy issues. He oversees outside counsel in specialties including government relations, intellectual property, biomedical research, and not-for-profit operations.
Read more about Richard Waysdorf
Michelle Sie Whitten
President & CEO, Co-Founder
Michelle Sie Whitten is the President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL). She co-founded the organization in 2009, after giving birth to her daughter Sophia, who happens to have Down syndrome. GLOBAL has become the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.
Experience our inspirational and groundbreaking videos and photos. Our children and self-advocates are beautiful AND brilliant!
Make sure your local Representatives are on the Congressional Down Syndrome Task Force.
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