Our Staff
Kayla Albrechtson, MPH
Senior Database Coordinator
As Senior Database Coordinator, Kayla maintains the integrity of data inputs of GLOBAL’s Raiser’s Edge database by utilizing and communicating best practice protocols for data entry, data extraction and reporting. Kayla works with all donations, registrations, and acknowledgements.
Read more about Kayla Albrechtson
Anca Elena Call
PR & Communications Consultant
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
Alison Ferguson
Accounting Manager
Alison Ferguson is the Accounting Manager for Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She is responsible for leading GLOBAL’s financial and reporting processes. This includes ensuring the accuracy and completion of the financial statements, coordinating and managing the annual budget process, and timely filings of financial, tax and legal reports.
Read more about Alison Ferguson
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.
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
Katie Reddington
Community Development Senior Manager
As Community Development Senior Manager, 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 & Grants Program Manager
Ashley Sparhawk is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and GLOBAL’s Grants 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 grantmaking programs which provide much-needed funding to local Down syndrome organizations, the GLOBAL Educational Grants, Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Grants, and the COVID-19 Emergency Relief GLOBAL Grants.
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.
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