Our Staff
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
Rejena Carmichael
Marketing Communications Manager
Rejena Carmichael is the Marketing Communications Manager at Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Rejena works with Global’s departments to effectively communicate Global’s accomplishments, promote fundraising events and opportunities, and tell touching constituent stories to help meet our financial and humanitarian goals.
Read more about Rejena Carmichael
Martha Keele
Senior Director of Community Development & Government Affairs
As the Sr. Director of Events and Government Affairs for Global, Martha Keele is responsible for raising crucial funds to support research, medical care, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
Bryn Gelaro
Director of Adult Initiatives & Special Projects
Bryn Gelaro, a social worker with a passion for behavioral health of adults with Down syndrome, was a consultant for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation from 2015 to 2017 before Director of of Adult Initiatives and Special Projects. Her work includes furthering Global’s adult care initiatives, including serving as an executive committee member and co-author of the Adult Medical Health Care Guideline update and supporting Global’s efforts to open a World Class Medical Clinic for adults with Down syndrome.
Jessica Haddix
Community Development Manager
As part of Global’s Events Team Jessica Haddix manages special events serving people with Down syndrome, including I ♥ You Dance Parties, World Down Syndrome Day Celebration, Webinar Series, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. She also oversees conference logistics including the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Research and Medical Care Roundtable. Jessica reports to Martha Cronen, Senior Director of Events & Government Affairs, and assists in vetting and launching new Global events.
Read more about Jessica Haddix
Jamie Heslin
Director of Development Systems & Data
As the Director of Development Systems & Data, Jamie oversees the database team and all development software for Global, designing and refining reports, systems and data protocols to ensure data integrity, structure and efficiency.
Ana Holland
Digital Marketing Coordinator
As part of Global’s Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team, Ana serves as the Digital Marketing Coordinator for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She assists with the day to day management of Global’s website, digital communications, and reporting.
Stacy Hutchcraft
Senior Accountant
Stacy serves Global as the Senior Accountant. She is responsible for handling the day-to-day accounting and HR tasks that keep the back office running smoothly; and works with Global’s CFO to provide valuable financial reporting to colleagues and leadership in the organization.
Read more about Stacy Hutchcraft
Chelsea Jones
Community Development Logistics Coordinator
As part of Global’s Community Development Team Chelsea plans logistics for special events, including conferences, I ♥ You Dance Parties, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. She also leads Global’s Health and Wellness programs (Football, Cheer, Tennis, Soccer and Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance), working with families and volunteers to promote fun engaging social activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Jill “Kat” Loewen
Intern
Kat is an intern 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
Cait McGrath
Senior Database Coordinator
As Senior Database Coordinator, Cait maintains the integrity of all data inputs/outputs of Global Down Syndrome’s Raiser’s Edge database by utilizing and communicating best practice protocols for data entry, data extraction and reporting.
Dennis E. McGuire, LCSW, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant, Adult Initiatives
Dennis McGuire, LCSW, Ph.D. is Global’s Senior Consultant specializing in adult initiatives. In this role he facilitates the best possible programs and services for teens and adults with Down syndrome. This includes the development of a world class multidisciplinary clinic serving this population and co-facilitating the Adult Medical Care Guidelines initiative.
Read more about Dennis McGuire
Stephanie Meyers
Senior Coordinator of Membership & Community Development
As the Events and Membership Coordinator for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Stephanie oversees event and conference logistics while assisting our Global members.
Read more about Stephanie Meyers
Jon Pettit
Manager of Digital Marketing
Jon serves Global as Manager of Digital Marketing. He oversees Global’s website, digital communications, and works with PR to ensure Global’s mission is reaching the masses in style.
Katie Reddington
Community Development Coordinator
As Sponsorship Coordinator, Katie works to support revenue and engagement goals for Global’s events and Health and Wellness Programs.
Read more about Katie Reddington
Kayla Roberts, MPH
Database Coordinator
As Database Coordinator, Kayla maintains the integrity of data inputs of Global Down Syndrome’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.
Ashley Twining Sparhawk
Executive Assistant & Grants Coordinator
Ashley Sparhawk is the Executive Assistant to Michelle Sie Whitten and Global’s Grants Coordinator. She is responsible for assisting with multiple tasks and multi-faceted projects, including but not limited to calendar and time management, overseeing event and conference logistics, and assisting with Global’s membership program. Ashley also manages Global’s two grantmaking programs for local Down syndrome organizations, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants and the Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Grants.
Read more about Ashley Sparhawk
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
Vonda Westlake
Communications Coordinator
As Communications Coordinator for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Vonda Westlake supports Global’s digital and online presence in all areas of work – including research, medical care, government advocacy, fundraising & events, health & wellness programs, and special initiatives.
Read more about Vonda Westlake
Michelle Sie Whitten
President & CEO
Michelle Sie Whitten is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global). Global is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy.
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.
Keep up with research news, upcoming programs, events and educational conferences.
Find us online here: