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
Rejena Carmichael
Down Syndrome World™ Content Manager
Rejena Carmichael is the Content Manager for Down Syndrome World™, the award-winning magazine published by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL). Rejena manages the magazine’s high-quality content, distribution, data organization, cross marketing and promotion, and advertising.
Read more about Rejena Carmichael
Bryn Gelaro, LSW
Senior Director of Adult Initiatives & Special Projects
Bryn Gelaro is a Licensed Social Worker with a background in behavioral health for adults with 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.
Chelsea Jones
Community Development Logistics Senior 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.
Lillyann Karsh-Lombardo 
Education Center Coordinator
Lillyann is the Education Center Coordinator for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Lillyann is excited about creating and launching all-new programs for individuals with Down syndrome at the Education Center, including a Computer Skills program and Cooking and Nutrition program. She also helps organize meetings and collaborations at the Education Center. Lillyann loves planning and forming relationships with individuals with Down syndrome and organizations that value improving lives of those who are differently abled.
Read more about Lillyann Karsh-Lombardo
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
Cait McGrath
Database Senior Manager
As Database Senior Manager, Cait maintains the integrity of all data inputs/outputs of GLOBAL’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
Ben McPherson
Database Coordinator
As a Database Coordinator at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Ben works with all donations, event registrations, and gift acknowledgements. He also helps maintain the accuracy and timely entry of data in GLOBAL’s Raiser’s Edge database.
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
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
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
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 has Down syndrome. GLOBAL is 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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