Elaine Linn, Executive Director
Elaine Linn serves as the Executive Director and co-founder of the DSIA. She is also a public relations consultant with experience in advocacy, marketing, coalition building and strategic planning. For the last 15 years Elaine has worked with a number of health care and advocacy organizations to support public policy efforts at the local, state and national levels. She and Heather spearheaded the founding of DSIA after connecting with organizations across the nation through her involvement with two national Down syndrome groups. Elaine has two sons, Jake, who is 7 and Toby, a four year old with Down syndrome. She also serves on the UC Davis Health System Community Advisory Board and the Capitol Unity Council Advisory Board. Elaine has led the coordination of the DSIA Celebration of Hope since its inception in 2005. Send an email to Elaine.
Samantha Smith, President
Samantha Smith serves as Vice President of DSIA. She is also an Early Intervention Service Coordinator for ALTA Ca Regional Center. She has been with the Regional Center since 1999 where she has worked with families to offer support and secure appropriate services for their entire family. She graduated from CSU, Chico in 1995 with a double degree in Child Development and Psychology and minor in Family Relations. Sam became involved with DSIA because of her desire and dedication to ensure that families and professionals are empowered on an united front to do what is best for each individual. Sam has two sons who keep her busy with baseball, soccer and karate. Sam also spends her time volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Send an email to Samantha.
Dana Garel, Secretary
Dana Garel brings 33 years of experience in Marketing, sales, advocacy development and management in the healthcare industry. Ms. Garel's commitment to overall healthcare education is the foundation of her skill set. Ms. Garel's career began in 1972 in the advertising department of a moderate size newspaper. In 1985 she transitioned into healthcare with a primary emphasis in Diabetes education and sales. During her career with Lilly she has had assignments in State Government Affairs, which included building women's health and mental coalitions in the states of California, Oregon and Washington. She was also a Regional Manager with the Public Health Division accountable for managing a team in five states. She has also participated as a board member for the Professional Business Women of California and the California Institute for Mental Wellness. She is currently on the board of NAWHO (National Asian Women's Health Organization) and the Greater Sacramento Urban League. Ms. Garel's work in the community has earned her respect among her peers. Send an email to Dana.
Jennifer Bourn, Treasurer
Jennifer Bourn joined the DSIA Board in 2007 and currently serves as Treasurer and Committee Chair for the Celebration of Hope 2008. She also volunteers as a member of the Foundation Team for the eWomenNetwork South Placer County Chapter Leadership Team, helping to raise funds for local non-profits serving women and children. As owner of Bourn Creative, a graphic design and Web site design company based in Rocklin, California, Jennifer delivers strategic, innovative, custom solutions for her clients both in print and online media, including logos, brochures, sales collateral, web sites, e-newsletters, flyers, posters and much more. She has taught upper division corporate identity design at CSU, Sacramento, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design and has worked in public relations, advertising and publishing. Send an email to Jennifer.
Rosalie Faith
Check back soon for Rosalie's bio! Send an email to Rosalie.
Katie Farias
Katie Farias has been a volunteer for the DSIA since 2005. She is pursuing a career in teaching and plans to advocate for acceptance of those with Down syndrome as an educator. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from California State University, Sacramento in 2002 and has been an office manager for a Folsom Real Estate company for the last 5 years. Katie attended the National Down Syndrome Congress’ Annual Convention in 2007 was inspired by the families and professionals that attended, prompting her to become more involved with the DSIA. She is currently student teaching 7th grade algebra and she will begin teaching full time in 2008. Send an email to Katie.
Erin Hulbert
Check back soon for Erin's bio. Send an email to Erin.
Trevor Stapleton
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Joseph Pinter, MD, Medical Advisor
Dr. Pinter is a pediatric neurologist at the UC Davis Medical Center and is affiliated with the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. He completed his pediatric neurology training at Harvard/Boston Children's Hospital and conducted his post-doctoral fellowship in neurology at UC San Francisco. Dr. Pinter has clinical interests in general pediatric neurology, congenital brain malformations and mental retardation syndromes. He uses functional MRI to study cognitive deficits, and has published articles chronicling his studies of brain imaging of children with Down syndrome in the American Journal of Psychiatry and Neurology.