Our Board Members

My husband and I met at Cal and have been fortunate to raise our three kids (ages 19-25) in the Bay Area. I had been working either full or part time Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream in the marketing department over this same time period, but was fortunate to recently retire from there. With my extra time, I now work at UC Berkeley, Haas in the admissions department. 

Through my kids’ “growing up” years, I had been actively involved in several volunteer and non-profit organizations related to my kids and served on the various executive boards.  As I became an “empty nester”, though, I was looking for an opportunity to contribute to my community in a way that was meaningful to me. I discovered DSCBA through several friends who have special needs kids and rely on their services, and it immediately seemed like the perfect fit.  I am thrilled to now be part of such an amazing organization and hope to use my non-profit and marketing background to contribute further. 

My wife Teri and I have been blessed with two lovely Daughters who continue to provide joy and happiness and make me proud every day of their lives. Our youngest daughter Mallory was born in 1987 with Cerebral Palsy leading us to a life of working with her one-on one, seeing her through the many challenges, and being her advocate in every aspect of her life. Having a child with Special Needs has made us stronger as we have worked with various agencies in our area to get her the care and assistance she needs to become the productive member of society that she is today. She continues to make us proud, recently receiving a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies from San Jose State University. Seeing what our Daughter with all of her challenges can accomplish has inspired me to become more involved in the organizations that help and guide these truly special individuals. Joining the Board of DSCBA gives me the opportunity to share my experiences and become part of that guidance, building more inspirational stories like my Daughter’s. As my 33 year career winds down this opportunity just felt like a perfect fit. I look forward to making a difference for DSCBA and more importantly for all of our clients.

I am currently a Lieutenant with the Oakland Fire Department where I’ve worked for the past 25 years. I’m also the proud mother of my 19 year old daughter who is attending college at the California Maritime Academy.

I was introduced to the DSCBA while volunteering for 10 years with another local nonprofit, supporting the families of fallen peace officers and firefighters. I wore many hats with that organization which included logistics, graphics, website management, I.T. and event planning. I also served in the capacity of Board Secretary for 4 years.

It was through my work with this nonprofit that I was able to attend several DSCBA events and got to know the wonderful mission and focus of the organization, as well as seeing the drive and dedication of their Executive Director. DSCBA puts children and families first. I knew this was an organization that I would be proud to commit my energy and time!

In addition to working with the DSCBA, I am also in my 2nd term serving as a Commissioner on the California State Board of Pilot Commissioners.

My wife and I have enjoyed the Bay Area for over ten years.  We were introduced to the DSCBA in 2010 and were impressed with the leadership team.  Our family has grown with the Connection and during this time we’ve had the privilege to meet and work with some of the best educators, service providers, and advocates.  I have worked in Information Technology for the last 20 years and lead an IS team in San Francisco.  I completed my degrees in Communications and Accounting in Northern California.  As our family grows older, I hope to give back some of the guidance we were fortunate to get.  I'm proud to be part of an organization focused on awareness and achieving the goals of academic and social success.

First and foremost, Nathan is a husband, father of 3 and a friend to many.  His family joined the DSCBA  five years ago when they were solution seeking to better serve the needs of their youngest daughter Saige. 

At the DSCBA he found a community of advocates and educators that passionately served their members.  Nathan was immediately impressed with the organization’s leadership, plethora of programs and strategic approach.  The DSCBA’s “can do attitude” and attention to detail shines through and through.  

Nathan has served the Heavy Industrial sector (refineries, chemical, power) for 15 years with proven experience in strategy, thought leadership and business acumen. He received his Executive MBA from Saint Mary’s and has coached the city of Clayton’s Challenger Little League team for 8 years.  Let’s Go Rockies!!

My engagement with DSCBA is inspired by knowing several families whose lives have been immeasurably enriched through the relationships and services DSCBA provides. I wholeheartedly embrace the mission to empower, inspire and support people with Down syndrome, and their families, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.

As a Director of External Relations with John Muir Health, I had the opportunity to learn more about DSCBA and help introduce the organization to our Family Medicine Residency Physicians as a resource and partner for them as they care for people with Down syndrome in their practice.

I have called San Ramon home for nearly twenty years. My husband, David, and I relocated to the Bay Area from Orange County, California, where we lived after graduating from UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara). We have two daughters, ages 17 and 13. I enjoy being actively involved in our community, through our daughters’ schools, sports, Girl Scouts and National Charity League.

Born and raised in Healdsburg, Clay is part of the sixth generation of a grape-growing family. Pioneers from Sweden, they raised Merino sheep for the wool and planted their first vines on land they settled in 1868, an area that now anchors the Rockpile AVA.

Clay graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, CA and headed off to the University of Oregon to play football and earn a degree. Two degrees and a couple of surgeries later, in 1997 Clay returned to Sonoma County, where he worked at Kenwood Vineyards, and later honed his skills alongside winemakers at Jordan Vineyards and Winery, Taft Street Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard. In 1998 he founded Mauritson Family Winery with the first vintage of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Today, Mauritson Family Winery is one of the most respected wineries in Sonoma County. 

Clay and his wife, Carrie, live in Healdsburg with their three children: Brady, Davis, and Ella. Their oldest son Brady was diagnosed with Down syndrome in 2010. Clay was a founding board member of the DSANB (Down Syndrome Association North Bay) and started Project Zin, a successful fundraising event for the DSANB. Clay and his wife support a number of nonprofits that focus on making the world a better place for people with disabilities: the National Ability Center, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Higher Ground, and the Frankie Lemon School to name a few.

Clay has served on numerous nonprofit and industry boards, including: Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile Grape Growers Association, and the American AgCredit Nominating Committee. Clay is currently the President of the Sonoma County Vintners and a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation.