Jean Johnstone
Interim Vice Chairperson

^{Jean has been involved with non-profit organizations since volunteering after school at 13 to help 4-6 year-olds with reading and crafts. She continued volunteering at several non-profits over the years while working at both for & non-profit organizations, including 17 years running her own marketing & promotions consulting firm working with the travel, entertainment, and wine industries. And her board affiliations have included organizations to empowered women, individuals with disabilities, and tourism associations.}

^{As Executive Director of the non-profit Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, providing equine therapy for children and adults with disabilities, Jean was aware of DSCBA and some of the benefits for the community. She was honored to be invited to join the Board and further impressed by the resources and opportunities for the community to connect, starting from the point of diagnosis.}

^{Not surprising, in her down time Jean enjoys the same industries she has worked with…travel, wine, storytelling, and new experience adventures!}

Steven Pugsley
Treasurer, Board Finance Committee

Erick Montgomery
Co-Treasurer, Board Finance Committee

^{My family and I first learned of the DSCBA when our oldest child, Hudson, was born and diagnosed with Down Syndrome in 2014, in Walnut Creek, CA.  With both the uncertainty of being new parents, along with all the unknowns of raising a child with special needs, my wife and I were grateful to be given the DSCBA information and reached out immediately.  Since then, we’ve benefited from several of the organization’s many offerings: conferences, information sessions, walks, and music therapy sessions.  Subsequently Hudson's two younger sisters have been able to join in and enjoy these activities as well!} 

^{Being on this board allows me to give back and help ensure that this organization continues providing these valuable services to families. My personal goal is to support the organization's growth and its positive impact on individuals and families connected to Down Syndrome.}

^{Since 2006, I have worked in various roles related to Finance and Business Operations within Fortune 500 companies. Currently, I serve as the Head of Business Operations for the Adobe Technology Services organization in San Jose, CA, where I lead the BizOps Core, Partner, Transformation, and Strategy Ops teams. Leveraging my skills and knowledge of large, complex organizations, I aim to help DCSBA achieve and surpass its goals.}

^{My family and I are fortunate to have found this organization when my son was born, and I am both humbled and excited to contribute to its continued success.}

Frank Benavidez
Board Finance Committee

^{As a native of the East Bay, I am very grateful that my wife, Melissa and I have been able to raise our four kids here too.  I have spent most of my career in various business operations roles with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and Lam Research Corp during incredible periods of growth for both companies.}

^{I became aware of the DSCBA a few years ago through my wife’s involvement with fundraising events.   Over the years I have been very impressed with the dedication of the staff and volunteers and the families that this great organization supports.   I look forward now for the opportunity to contribute directly to DSCBA’s ongoing success and support of our community.}

Julie Sodestrom
Secretary

^{My husband, Dirk, and I came to be involved with the DSCBA in 1998 when our third son, Daniel, was born.  With two boys, 8 & 10 yr. old, we were not new to parenting, but we were new to the world of Down syndrome.  I attended the first anniversary meeting of this new organization called The Down Syndrome Connection with a deer-in-the-headlights look.  They soon became our community where we made friends, got advice, got support and reassurances.}

^{I served on the Board in the early 2000’s and have enjoyed seeing the growth and success of the organization since it’s early beginnings. I look forward to seeing the Connection remain strong and be the same source of help and encouragement to many more new families in our future.}

^{I also serve on the Board of The Noll Foundation, which is a charitable foundation that focuses on providing grants to organizations that serve children:  with disabilities, are financially needy or do research into childhood diseases.  The DSCBA has been a long-time recipient of grants from the Noll Foundation.}