We are excited to welcome eight new members to our 2019-2020 National Sibling Council! They bring a wide range of expertise and passion and we are fortunate to be working with them for the next term year. The Sibling Council fosters active involvement of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in The Arc’s grassroots advocacy efforts nationwide. Meet our new council members and learn more about why they joined the Sibling Council and what motivates them to promote and protect the rights of individuals with I/DD throughout the country!
Caitie Jones, Alaska
My brother, Chris, has Down syndrome and lives in Anchorage, Alaska. I have been a very active member of Chris’ support team and have been working in the disability field for five years. Currently, I am the Family Partner at Hope Community Resources, Inc., assisting families in accessing resources throughout the community and am working on opening a center where families of kids with disabilities can come together for support. I joined the sibling council to connect with other siblings and to continue advocating for people with disabilities.
Cameron Kell, Missouri
There are several reasons I wanted to join The Arc’s National Sibling Council. First, I am grateful for the work The Arc has done to benefit my brother, Nathan. As an advocate, I want to play a role in The Arc’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of people with I/DD across the country.
Karen McDowell Downer, Tennessee
My sister, Mindy, is 61 and lives in a residential facility in their hometown. As Mindy’s sister and supporter, I want to advocate for positive change in the continuity of her care and support systems. The most important issue Mindy currently faces is staff turnover among her direct service providers (DSP) and licensed professional nurses (LPN) due to their insufficient pay. I believe that this issue among DSPs and LPNs are representative of late in life issues people with I/DD will face — this is when siblings must step up.
Kim Keprios, Minnesota
I am the proud sibling of Mike Keprios, my constant teacher of what matters, and how I found The Arc and my rewarding career with the organization. I am grateful for the collective efforts of The Arc to change policies, attitudes, and lives with and for people with I/DD, their families, and our communities. New challenges emerge with our aging demographics growing. I am committed to the advocacy work The Arc is leading and raising awareness of unique needs siblings face. The Arc’s National Sibling Council provides me the opportunity to serve, connect with siblings, and advocate with and on behalf of people with I/DD.
Mary Valachovic, Massachusetts
I am the Executive Director of The Arc of Greater Plymouth in Plymouth MA. Although I have over 25 years of work experience supporting people with disabilities, my true journey began when my brother Matthew was born. Matthew has significant disabilities and has served as my inspiration over the years, both personally and professionally. It is Matthew that led me to The Arc’s National Sibling Council. At age 12, I became an active member of her local chapter youth group and my passion continues to this day. I am committed to the power of listening to people with disabilities and their families and am honored to serve on The Arc’s National Sibling Council.
Nayma Guerrero, California
I joined The Arc’s National Sibling Council because I know that my role as a sibling is very important in the life of my brother, Eric, who has autism. My passion and eagerness to advocate for others like my brother is one of the main reasons I am active with The Arc. I hope to make a difference in my community and to continue encouraging other siblings to become involved and a part of their siblings’ lives.
Rachel Hafner, North Dakota
I am the Executive Director of The Arc, Upper Valley in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I was 13 years old when my brother Timothy was born. Sibling issues have always been very important to me and have been the catalyst for the work I do as a professional. I hope that by serving on The Arc’s National Sibling Council, I can help shine a light on the important role siblings play in the lives of their brothers and sisters throughout their lifetime.
Sandra Tucker, Colorado
I am the Executive Director at Sibling Tree and my brother, David, is on the autism spectrum. I joined The Arc’s National Sibling Council because I believe that the sibling voice is important and needed in order to advocate for the unique needs of siblings, as well as the needs of brothers and sisters with I/DD.
