LINDA GARCIA- Linda is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project and DS-Connect® Registry in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH). She is an accomplished communication professional with over 20 years of experience creating and managing partnerships and innovating to connect and coordinate platforms and events to reach minority populations. Linda is a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Her expertise is in strategic communications and multicultural outreach, focusing on the Down syndrome community, where she created inspiring and impactful initiatives at a national and international level. She has served on numerous boards, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Technology Association of Georgia, Women in Defense GA, and recently served as an ambassador for the Wellstar Health System Foundation. 

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Raynell Washiington, LMSW- Raynell Washington is a Social Worker and a Community Services Specialist at the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University. Raynell leads the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health: Birth to Five (GA-AIMH) which promotes relational health and supports the social-emotional and developmental needs of young children and families. Raynell formerly served as the Social Worker for ADMH and now serves as an active board member. Raynell is an alumna of the Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program and the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) Leadership Academy as an emerging leader in the disability network. Raynell’s work focuses on strengthening the capacity of underserved communities and supporting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

ELISE McEACHERN (Treasurer) – Elise, the ADMH immediate Past Chair, is a Senior Vice President of Bank of America; Certified Treasury Professional” through Association of Financial Professionals in 1995 and currently maintains this designation. Elise has held several leadership positions as part of booster clubs and actively participated in fundraising for the Elaine Clark Center. Elise is mom to Jenna and Ross, who has Down syndrome. Ross attends Kennesaw State University in the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program. She loves outdoor sports including hiking.
 
HEIDI J. MOORE, BS - Heidi is a Parent Advocate for individuals with disabilities & childhood cancer research.  She is proud mother to Jacob, who is 20 years old with Down syndrome, Autism & Leukemia Survivor. She and her husband, Steven are equally proud of Jared, 19 years old who plans to help families of children with disabilities. Heidi’s format for advocacy is “Unite Our Voices”.  She is one of Georgia’s most well-known parent advocates for disabilities. She serves on various  councils and non-profit boards across the State.  She also runs a Facebook page with over 1,200 active members.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. 

 

JOSHUA NORRIS, JD – Josh is an experienced attorney and currently has a Disability rights litigation practice focused on the representation of children and adults with disabilities to ensure access to home and community-based supports and services.  His practice is focused on litigation under the Medicaid Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  His has vast experience in serving disadvantage children and adults with disabilities and has been with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Georgia Advocacy Office. 
 
RICHARD PEASE (Board Chair)  – Richard is father of an adult son with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Kyle Pease.  He has served on numerous boards and committees including the Fulton County Commission on Disability Affairs, Lekotek,  the Chastain therapeutic riding program, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD), and assistance with his sons’ non-profit, The Kyle Pease Foundation. He is Founder and Owner of BREK Management, Inc.
 

​PAT SATTERFIELD, MCE (Secretary) - Pat is an instructional designer, conference presenter, AT consultant, and workshop instructor. She is currently the Executive Director of Dunamis Educational Foundation. Pat was a home schooling mother of 4 boys who has “taught every grade at least twice”. Pat is a parent of an adult with a disability and was a foster parent of a second. Pat has served as Technology Coordinator for several private school programs serving students with disabilities. Pat holds several degrees: a BS in Biology from William & Mary and a BS from the Medical College of Virginia in Medical Technology. Pat also holds a Master’s degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.

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Brandon Stewart is a special education teacher and soccer coach in Cumming, Georgia at North Forsyth High School. He earned a Psychology and Sociology degree from Berry College. He attended Berry College on academic and soccer scholarship. After joining the teaching profession in 2007, he earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Valdosta University. He is married to Bailey, also an educator, and they have 3 children, Landon, Isabella and Matson.

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ANDREA VIDELEFSKY, MD (Medical and Research Director) – Dr. Videlefsky is a Family Practice Physician of Urban Family Practice Associates, an active member of Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and serves as a Family Physician Champion for Healthcare Transition. She is dedicated to serving patients through the patient-centered medical home model. She has a special interest and expertise in treating teens and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. She is an active member and leader of the medical research team and serves as a Principal Investigator on our ADMH research initiatives. Andrea is involved in a non-profit organization focusing on philanthropy and social justice. She received the 2016 Turner Community Leadership Award. Andi and her husband Neill, have adult children Ilana, Joshua and his wife Brittany, and Karin.

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​BESS WINEBARGER- Bess Winebarger is a self-advocate and the newest board member. Bess is a past participant of the Get Fit and Be Healthy Program and was also co-chair of the 2021 Run For Health. Bess is a graduate of Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth, and was a GaLEND Fellow in 2015. We know Bess will be a wonderful new addition to the board.

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EVAN WINEBARGER, MHA - Since birth, Evan has lived life through disability advocacy with his sibling, Bess, who lives with Mosaic Down syndrome. Since he was young, he served as his sister’s Special Olympics Coach and attended all of Bess’s theater performances at Habima Theatre in Dunwoody. His family upbringing has molded his passion for pursuing disability healthcare through his education. Along with his studies, he and his sister joined the GaLEND program through Georgia State University’s Center for Leadership in Disability. Evan studied recreational therapy and psychology at Georgia Southern University, and earned a master’s in healthcare administration from Oklahoma State. Evan has worked in a community-based health and wellness capacity for several years. He began his work at Blaze Sports of America as a Sports Specialist working with veterans and youth in adaptive sports and then at Global Down Syndrome in Denver, Colorado, as the Senior Manager in Health and Wellness Programs. Evan now works as the Director of Growth for Sigma Nu Fraternity INC.