Spina Bifida Association

of Washington State

SBAWS Officers

formerly, The Evergreen Spina Bifida Association

Krystal Monteros. Secretary babykeitho@aol.com   253-314-3493 I am 22 years old and have Spina Bifida. I have a twin sister who is not affected by Spina Bifida. I am paralyzed from the knees down and have a shunt. I am a student at Tacoma Community College studying Sociology and I have started the first Disability Club on my campus. I do a lot of advocacy all over the community to raise awareness of the fact that having a disability should not stop you from achieving your highest dreams. I was a contestant in the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant in 2009 and plan on participating again the in 2010 pageant. Term ends 12/31/14

Treasurer : Jonathan A. Tutt jon_tutt@msn.com 509-868-1485 Jon’s background is business. After graduating from the University of Washington and four years in the US Army, Jon spent 17 years as a branch manager in the consumer finance industry, then 10 years as a mortgage broker and the last 11 years as a property manager.  In September 1998, his grandson, Michael Hoyt  was born with Spina Bifida., and that’s why he became involved with the SBAWS: To hopefully improve Michael’s life and to help him be all that he can be. Term ends 12/31/12

SBAWS Directors

Ryan Callaway, Term ends 12/31/12 Resident of Yakima, WA since 1989. Proud father of two sons, Tyler, 18 years of age and Matthias, a 10 year old born with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, and Chiari II. Graduate of California Polytechnic University 1980 with a BS in Business Administration & International Marketing. Employed in the food industry for nearly 30 years focusing on sales and business development much of it in international markets with major branded companies like Vita Mix, Ocean Spray, Tree Top, and Sunkist. Enjoy sports of all kinds and spending quality time with my sons. Matthias has experienced numerous surgeries but is ambulatory and enjoys many activities including riding horses, golf, video games, shooting, and bowling. He is also very fond of military paraphernalia and simulations and has aspirations to be a sniper when he is older.

Jason Lane Chair seattlespinabifidagroup@hotmail.com 206-363-3726 Jason grew up in Federal Way, WA and graduated from Federal Way High School in 1991, then attended both Green River Community College and Highline Community College. Now an employee of Seattle Children’s Hospital, he has worked over 10 years as an Administrative Program Assistant in the Department of Surgery. Since 1993, Jason has sat on the board for the Stanley Stamm Children’s Hospital Summer camp. The Stanley Stamm Camp is an overnight camp for disabled youths between the ages of 6-14.  Residing in North Seattle his interests include computers, and music.

Appointed July 2009, Term ends 12/31/12  

Nicole Williamson seattlespinabifidagroup@hotmail.com Adopt-a-Ghost and Seattle Co-leader: 303-877-5083 Nicole has been co-leading the Seattle group since 2006. She, along with Jason Lane, plan 2 large events each year in Seattle, including the Holiday Party in December and the Summer Picnic for 75-150 guests. She also plans bi-monthly play dates and Parents Day/Night Out (switching from one to the other month after month), and an annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch in October. Before her involvement with SBAWS, she was active with the Spina Bifida Assoc of Colorado where she also managed the Adopt-a-Ghost program and planned group activities for school age children with Spina Bifida.Term ends 12/31/14

Linda Bailey: Immediate Past-Chair-  gingersnap8160@yahoo.com  Term ends 12/31/12   Linda has Myelomeningocele at L-5. She has served the SBAWS as a board member, president and newsletter editor. She has attended several national SBA conferences. Linda is employed full-time by a public agency that serves the elderly & persons with disabilities. She has one adult child. Linda obtained her Associate degree in Legal Assistant from Edmonds Community College, and a Bachelor of General Studies degree with emphasis in Psychology and Special Education from Missouri Southern State College. Her involvement in disability advocacy began in the 1980’s, with testimony before a committee of the Missouri House of Representatives regarding the Baby Doe issue. She served on the WA State Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment. Linda currently volunteers with the Washington State Democratic Central Committee Disability caucus, and as a state committeewoman for the 47th District Democrats.

Jamie Heckinger, JHeckJr@aol.com Term ends 12/31/2014. I am a proud father of two, Zoey the best big sister that Zachery my son could have. Zachery was born in 2008 with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus. He is still trying to figure out the limitations of mobility. I have a degree in Aviation Management and have worked Flight Operations and Ground Support for multiple airlines. I have also worked for West Coast Insulation as a Special Projects Manager handling projects through Western Washington with a few exceeding a million dollars. I enjoy many outdoor activities that involve my family. From 4x4 jeep off-roading, hunting and fishing to swinging at the park or looking for bugs while gardening and camping. With one of the surgeries that Zachery had to endure he wore a Spica cast. This is where he got the nickname “Wishbone”, which is where we got our Walk N’ Roll Team name

I am Elizabeth Lovelace. emeraldsweety2002@yahoo.com I hold a Bachelor of Education degree with an emphasis in Special Education, ELL (English Language Learning), and Physical Education. I am licensed as a Washington State Realtor, and working toward obtaining a Library Media Specialists certificate as I love being in the library and I am in the process of writing a concept book collection for teachers/children.  Spanish is my second language and I use my skills in all aspects of life,  personal and professional .  My experience working as a public school teacher in Alaska and Washington, as a Family Resources Coordinator/Educator for Providence Hospital, and as the lifelong friend of a person with Spina Bifida, I have gained insight into life with a disability.  I hope to use my knowledge, skills, and experiences to help increase community awareness, educate on prevention, and guide people with Spina Bifida and their families to available resources.  Appointed to the board on April 30, 2011 and current term expires 12/31/2014.

Dave Carl is originally from the east coast. He received a bachelors degree in social work from Buffalo State College, in Buffalo, New York in 1999. He has been involved with Spina Bifida chapters throughout the country. In 1999 he assisted with planning the community events for the Spina Bifida Association of Western New York. From 2001 until 2006 he was the Treasurer for the Spina Bifida Association of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Since moving to Richland, Washington in 2007 he has been an active member in his community serving on several committees advocating for individuals with disabilities helping them to live independent. Dave is also a motivational speaker, writer and blogger. Using his personal experiences he teaches people how to overcome obstacles in life. In 2010 Dave wrote a children's adventure book called "Super Cyclist" about a superhero who uses a handcycle to protect people. He uses the book to teach children to believe in themselves. He has a blog called shareindependentliving.blogspot.com which has a variety of stories about his personal and professional experiences with independent living. Dave has also written an article for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) called "Workplace Communication Tips for People Living with Mental Illness" and an article for Exceptional Parent called "Transitioning Into Residential Living: Independent Living At a Whole New Level".

Dave is also very strong believer in volunteering. In 2010 he received a GOLDEN HEART AWARD for outstanding volunteer from the Benton Franklin Volunteer Center. Dave can be reached at Dave12@gmail.com or through his website www.supercyclist.com..  His current term on the board ends on 12/31/13.

I am Leslie Gilchrist. leslie_gilchrist@comcast.net I am a Transformational Life Coach and have been trained and graduated from the International Association of Coaching. My emphasis is to provide support and direction to women in transition, personal and business, divorce, single parenting, parents with children with a disability, living with chronic illness and so on. I have walked my talk for thirty years in all of these categories and enjoy meeting women and offering them clarity and calm. My tag line is From Sudden Chaos To Immediate Calm. I am married to Rick Nelson and we reside in Edmonds Washington. We have adult fraternal twin daughters named Merrill and Lindsey. Merrill was born with Spina Bifida and has had numerous surgeries due to developing a tethered spinal cord twice now and then developing many spinal fluid leaks while healing. Two years ago she tethered again and we were in Harbor View ICU for over a month. Merrill found her calling to be an RN in the ER at Seattle Children's Hospital. Lindsey is an extremely supportive sister and is a Sales Associate with Zillow. I am looking forward to helping create community awareness and offering resources for those with Spina Bifida.  Current term ends 12/31/2013.