Council Member Spotlights

As First Vice Chair of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, Katie Nash champions inclusion and meaningful participation. She joined after seeing that “everyone was treated with respect and had a voice,” and says, “Now I feel like I have a voice, too.” In her second term (previously Second Vice Chair), Katie’s favorite part is traveling, meeting people, and building friendships. Looking ahead, she wants the next State Plan to reflect “input from everyone—even the shy, quiet ones like me.”

Princess Klus, a parent advocate from Pacific County, served on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council for six years. She described the experience as a powerful opportunity to represent a rural area and contribute to the Council’s five-year plan. Inspired by her own journey as a parent of two adults with developmental disabilities, Princess deepened her advocacy, grew her leadership skills, and helped others find their voice. She expressed gratitude for the relationships she built, the support of Council staff, and the chance to be part of meaningful, statewide change.

After serving on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council as the agency representative for DDCS, Theresa Martin shares a heartfelt reflection on her time with the Council. From her beginnings as a direct support professional to nearly three decades of leadership in the field, Theresa describes her Council experience as one of the highlights of her career. She reflects on the power of collaboration, the inspiration she drew from self-advocates in leadership, and the shared commitment to driving meaningful change.

After serving on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council from 2018 to 2025, including time as co-chair, Gabriela Mendoza-Ewing shares a heartfelt reflection on her years of advocacy, collaboration, and community. From shaping policy to building lifelong friendships, Gabriela highlights the power of collective action in advancing inclusion and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.

Leigh Spruce is a self-advocate from Mill Creek and Co-Chair of the Washington State DD Council. She brings passion, leadership, and lived experience to her role, working to ensure all voices are included in disability policy.

Alex brings dedication and leadership to the Council, consistently supporting important policies and advancing the Council’s goals. Known for his focus and teamwork, he is committed to making a lasting impact through active participation and collaboration.

Sandi Gruberg combines her experience as a parent, caregiver, and systems navigation expert to advocate for families of individuals with complex support needs. She works to amplify voices often left out of decision-making and brings creativity and collaboration to the Council’s efforts to improve disability services across Washington.

Tayshia Farra, a dedicated mother and advocate, joined the Council to turn her fears into action for her neurodiverse son and others with IDD. She values the supportive community and uses her powerful “Mom Voice” to push for better funding and resources. Tayshia’s advocacy is rooted in personal stories and a commitment to inclusion and equity.

Dana Floyd brings both personal and professional expertise to the Council as a parent, special education leader, and advocate. As Executive Director of Special Services at ESD 105, she is passionate about improving education and support systems for people with disabilities. Dana values collaboration and is proud to help shape policies that create real, lasting impact across Washington.

Meet Melissa Dodge, one of the newest members of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. Melissa brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy to the Council. As a mother of a child diagnosed with autism, Melissa turned her personal journey into a mission to help others. Twelve years ago, she founded an Autism Mom's Support Group, which has grown to support over 1,500 local autism families. Building on this foundation, in December 2024, Melissa launched a non-profit organization called Pacific Northwest Family Navigation. The organization aims to empower families of individuals with disabilities by providing essential resources, inclusive events, and compassionate support. Melissa and her team are dedicated to fostering a connected, informed and supported community, and offering guidance, education and activities that promote well-being, independence, and inclusion for people of all abilities.

Riley Daugherty joined the Council in fall 2024 with a strong commitment to disability advocacy and education equity. Inspired by personal experience, Riley is focused on improving academic supports—especially in secondary education—for students with disabilities. Their voice brings energy, inclusion, and a deep belief in representation and positive change.

Julie Clark joined the Council in 2023 with a strong passion for helping others and making sure all voices are heard. She values building relationships and feels proud to vote on decisions that support the community. Now serving as Chair of the Public Policy Committee, Julie is eager to make a lasting impact through advocacy and legislative work.

Melanie Baker joined the Council in 2023, bringing a strong voice for disability rights from Washington’s 7th legislative district. She’s proud of her work on the Dan Thompson Advisory Committee and her trip to Washington, D.C., where she met with Senator Maria Cantwell to advocate for people with developmental disabilities.

Adana joined the Council in late 2020 and helped guide it through a time of transition, from pandemic-era Zoom meetings to hybrid gatherings and leadership changes. She leaves with lasting relationships, a passion for equity in funding, and a deep appreciation for the Council’s mission to support real people with dignity and respect.

Phil served on the Council from 2020 to 2024, bringing the perspective of both a parent and a person with a developmental disability. His advocacy was rooted in a desire to amplify unheard voices and protect inclusive opportunities. Phil values the connections, knowledge, and sense of belonging he found on the Council and encourages others to get involved.

After two terms on the Council, Thanh reflects on the rewarding work of advancing inclusion, equity, and self-advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Highlights include helping draft the 2022–2026 State Plan and advocating for immigrant communities and communities of color.

Sydney Krebsbach is one of the co-chairs of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and a passionate self-advocate from Spokane. Through her work with the Council, Sydney has grown into a state and national public speaker. In April 2024, she joined fellow advocates in Washington, D.C., to attend the Disability Policy Seminar and meet with Senator Maria Cantwell to speak about key disability issues in Washington State.