Board of Directors

Hello. I’m Lisa Salazar, an Orange County resident and mother of a young adult (Darin Murphy) with PWS. Professionally, I am a career scientist working to better understand how the brain works, how this is altered in disease, and how it may be targeted therapeutically. As Darin’s mom, I have helped him navigate each stage of growing up, working with doctors and therapists, teachers and day programs to ensure his success and well-being. The resources available through PWCF were invaluable to us. I am passionate about helping people with disabilities improve their lives and achieve their goals. It has been my great privilege to volunteer at the Shea Center for Therapeutic Horseback Riding for more than 15 years, and to talk about PWS to Shea Center therapists and volunteers, as well as first-year medical students at the University of California, Irvine. I would be honored to further serve the PWS community as a member of the PWCF Board of Directors.

I am the proud husband to Elena and the proud dad to Sienna Grace. I am a Worship Pastor and my Elena is a Social Worker with the Parkinson’s Foundation and previously with Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association. Our little family has moved around quite a bit, landing in California in 2020 (during COVID) in Hanford (next to Visalia and about 45 minutes south of Fresno). Elena was born in Bakersfield, but grew up in Mexico as her parents served as missionaries there. Her family is now all located here in California, so we are close to family for the first time in our marriage and we love it.

Diane had previously served as a PWCF Board of Directors president and board member for 6 years. Over those 6 years she was heavily involved in the planning of the General Education Meetings, the Finance Committee, the Residential Services Committee and hosted the SF Walk. She currently resides in Davis, California with her husband of 25 years, Brandon and is a mom to 3 children. Her son Jackson is 25 and a college graduate who has returned home to begin his career. Haley, her 24-year-old daughter with PWS is a High School Graduate and is currently enjoying her day program. Quinn, her youngest, is currently attending the University of California Irvine. On her free time, Diane loves to golf, do CrossFit and run to keep fit.

My name is Shandra Beer and I am the mom of adult twins, Emile and Kyle. Emile, who was diagnosed with PWS at 3 1⁄2 years old. When we received the diagnosis our first call was to PWCF. I’ll always remember the way I was welcomed and given hope for a bright future for my daughter. I’m happy to now serve on the Board of Directors to continue the work of the organization and bring hope to others. I want to continue to support and advocate for families impacted by the syndrome during all stages of life. I am specifically concerned with continuing to raise awareness in the larger community and educating direct care staff working in schools and homes. I also hope to impact the programs and supports that are available to our young adults and aging population. I am currently an instructional coach working in a large public school district. My teaching career began in 1994. Now, this teacher/mom combination makes me driven to strongly advocate for children and have an understanding heart for those that love and care for them.

I am the mother of four children, grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters, and a new grandson. I’m a clinical geneticist initially trained in the U.K at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital, London. My specialist training is in pediatrics and genetics. I have an interest in rare diseases, and for the challenges individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their families face. I completed genetics training at UC-Irvine and won the 2010 WSPR David W. Smith Trainee Research award for PWS research, and previously served as a Board member for the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (IPWSO). I currently work as an Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Division of Genetics at Loma Linda University Medical Center and at University of California – Irvine, where I lead the only PWS Adult Clinic in California.

I live in Hermosa Beach, California, with my husband, Minesh, and three kids, Siena (21 years old, PWS), Melina (19 years old), and Jaiden (16 years old). I have been on the PWCF board for 12 years, and spent 9 of those years serving as Treasurer. It’s been an honor to be on the Board and provide support to our families and the PWS community. I have spent the majority of my career working in Strategic Planning and Strategy Consulting positions. I am extremely grateful for the PWS community and I would like to continue to share my knowledge and experience in every way that I can.

As the mother of a two year old Prader- Willi warrior, I am moved to use my expertise to help amplify awareness and ensure that all members gain knowledge and access to the most impactful experiences with the foundation. I have worked in Marketing in both the financial & media sector for more than 10 years. I assist leading firms implement strategic media plans that integrate social capital into their overall branding strategy. I look to provide PWCF with dynamic, curated marketing solutions that will increase brand awareness and member participation. Thank you for your consideration.

My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for 27 years and have 3 daughters: GiGi (PWS) 24 years, Maya 22 years, and Carly 20 years. My part-time work is selling Clean-crafted wine but the majority of my time, since having children, has been as mom, homemaker and volunteer. In the local community, I have been involved with Neighborhood Watch for over 20 years and have volunteered in the girls’ schools in many areas: classroom, library, Young at Art, Grades of Green, fundraiser chair, nutrition instructor/docent, etc. More recently, I served 3 years as founding member and VP Philanthropy for the Pier Chapter of National Charity League. Prior to having children, I worked in Nutrition & Wellness as a Product Manager. Besides gaining experience in product development, I also was involved in merchandising, nutrition, wellness and designing and opening a retail space. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, yoga and beach volleyball. I would like to bring my life experiences to PWCF and serve the PWS community.

James E. Clark is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional, bringing nearly two decades of experience to the field of adult residential care. With a proven commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals with behavioral and mental disabilities, Mr. Clark has established himself as a leader in the industry. His extensive background encompasses all facets of facility management, from operational oversight to strategic planning, making him a valuable asset in creating and maintaining supportive and enriching environments.

Prior to his current roles, Mr. Clark served as the Facility Group Home Manager at Quality Group Home, Inc., where he honed his skills in managing high-risk populations and navigating complex challenges. He has experience working with individuals with a range of needs, including those with conduct disorders and those requiring psychotropic medication management. His experience also includes providing successful counseling sessions to adolescent clients.

Beyond his operational expertise, Mr. Clark is actively involved in the broader community. He served as the Chairman of the Vendor Advisory Committee/CVRC from June 2022 to June 2024, where he provided guidance and recommendations to the board, contributing to the overall improvement of services for residents.

My name is Theresa Chai. I live in Westminster, California with my husband, two daughters, and my parents. My eldest daughter Katelyn, who is now a Sophomore in high school, was diagnosed with PWS shortly after her birth. We have been members or PWCF since 2021 and have appreciated the resources and support from the PWCF staff and families we’ve met. I have been lucky to be able to provide care to our daughters as a full-time mom for the past four years. Prior to that, I worked outside of the home for over 20 years as a program manager in the semiconductor and healthcare sectors. My hobbies include volleyball, Chinese Brush Painting, cooking and traveling. As a Board member, I want to support other PWS families by ensuring they are aware of the invaluable resources PWCF offers that have helped our family tremendously.

I am a native of Argentina and in 1999 I began my studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I moved to CA shortly after obtaining my Ph.D. to work at California State University Fullerton in the Department of Kinesiology. I have been in CA since then. My husband Ricky Garcia and I live in North San Diego County, CA. We enjoy being physically active, and we try
to spend our weekends being outdoors. My professional interest is the promotion of an active lifestyle in children and adolescents. In the past years I have been privileged to meet so many families with a child who has Prader-Willi syndrome because of the research I do and my involvement with Prader-Willi California Foundation PWCF. I hope to continue to serve the mission of the PWCF by my involvement in the Board.

I live in Murrieta, CA. I served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 years of active duty service, and 3 years as a Contracted Instructor at MCAS Miramar. I was the leading board member in the development of the Marine Corps Mentorship Program (MCMP). I have immersed myself in the PWS arena from the caregiver and resource counselor perspective for the past 5 years, gaining first-hand knowledge from parents, physicians, and individuals who are afflicted with PWS. My experiences could never match the challenges parents face, having a child with PWS. I am committed to put the knowledge I have obtained into action, as a PWS Board Member. I am willing and wanting to make a difference.