Kathryn Schultz
Founder and Chair
Kathryn developed her love of service and giving to others after navigating several rough years of caring for a medically fragile daughter with Down Syndrome and Infantile Spasms. She was blessed with a lot of support during that time and understands the value of respite for caregivers. In 2017, she felt a strong calling to help others in need. Kathryn founded the OLV Service Club, which serves the less fortunate. In 2019 she became a Support Broker for the Self–Direction program that allows people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. Kathryn sees the devoted hard work of caregivers every day through her career. Founding Riley's Rest was a long-time vision she shared with her late husband, Ed. Kathryn loves spending time with her children, singing at church, and dreaming about the ocean.
Sandy Mohan
Treasurer
Sandy is a mom of 2 special needs children with a rare genetic disorder called ADSL Deficiency. She also is a single mom and understands the daily struggles of being a special needs parent, working full time and trying to fit in as much rest as you can. Advocating for inclusion has been a passion of Sandy's for 16 years. Sandy belongs to two organizations that work to spread inclusion, Ainsely’s Angels and I Run 4. Sandy has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 25 years.
Christina Sherry
Secretary
Christina has a passion for helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities both in her personal and professional life. Christina has a younger sister with Down Syndrome, and her experiences with her sister have helped to shape Christina's career path and education. Christina works full time as an Associate Director at a nonprofit agency that provides Office for People with Developmental Disabilities services to individuals. She also obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration & Non-Profit Management from Buffalo State. In her free time, Christina enjoys spending time with her husband and family, traveling, and watching trashy reality TV shows.
Katie Gawlak
Member at Large
Katie has always had a heart for helping others. Her passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities began at a nonprofit formerly known as Southeast Works, where she discovered her drive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That experience inspired her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science Interdisciplinary from the University at Buffalo, with a focus on Health and Human Services and Community Mental Health. Katie went on to spend ten years with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, working in a variety of roles including direct care, day habilitation, and quality supports. She now serves as a Utilization Review Coordinator for the New York State Office of Mental Health, continuing her commitment to ensuring individuals receive the care and services they deserve. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, dog, and two cats, as well as traveling and camping whenever she can.
Jenny Strzalka
Member at Large
Jenny’s career has always been rooted in compassion and connection. She spent over five years at People Inc. (formerly Southeast Works) and a year at Aspire of WNY, where she supported individuals with developmental disabilities in living meaningful, empowered lives. Those experiences shaped her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — a belief she carries into her current role as a physical therapist assistant.
Outside of work, Jenny finds joy in life’s simple adventures — camping, spending time with her husband, and hanging out with her dog, Lou.
Pete Upham
Member at Large
Pete is a lifelong educator who spent fifteen years as the head of a national association of schools. He now operates a private consulting practice, helping schools and educational nonprofits develop and deploy effective strategy in order to fulfill their missions and deepen their impact. Pete has a niece and other extended family members with developmental disabilities, and he's always admired those who work so selflessly to provide essential care and to create a joyful, loving, and inclusive environment. A father of four, Pete lives with his wife, youngest son, mother-in-law, and golden doodle.
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Rest and self- care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
Eleanor Brown