All of the directors and officers of GAN serve on a volunteer basis.
Bonnie Gillman
Bonnie Gillman, Executive Director, is a non-profit consultant who specializes in resource development for charities. She has more than 50 years of professional and volunteer experience working as executive director, director of development, volunteer coordinator and member of the board of directors for a myriad of health, educational and social service organizations. Ms. Gillman founded GAN in 2006 to inform grandparents about autism, the medical, educational, legal and social issues that impact their families and to raise awareness and support for autism. She develops and manages GAN’s programs and projects and represents GAN in collaborative efforts with community and national organizations.
Olivia A. Johnson
Olivia A. Johnson, Secretary, has over 35 years of leadership experience in the Orange County, CA non-profit community. She has served as a founder and board member for many well respected charities including High Priority: breast cancer information network, Children’s Hospital of Orange County Foundation and South Coast Repertory Theatre. Her forte includes event coordination and she has taken major roles in every facet of non-profit operations in organizations supporting causes such as educational institutions, civic organizations and the arts. Ms Johnson brings her creative skills, experience in fund development and passion to support GAN to the Board of Directors.
Judy Berkowitz
Judy Berkowitz, Treasurer, has encouraged and assisted the development of the Grandparent Autism Network since its inception. Ms. Berkowitz owns and operates Berk International, which provides promotional products and advertising programs for businesses. Her organizational skills are instrumental in the planning and execution of presentations and activities. Ms. Berkowitz's expertise in marketing and designing collateral materials expands GAN’s outreach in the community. Her personal leadership and recruitment abilities have significantly increased GAN’s membership.
Debra Beauregard, MBA
Debra Beauregard, MBA has served in pediatric healthcare positions for more than 20 years. Ms. Beauregard is a principal in a successful healthcare consulting firm, MedDirect Executives, a California-based healthcare advisory firm. She has served as Executive Director with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty and as Chief Administrative Officer for the Department of Pediatrics at UC Irvine. Ms. Beauregard has provided leadership and expertise to many non-profit organizations, focusing on business and fund development planning. As a parent, Ms. Beauregard is acutely aware of opportunities to better serve the children and families in Orange County, particularly those with special healthcare needs.
Linda Loaeza
Linda Loaeza is an award winning entrepreneur with almost 30 years of experience as the owner and operator of Jay’s Catering. She builds relationships within the management team and strives to always exceed expectations in her business and philanthropic efforts. Ms. Loaeza is an innovative strategic thinker and an effective, hands-on leader. She resides in Orange County and, as the C.E.O. of Jay's Catering in Garden Grove, CA., she actively participates in a broad based business network. Ms. Loaeza provides professional resources for GAN and assists in identifying new job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
David I. Armendariz, MA, Advisory Board Member
Helping others improve quality of life is the reward and the motivation behind David’s 22 years of experience in the non-profit arena. David has worked in a variety of capacities including program development, communications, fundraising and volunteer management. Given his passion for sports and his experience of being an uncle to an autistic teenager, David is grateful to serve as the Regional Director for Special Olympics Orange County. David looks forward to collaborating with GAN to help families caring for a loved one with autism.
Dorene Butler, Advisory Board Member
Dorene N. Butler , a GAN founding board member, has had leadership roles serving on local and national boards and committees. She has built two small businesses and has expertise in planning and executing special events for organizations. Ms. Butler has special skills for both “friend raising” and fund raising. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club in Laguna Beach, CA.
Lee Butler, Advisory Board Member
Lee Butler, served as the Treasurer on GAN’s founding Board of Directors. He is a retired Air Force Four-Star General who, in his last active duty assignment was commander of the Unites States’ strategic nuclear forces. After retirement he entered the business world as President of Kiewit Energy. He has been an outstanding moderator at GAN conferences and special events. Lee brings global expertise and grandparent commitment to our cause.
Lynn Crowell, R.N., Advisory Board Member
Lynn Crowell, is a retired Registered Nurse, who is a long time resident of Orange County, CA. She has generously supported community causes by volunteering in nonprofit organizations, especially those focused on education. Lynn’s involvement includes the Tustin Unified School District, the Santa Ana Assistance League and P.E.O., a philanthropic cause to help women advance in educational endeavors. She serves as GAN’s liaison to the educational sector and assists in programs and projects to increase community support for autism.
Joseph W. DeCarlo, MBA, Advisory Board Member
Joseph W. DeCarlo is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Counselor of Real Estate, (CRE). He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in California and New York and is managing partner of JD Property Management, Inc. in Costa Mesa. He is currently serving as the President of Proxy Parent, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Regional Center of Orange County, the Coastline College Foundation and the Los Angeles Mental Health Association and Community Housing Resources.
Bill Habermehl, Ph.D., Advisory Board Member
Bill Habermehl has served as Orange County Superintendent of Schools since 2001. He is responsible for the management of nearly 3,000 employees and for ensuring a world-class education for over 500,000 Orange County children. Bill is actively involved in both business and community service, sitting on the boards of such varied organizations as the Orange County Business Council, the Discovery Science Center, Ocean Institute, United Way, and Drug Abuse is Life Abuse.
Eric Kasum, Advisory Board Member
Eric Kasum is a writer/speechwriter currently working for the Shinnyo-en Foundation dedicated to creating world peace. He began his career as a writer at the age of 20 and he has written for CBS News, CNN, the Los Angeles and New York Times, in addition to being a columnist for the New York Post. He worked as a speech writer for cabinet and staff members in both Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan’s administrations. His writing expertise and life experiences bring valuable resources to the GAN Advisory Board.
David Monkarsh, Ph.D., Advisory Board Member
Dr.David Monkarsh is a Clinical Child Psychologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals along the autistic spectrum. Dr. Monkarsh’s treatment of autism focuses upon both the family system and building community supports that help bridge the gap between home and the community for individuals with developmental disabilities. He serves as a consultant to school districts in Orange County and currently chairs the committee on Community Integration for the Interagency Autism Group.