We are excited to share some recent changes to our staff with the community!
Melissa O’Bryan is joining our team as our new Administrative Assistant. Melissa is a proud wife and mom of four boys: Conner, Dylan, Owen and Grady. Her son, Owen, had his first seizure when he was six months old which eventually led to his diagnosis of Dravet at the age of three. Before their move from SE Alaska, their family traveled by airplane to all their specialty appointments to Seattle. This led to the start of her understanding available resources and ensuring families were aware of them when faced with a life changing situation.
Melissa has a strong background in child and family advocacy and a passion for helping people. Prior to joining DSF, Melissa worked in the social service sector advocating for disability rights, and working in housing and homelessness. She previously served on her community’s school board after realizing how families such as hers were impacted by special education and wanting to make sure parents understood their rights and responsibilities in their child’s school life.
She co-chaired the NW Epilepsy Run/Walk in her community for three years, chaired the DSF walk for years prior to COVID, and is serving her second term as a Parent Ambassador for DSF. She is excited to work alongside the team in her new role and contribute her passion to the amazing mission of the DSF.
Karen Masters Foster, who previously served as our Administrative Assistant, has transitioned into the role of Family and Caregiver Engagement (FACE) Director. In this exciting new position, Karen will take on a role in shaping and driving our family and community engagement efforts. She will be responsible for overseeing patient programs that support families and caregivers throughout their journey with DSF. Karen will also play a key role in advocating for comprehensive strategies that enhance DSF’s outreach and impact in the community, including working as the liaison with our industry partners for patient advocacy efforts
Through her new role, Karen aims to strengthen the connection between DSF and the families it serves, ensuring that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their experiences are central to the organization’s ongoing work.
Please join me in congratulating Melissa and Karen. We are incredibly fortunate to have both of them as valued members of our staff!
