Advisory Board

David I. Armendariz, MA, Advisory Board Member

Helping others improve quality of life is the reward and the motivation behind David’s decades 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 proudly served as Regional Director-Orange County for Special Olympics Southern California for 11 years and he now serves as the Chief Relationship Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach.

Louise Beckerman, Advisory Board Member

In 2006 Louise coordinated the planning development and construction of a center for autism for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California Medical Center. Ironically, her grandchild was diagnosed with autism at about the same time and she joined GAN.  A leader,  she recruits volunteers, assists at events, encourages other grandparents and advocates for autism. Her efforts have been instrumental in making GAN successful in the local community and worldwide.

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 United 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.

Gary Cannon, Advisory Board Member

Gary is the Chief Financial Officer of a major steel fabrication and installation company. He was a founding member of a state-wide organization representing sub-contractors in the home building industry, representing workers throughout California. He served as a board member of the Orange County Burn Association and volunteered as a docent and bookkeeper for the Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House in Los Angeles.

Judi Cannon, Advisory Board Member

Judi is a Certified Paralegal specializing in Personal Injury/Medical Malpractice Litigation and has provided Pro Bono work for the legal community for many years. She served as membership chair and president of ORT, an organization to support non-sectarian economic and social development in underdeveloped parts of the world with vocational training, skills and knowledge. Judi has volunteered for more than a decade as the social chairperson for her synagogue and she is a member of the executive committee for Friends Exploring Judaism.

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.

Diane Henshall, Advisory Board Member

Diane has 30 years of experience in human resources and business. She joined the Grandparent Autism Network when her eldest granddaughter was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. Her granddaughter’s younger sister was also diagnosed with autism. Diane is strongly committed to supporting them. She hopes to see a future where individuals with autism are encouraged in the workplace and celebrated for their unique abilities. Diane volunteers at GAN’s events and she is a great role model for other grandparents, lending her support for both of her granddaughters and their parents.

Michael Henshall, Advisory Board Member

Michael has spent 35 years as a music educator. His passion for children and music helped him to discover an amazing connection his eldest granddaughter has with music. Her ability to sing and communicate through song and music has inspired Michael to help other families explore the musical connection that may exist for their autistic loved ones. Michael and his 9 Carat Band members donate their time at GAN’s annual dance. Their music has encouraged formerly non-verbal adults with autism to sing along with the music!  Michael and his compassionate band members have discovered musical talent in some of our guests that even their family members did not know existed.

Melissa Kenig, Advisory Board Member

Melissa Kenig has an adult son with autism. Melissa has spent the last decade dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism, founding a nonprofit that enables competitive employment and working on programs that develop the potential of every individual. She has decades of experience in the corporate world as an executive in Fortune 500 companies, as well as expertise working with state social services agencies.

Patricia Mercier, Advisory Board Member

A founding member of GAN, Pat Mercier has served as the co-chairperson of the Grandchildren Activities Committee, planning, developing and facilitating very successful social activities for hundreds of families affected by autism. A community leader, Pat has involved her family and friends in supporting events and ensuring that they are fun for all and cost-free for guests. Her personal outreach has reinforced other grandparents, especially those who are raising their grandchildren.

Terrence Mercier, Advisory Board Member

Terry Mercier has been an active and supportive member of GAN  since 2006.  He has volunteered at more than 100 GAN events. He is a leader, tirelessly setting up events and cheerfully addressing every needed task. While raising his grandson, he enthusiastically volunteered at his grandson’s school and activities. He engages with other grandparents and he is a great role model for them.

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 he trains other professionals about how to identify and treat individuals with ASD’s.

Jacqueline Russell-Garcia, M.Ed., Advisory Board Member

Jacqueline Russell-Garcia has more than 25 years of special education experience and possesses CTC Approved ASD added Authorization. She served as the Career Community Educational Specialist for the Santa Ana Unified School District. In addition to assisting students in transition from school to adult life, Ms. Russell-Garcia serves on the Orange County Autism Regional Task Force and the Orange County Adult Transition Task Force. As the parent of a special needs child, she has helped to develop services for students with disabilities since 1983.

Judy Winne, M.A., Advisory Board Member

Judy Winne served on the Hospital Council and worked as a field investigator caseworker and crisis intervention supervisor for Adult Protective Services. She worked closely with law enforcement and Regional Center workers in situations involving emergency placements. Ms. Winne also served as a Hearing Officer for the Housing Authority. She provides outreach to developmentally disabled adults who do not have financial access to resources and she gives personal and social support to her grandson and his friends who have autism.