Sarah Giddings
Interim Executive Director
Sarah Giddings is currently the Interim Executive Director for the Williams Syndrome Association. Prior to this role, as the Vice President of Programs & Services she lead the development and execution of WSA programs and support services, which include the Family Support Network, scholarship programs, conventions, camps, programs to engage people with WS of all ages. She also leads the development of partnerships & a collaborative of consultants to support families impacted by Williams syndrome. She joined the WSA as staff part-time in 2020, then full time in 2021, but has been involved in the WSA for the past 20 years, after her son Matthew was diagnosed in 2003 when he was 13 months old. She has served as a WSA regional chair volunteer and as a member of our board of trustees. Prior to joining the WSA, Sarah held leadership roles in learning and development, marketing, communications, sales, events, and was sought after to help organizations during times of struggle. Sarah attended Florida State University, is a Partners in Policymaking graduate, and has served as a parent leader for other support organizations. She currently resides in Palm Bay, FL with sons Matthew (WS, born in 2002) and Connor. In her spare time, she enjoys music, travel, crafts, Disney, and building with Lego.
Denise Callen
Director of Walks
Denise channels her passion for creative problem-solving and community engagement into meaningful events and fundraisers. With over a decade of experience owning and running a paint-your-own pottery studio and serving on the executive boards of CCSA and Mountaingate, she brings a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and customer service.
What inspires Denise most is the incredible dedication of the association's members and staff in raising awareness about Williams syndrome. She thrives on finding innovative solutions to challenges and fostering an understanding of WS. Contributing to a cause that touches lives and builds a brighter future brings Denise immense joy. Together with the WSA, she’s committed to making a meaningful difference.
Denise enjoys painting, reading, and exploring new places with her family outside of work.
Melissa Davis
Director of Communications
With over a decade of experience in social media, project management, and networking, Melissa has been a dynamic force in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. For over 20 years, she has passionately served as a community director while also leading fundraising and event coordination efforts. Melissa thrives on creating engaging and relevant content, most recently contributing her talents to the Williams Syndrome Association, where she helps expand awareness for Williams Syndrome.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, their daughter Phoebe who is away at college, their 6 cats, 2 dogs, and many turtles. When she's not on her computer or behind the camera, she loves to travel, read, and create malas and bracelets.
Joel Liestman
Director of Family Support
Joel Liestman lives in Maple Grove, MN, with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Bennett (WS). After an unpleasant diagnosis meeting and the initial stress of months in the NICU, Joel decided to get involved with advocacy groups for the developmentally and cognitively disabled. Before joining the WSA staff, he was the chairperson for the Upper Midwest region and a multifaceted volunteer coordinating Walk events, social media content, and even bridge lighting events to raise awareness of WS. Currently, he serves on the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Disability Advisory Council (through the MN Secretary of State's office). He is a Partners in Policymaking™️ graduate. Most recently, he served as a Parent Support Navigator and Social Media Specialist with Family Voices of Minnesota. He would connect parents with one-on-one peer support and county/state resources, facilitate webinars and support groups (including a group for dads with kids with disabilities called “The Dad Joke Experience”), and manage social media content. He also produced, directed, edited, and hosted their annual fundraising benefit. He also served as a Board Member for Partnership Resources, Inc., a Twin Cities-based service organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Joel has been an actor and singer for over 30 years and loves having ties to an exciting and supportive arts community in the Twin Cities. You can find more information about his advocacy and performances on joelliestman.com.
Ann Marie Sanders
Director of Development
Ann Marie Sanders brings more than 35 years of fundraising, marketing, and administrative experience to the Williams Syndrome Association, serving most recently as the Donor Relations and Events Manager at The Arc of the Capital Area in Austin, TX. Her career background includes extensive involvement in the implementation, oversight, and management of a variety of donor management platforms as well as considerable involvement with nonprofit professional theaters, including her role as Associate Producer of the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Ain’t Misbehavin,’ which traveled to 80 cities in 35 states.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in music business from State University of New York, College at Fredonia with a double concentration in arts administration and communications/public relations. Much of her passion for human services stems from her two-year experience working and traveling worldwide with the international performing group Up With People. A recent transplant to New Orleans, Ann Marie is looking forward to building new relationships and having a positive impact on the Williams syndrome community.
Bethany Walton
Director of Operations
Bethany Walton lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two kids, and two dogs. She graduated with a BA in psychology, and over the past decade has dedicated her life to the non-profit world, exclusively working within the disability community. Bethany has extensive experience dealing with Medicaid, HHS, as well as state and federal programs available to the I/DD population. In some of her previous work, she has advocated at the Capitol and met with State Representatives to fight for disability rights.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her kids, traveling, and the Texas Longhorns. Hook’Em!