WSA Staff

Sarah Schaefer

Executive Director

Sarah Schaefer is currently the Executive Director for the Williams Syndrome Association. Prior to serving as Interim Executive Director, 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, and 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 support 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 Special Projects

As Director of Special Projects at the Williams Syndrome Association, Denise helps lead key efforts that move the organization forward, including planning the national convention and managing the WSA’s awareness shop. She brings a creative, solution-oriented mindset to everything she does, always aiming to make things run a little more smoothly for families and staff alike.

With a background in small business ownership and nonprofit leadership, Denise combines strategic thinking with a growing knowledge of the Williams syndrome community—something she continues to learn more about every day. She’s especially inspired by the connections made at convention and the comfort families find in knowing they’re not alone.

When she’s not working, Denise enjoys painting, reading, and exploring new places with her family.

Jen Chaplin

Director of Operations

With over 15 years of experience in event planning, Jennifer Chaplin has built a reputation for creating exceptional experiences in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her networking, creativity, and project management skills have consistently elevated the events she oversees, fostering positive and engaging environments.

Jennifer’s passion for relationship building has been a cornerstone of her career. As a long-standing member of the WSA Community, both as a volunteer and now as an employee, she has had the privilege of connecting with countless individuals. She finds great joy in bringing people together and witnessing the happiness and success that follows. “It’s truly an honor to provide opportunities for this community to come together,” she says.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, immersing herself in music, or diving into a new craft project.

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 junk journal.

Jon Kent

Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications

Jon Kent has more than thirty-five years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In 2001, he founded Kent Creative, a development communications and consulting firm that served more than 100 nonprofits nationwide. He has been a vendor and consultant to the WSA since 2005, and he has produced several documentary films on Williams, including Embraceable (2011) and A Stampede of Happiness (2020).

Prior to founding Kent Creative, Jon was Director of Advancement Communications for Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He has also served as Associate Campaign Director for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Director of Marketing and Communications for the American Cancer Society Mid-South Division, and Vice President for Development for the Tennessee Division of the ACS.

Jon has an M.Ed. in Institutional Advancement from Vanderbilt University and a B.S. from Belmont University. His hobbies include playing music, photography, and reading. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Nashville, TN.

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.

Bethany Walton

Director of Special Events

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!