Your input is invaluable as we gear up for the WSA's 2024 Williams Syndrome Convention! We aim to include everything you want to learn about and participate in. Submit your completed survey by September 29th.
Dr. Mary Van Haneghan
Executive Director
Dr. Mary Van Haneghan has dedicated her life’s work to closing the equity gap for chronically underrepresented disability groups by creating transformative opportunities for access and inclusion. She has served as a nonprofit executive for over a decade, working closely and collaboratively with boards, constituents, and stakeholders to set strategic direction, achieve financial stability, and increase impact.
Before serving as the WSA’s Executive Director, she was the Chief Executive Officer for chapters of The Arc, which is the country’s largest organization advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and as a leader at Western New York’s largest nonprofit health and human service agency creating systemic change across the state. Mary began her career as a direct service professional working in residential programming; during her tenure, she worked in various capacities, including day habilitation, residential habilitation, post-secondary education, transitional services, case management, supported employment, behavioral health, nursing, and early intervention.
Her academic research has focused on individuals who experience I/DD and ranges from historical institutional models to the benefits of post-secondary education. In addition, she also serves on the National Partnership for Pediatric to Adult Care Transition (NPPACT) Steering Committee, the Think College's National Coordinating Center Project Advisory Committee (NCC PAC), the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Delaware, the University of Pennsylvania Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome Advisory Board and the Williams Syndrome National Research & Clinical Consortium.
Dr. Van Haneghan earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Buffalo, a master’s degree in adult education and literacy from Buffalo State College, and a doctorate in education from Walden University. Her academic research has focused on individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities and ranges from historical institutional models to the benefits of post-secondary education.
Sarah Giddings
Vice President of Programs and Services
Sarah leads the development and execution of WSA programs and support services, which include a Family Support Network, scholarship program, conventions, camps, and programs to engage people with WS of all ages. She joined the WSA as staff in 2020, but has been involved since her son Matthew was diagnosed in 2003 when he was 13 months old. She has served as one of our regional chair volunteers and as a member of our board of trustees. Her past professional positions have included leadership roles in learning and development, marketing, communications, sales, and events. Sarah attended Florida State University, is a Partners in Policymaking graduate, and 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
Special Projects Coordinator
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. In collaboration with our amazing coordinators, Denise had the privilege of helping raise nearly $200,000 in her first six months with the WSA. These funds directly support vital programs and services that empower the Williams syndrome community.
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.
Iesha Copeland
Senior Communications Specialist
Iesha Copeland, MBA, is a dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in marketing and business development. Academic achievements, a strong commitment to community service, and a passion for family and personal growth have marked her journey.
Born and raised in Michigan, Iesha earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saginaw Valley State University. Iesha's career spans over a decade, during which she has worked with both for-profit and non-profit organizations, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her field. Iesha brings previous experience with non-profit organizations that serve individuals with disabilities, contributing to improving accessibility and inclusivity.
Outside of her career, Iesha is a devoted wife and mother. She resides in her beloved home state of Michigan with her husband and three children, where they have created a warm and loving family environment. Her dedication to her family mirrors her commitment to her professional pursuits, creating a harmonious balance in her life.
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. Most recently, he served as a Parent Support Navigator and Social Media Specialist with Family Voices of Minnesota. There 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's been an actor and singer for over 30 years and loves having ties to an excited and supportive arts community of the Twin Cities. You can find out more information about his advocacy and performing at joelliestman.com.
Ann Marie Sanders
Director of Special Events & Legacy Giving
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.
Lacie Stiewing
Director of Program Development
Lacie brings an extensive background in non-profit program development and for-profit project management, with over two decades of experience directing, planning, implementing, and expanding programs. She has held roles in marketing, graphic design, communication, grant management, plus technical writing and editing.
Recently she has worked with a team to film international scientists converging on the sea ice in Utqiaġvik, Alaska; provided sole staff support for an artist who experiences disabilities while filming his story on location in Phoenix, Arizona; led successful fundraising campaigns for multiple non-profits in San Francisco, Anchorage, and Austin; and collaborated with MIT engineers and UAF marine biologists in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Lacie earned a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture and Computer Art from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Outside of work, Lacie enjoys biking with her three dogs.