Members of Board for Developmental Disabilities
The 15-member Board for Developmental Disabilities advises King County on community services for children with developmental delays, adults with developmental disabilities, and their families. The Board develops plans, advises on funding priorities, and advocates for increases in funding and improvements in services. Board members include family advocates, self-advocates, professionals and interested citizens.
Board Members
Tom Bellamy, Council District Four
Dr. Bellamy is a professor of education with interests in PK-12 school leadership,
community services for people with disabilities, and higher education administration.
In his early research, Tom helped develop teaching procedures and program models
that are now widely used in secondary special education, supported employment
and supported living programs. Tom has recently returned to the classroom after
serving as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Washington
Bothell.
Kevin Bernadt, Council District One
Mr. Bernadt's area of study is in environmental science, biology, and management.
He is an inspired self-advocate, an adult deaf man with a very mild developmental
disability. He also has a developmentally disabled relative, thus having an
early life-long exposure to caretaking. By participating as a citizen, he strives
to speak up for all consumers of the developmental disabilities service system,
especially those who are identified as infants. Mr. Bernadt also volunteers
for King County's Veteran and Regional Human Services Levy Oversight board activities.
Being a multicultural person with ASL as his primary language, he brings diversity
to these public citizen participatory efforts.
Margaret Birdsey, Council District Three
Ms. Birdsey is the mother of a 19 year old son who is transitioning from school
to work. Margaret serves as Treasurer of her Community Association and the Special
Populations Board at Issaquah Community Center. Margaret has a strong interest
in ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
have the information they need to access appropriate services.
Theodore Daniels, Council District Four
Mr. Daniels is semi-retired, a parent of an individual with a developmental
disability, and a dedicated community advocate. In 2004, The Stroum Jewish Community
Center honored Ted and his wife, Barbara, with the Samuel & Althea Stroum
Spirit of Inspiration award. This award is presented to an individual or individuals
who deeply inspire or touch the lives of others. Ted was president and Barbara
was director of the early childhood program at Stroum Jewish Community Center.
Leo Finnegan, Council District Nine
Mr. Finnegan is a retired engineer and a parent of a son with a developmental
disability. Leo has a great interest in helping individuals with developmental
disabilities and he has been very instrumental in communicating the needs of
individuals with disabilities. Mr. Finnegan serves on numerous local, county,
and statewide committees and boards. Leo is the current Board President and
also serves on the State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC).
Kevin Henderson, Council District Four
Mr. Henderson is a semi-retired attorney and a parent of an individual with
a developmental disability. Kevin served on the Board for Northwest Center for
the Retarded for 18 years and he is an enduring advocate for the needs of individuals
with developmental disabilities.
Alfred Lewis, Council District Seven
Mr. Lewis’ areas of study are in education and social work. He is also
currently the Executive Director of the Caring Place. Alfred is the parent of
a 17 year old son with autism whom he passionately advocates for his education
and participation in the community.
John Nesbitt, Council District Four
Mr. Nesbitt is a Kenworth retiree who lived at Rainier School in Buckley for
22 years before he had the opportunity to live and work independently. John’s
goal in life is to help people and he proactively works to improve services
for other individuals with developmental disabilities.
Bret Stewart, Council District Three
Mr. Stewart is President of Centertwist Inc. In 2004, his company was recognized
by the Governor’s Committee as Employer of the Year for Disability Issues
and Employment. Bret has served on a number of business advisory councils as
an employer advocate for creating job opportunities for people with disabilities.
Candice Styer, Council District Two
Ms. Styer is a University of Oregon graduate in special education and a very passionate advocate with a solid connection with schools and families of children of transition age. Candice brings over twenty years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities and provides training and consultation to other professionals on her own Life Skills Curriculum, Behavior Management, and Transition Planning.
Kathryn Trimbach, Council District Nine
Ms. Trimbach’s area of study is in psychology and Masters level special
education coursework. Kathryn is the mother of an 18 year old son with autism
whom she advocates for his education and his participation in the community.
She has a strong interest in early childhood development, transition to adulthood,
and inclusion at every age.
Hameed Quraishi, Council District Seven
Mr. Quraishi is a Washington State University graduate in architecture, the
parent of a 29 year old daughter with cerebral palsy, and an advocate for disability
issues. Hameed is a staunch advocate for his daughter and other disabled citizens.