SLN Staff

Executive Director


Kaitlin McNamara

I am thrilled and so honored to join the Sibling Leadership Network as the new Executive Director. As a sibling, I know the important role siblings can and do play in the lives of their siblings with disabilities as well as the support and tools they need as they navigate the sibling experience.

After getting my undergraduate degree in political communications from The George Washington University, I moved to northern Wisconsin to be close to my three younger sisters. In 2015, I joined the leadership team of a local arts nonprofit as their Assistant Director and Education Coordinator. Then, I served as the Executive Director and later as a Board Member for a nonprofit organization focused on youth civic engagement.

In 2019, I relocated to Madison, WI, to join the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities as the Project Coordinator for a Project of National Significance called Living Well. My work has focused on enhancing quality services, educating about human rights, and improving the systems of reporting abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. In 2022, I graduated from The University of Wisconsin Law School where I concentrated on disability justice and changing systems through administrative law.

I am passionate about creating inclusive and safe communities for people with disabilities and equipping siblings with the resources and skills they need to advocate alongside their siblings on the issues that matter to them. I am excited to bring my passion and experience to the Sibling Leadership Network to continue the amazing work of this organization.

Media Consultant


Chris Berstler

Chris Berstler joined the SLN team as the Communications Consultant in May, 2020 and has moved to his current role as the SLN’s Media Consultant, where he oversees the creation of the SLN Podcast.

Chris has over 16 years of experience in design and marketing in a wide range of industries. He is committed to leveraging his diverse professional experience to create an engaging, meaningful experience for the growing SLN audience.

ChrisΒ grew up in Colorado with his twin sister, Crystal, who hasΒ Tubular Sclerosis.Β Chris returned to Colorado in 2015, after designing abroad, to help his mother and sister work through the future planning process. This journey brought ChrisΒ toΒ Rocky Mountain Sibs, the Colorado chapter of the SLN, where he completed theirΒ Allies in Leadership, Policy-making, and Systems Change training.Β ChrisΒ has used this training to better align his personal and professional goals with our communities.

Communications Consultant


Patricia Repolda

Patricia started her work at the SLN in 2023 as the Communications Consultant where she is responsible for social media management and external communications. She has been working with local and international non-profit organizations for the past nine years, wearing many hats – from fundraising, to public relations to content development. She has designed outreach campaigns and written multiple grants which secured funding for mental health programs benefiting the refugee community in Southern Arizona. In 2020, she began to work as a freelance consultant so that she can focus on creative projects using her experience and skills to generate meaningful impact.

Patricia grew up in the Philippines and in the UK before settling in Tucson with her family where they have resided for the past 17 years. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Arizona.

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