Kristen Padilla, Chair

Kristen Padilla is the Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities as well as a clinical associate professor in educational psychology at Baylor University. She is a board-certified behavior analyst and school psychologist. 

Kim Johnson, Vice Chair

Kim Johnson is the Transition Coordinator for Midway ISD and works with special education students over the age of 14 to develop an individual education plan (IEP). In 2019, she established MPower, Midway's 18+ Transition Program.

Mark Sauer, Treasurer

Mark Sauer retired from a career in technology and now partners with his wife, Amy, to manage a Bitty & Beau's coffee shop in Waco, TX. All of the front line employees at Bitty & Beau's have an Intellectual or Developmental Disability such as Down Syndrome or Autism. 

Adrianna Martinez, Secretary

Adrianna Martinez is the administrative assistant for the clinical services and programs for the BCDD clinic. She supports faculty and students working in the clinic and parents who have children recently diagnosed with autism or other developmental disability. 

Katie Laubender, Communication

Katie Laubender is the Youth Transition Program Manager with the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities equipping youth and young adults with disabilities with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in adulthood.  

Dawn Morton, Resource Navigator

Dawn Morton is the founder and CEO of The Warrior Space, a safe community for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. 

Emily Kirby, At-Large Member

Emily Kirby is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Elite Therapy Center in Waco, Texas, where she leads an innovative program supporting adolescents and young adults as they transition from outpatient therapy into meaningful roles within their communities. Emily is the creator and coordinator of Elite Futures, an intensive vocational rehabilitation and transition program that empowers individuals to pursue client-centered vocational engagement.