Laimute Druskis
Special Education Teacher
Moderate/Severe
Ten years of teaching the moderate to severe population, specializing in Autism. For the past five years, she has helped create a transition program within a school district and a private institution.
Detective Al Franco
Police Programs &
Bookkeeping Oversight
Al Franco resides in the Sacramento area with his family. He is a police detective for a local law enforcement agency with over 20 years of law enforcement experience.
Al has a passion for being involved with youth programs such as the police explorers and Devil Pups, Youth Program for America. Within the last year, he immersed himself with the Fly Brave organization and was instrumental with getting the Fly Fit program started with the Elk Grove Police Department.
Realizing 1 in 50 people are on the autism spectrum, Al believes in the values Fly Brave supports as it brings autism awareness to the community and gives support to those individuals on the autism spectrum.
Dr. John Zulli, Ph.D.
(805) 286-7997
Board Advisor &
Public Speaking Programs
In the next decade, half a million young adults with autism will age out of school. What will they do? Currently, nearly 80% are unemployed. That alone should wake the masses. These young people have much to offer and as a community, we need to rise up for them. Fly Brave is a driving force in making change happen and I am honored to be apart of it.
Vanessa Bieker, Founder
Board President
(916) 968-5691
flybravefoundation@gmail.com
As an autism mom, I know the ins and outs of this journey. It took years to tap into John's talents and find what he was passionate about. This process didn't happen overnight but once we found it, he came alive. We all want purpose; for ourselves, children, friends and family. Together, we are building a sustainable employment program for adults with developmental disabilities. This mission is led with heart.
Vanessa Magaña
Sports and Fitness Programs
Vanessa Magaña and her family are residents of Elk Grove. Her family values fitness and enjoys sports and outdoor activities. Vanessa found our Fly Brave Family through Fly Fit while she was searching for a program that best suited her daughter Mila’s unique needs as an individual living with Autism.
Dr. Lauren Libero, Ph.D.
Vice President
UC Davis Mind Institute
(706) 410-4383
I am a neuroscientist who studies brain development and autism. I previously served as a therapeutic horseback riding and Special Olympics coach, and currently work in social skills/support groups for children, adults, and parents. In my work I've come to realize the great need for services and work support for adults with autism in the community. I hope to be a part of a movement that meets the need ASAP.
Benita Ayala
Advocacy
(916) 284-3577
Benita is a mother to two boys. Her youngest son, Chris, has non-verbal autism. Benita sits on several committees in the Sacramento area and has 16 years of experience advocating for the differently abled community.
Jennifer Burnett
Strategic Development & Acquisitions
Jennifer resides in Sacramento with her family, including a teenage son with autism. She brings an innovative, strategic, and objective perspective to Fly Brave. With more than 20 years of civil service program development and acquisition experience, she complements the work supporting Fly Brave’s mission.
Board of Directors
Kristy Lundy-Seltzer, MA Psychology
Improv/Theater Programs
(916) 402-8803
As an autism mom, I am constantly thinking about my daughter's future and the future of others on the autism spectrum. Employment for individuals on the autism spectrum shouldn't be few and far between, it should be the norm! By working together with our communities, we can provide the support and foundation these amazing and talented individuals deserve.