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

Kevin Bernadt, Council District Four
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.

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 Four
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.