Vicki Callegari, Executive Director

In keeping with the goals and objectives of JDRF International, Vicki Callegari leads JDRF Austin to drive and develop the chapter’s fundraising initiatives. In her role, she is responsible for building community relations and awareness, chapter budget and operations as well as program, donor, staff, and board development. Vicki has a strong non-profit background as well as more than 20 years of experience in marketing and 18 years in professional event planning. Previously, she served as Director of Marketingand Public Relationsfor Texas Stampede, an organization which serves Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. Vicki graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor in Education, majoring in Marketing and Journalism. She moved to Austin two years ago with her husband and their son, a junior at Westlake High School. She is a die-hard Longhorn.

vcallegari@jdrf.org

Amy Hyman, Outreach & Development Manager

Amy is in charge of creating JDRF Austin’s social networks of support for anyone affected by type 1 diabetes, connecting newly diagnosed individuals and families with resources and with trained mentors, as well as strengthening our relationships in the medical community and inschools. She also manages the Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes Program and the Family Walk Program. Before JDRF, Amy worked at Meals on Wheels and More where she fundraised to provide basic needs for the homebound elderly and disabled in the Austin area. She has also worked in the grants department at the Lance Armstrong Foundation and as an Outreach Worker for Insure-a-kid, where she helped children and families enroll in public healthcare programs. Amy has a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at Emory University and a Master of Public Affairs degree with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from theLBJ Schoolat the University of Texas. Amy is very excited to maintain and strengthen JDRF’s relationships with schools, families, the healthcare community, and other friends of the organization to raise awareness and reach the common goal of finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Melissa Ray, Development Coordinator

Melissa not only manages the daily operations of the JDRF office, but also coordinates our volunteer program. Our program enables prospective volunteers to receive a formal orientation and an opportunity to choose the volunteer committees that work best with their interest, time availability and skills. Previously, Melissa was employed at United Way Capital Area where she was a part of their Workplace Giving Resource Development team. Prior to her work with United Way, she traveled the country as an outreach coordinator with Invisible Children, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, CA. Melissa helped coordinate film screenings and community events around the country then traveled and spoke at them. Melissa has a Bachelors of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of North Texas, as well as a certification in Nonprofit Management from the American Humanics Student Association. Having grown up in Austin, Melissa is happy to be close to her friends and family. She has an older brother living with type 1 diabetes which drives her passion for working towards a cause that is so close to her heart.

Kari Rouse, Special Events Manager

Kari Rouse joins JDRF as the Special Events Manager where she will work with the core fundraising events including Walk to Cure Diabetes, Hope Ball and Tee Up to Cure Diabetes Golf Classic. Prior to JDRF, Kari spent 5 years as the Events Coordinator for Rodeo Austin. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Schreiner University and an MA in Mass Communication from Texas State University. Kari is also a member of the Junior League of Austin and loves to play golf.

Michal Baer, Administrative Assistant

Michal Baer joined JDRF after being a volunteer in three of our events. Michal runs all the day-to-day administrative duties at the office and makes sure all of our social media and online presence is up to date, informative and engaging for our community. She has a Phd in Political Science from Boston University. Being married to a man living with T1D since his early childhood Michal is very passionate about JDRF’s mission.