Executive Director

Stephen Graci

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Stephen Graci is the newest member of the Federation staff arriving from Vermont in November 2011, and replacing Courtney Santillan as the Executive Director. A veteran advocate, Graci has served as the Executive Director of Vermont's Protection and Advocacy System for Mentally Ill Individuals and in Iowa as the Executive Director of Mental Health Advocates of Linn County. His background also includes working with the Linn County Dept of Mental Health as a community group home Director serving developmentally disabled children, adolescents, adults and their families. He has a BA in English from Loyola University in Chicago.

He has also owned and operated a full service flower shop, produced and promoted

performing and visual arts programs, and is a former college administrator. Graci enjoys most outdoor activities and in his free time, he enjoys photography, film making, writing, performing comedy and playing Santa Claus.

Development Director

Lacey Sinn

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Lacey Sinn joined the Federation in February, 2006, and has played many different roles at the Federation, from Education & Promotions Coordinator and Youth Coordinator to her most recent job description, Development Director. Prior to joining our organization, Ms. Sinn received her Bachelor's in Technical Communications and spent five seasons fighting wildland fire with crews in Washington state and finally in 2005 with the Idaho City Hotshots.

In Lacey's spare time, she enjoys taking advantage of everything the outdoors has to offer! She is passionate about life and takes pleasure in spending much time with her family and friends. Lacey has previously served as a member of the Boise Host Lions Club and recently completed her second term as Board President for the Boise Bicycle Project.

Administrative Assistant

Cindy Shotton

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Cindy Shotton has been the Federation's administrative assistant since 2005. She spent the previous ten years working in law enforcement support. Prior to that, she was a teacher's aide in a high school special education resource room for 6 years, assisting students who had a myriad of learning disabilities and behavioral difficulties.

Professional and life experiences have given Cindy a well-rounded perspective into the issues of children's mental health. A major source of insight comes from over 30 years with her husband, Phil, who taught special education students in a variety of residential and public school settings for 35 years.

The Shottons faced all the anxiety, turmoil, disruption and despair that families of children with mental health problems live, day in and day out. Their son, now in his late 20's, was misdiagnosed at age 12 with a mental health disorder and was inappropriately medicated for nearly a year. Cindy has compassion born of personal understanding for any child and their family dealing with mental health challenges.

In her spare time Cindy spends as much time as possible with her family and especially with three little grandsons who light up her life with love! 

Family Support Specialist - Region I and II

Kristina Gallardo

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Kristina Gallardo joined as Family Support Specialist for Regions I and II in February 2011. As a parent of one Autistic child and two children with mental health diagnosis she deeply empathizes with families facing similar challenges. She believes that although no children are the same, each and every child deserves the same access to the best services and opportunities for the brightest future. Kristina has been involved with a Special Needs and Single Mom's ministry through her church, and has heard the families express their toughest issues and biggest dreams. She is sincerely committed to encouraging her community to have more knowledge, sensitivity and support for those with mental health challenges.

Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and friends and taking in all that the beautiful area of Coeur d'Alene has to offer. Much of her family's time is spent participating in church and community outreach activities. Kristina has a deep love and commitment to her faith. She also has a passion for all the Arts and loves to sing. Her children will be taking their first acting classes at their local community Kroc Center.

Family Support Specialist - Region III and IV

Carol Dixon

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Carol Dixon joined the Idaho Federation of Families in 2011. After several years of being at home raising children, one with special needs, Carol has returned to the mental health/social services field with a new appreciation of the challenges and struggles that parents face in raising children.

Carol has a Masters Degree in Counseling from Georgia State University. She has 16 years experience working with troubled adolescents and families. Most of that time was spent in the Juvenile Justice System working as a family counselor at the Juvenile Court and as a caseworker/counselor at a community based treatment program with the Dept. of Youth Services.

The past several years provided a new experience of being a parent advocate as her own child required special services in the local schools. As a Family Support Specialist one of Carol's primary goals is to empower parents to use their "parent voice" and become engage in the process of seeking (finding) and utilizing the resources needed for their children to be successful at home, in school and in the community.

Since leaving the east coast in 2004, Carol and her family have enjoyed the great outdoor lifestyle that Boise offers. Spending time hiking and biking on the trails in the Boise Foothills continues to be a favorite pastime.

Family Support Specialist - Region V, VI, and VII

If you are in this region and need assistance, please contact

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