About Us

What we offer:

Emotional support for everyone affected by Spina Bifida, including meetings at numerous local cluster support groups throughout the state.

The Evergreen newsletter, which details local SBAWS activities, provides news on medical, therapeutic, rehabilitative advances, recreational and legislative issues.

Our website here and our toll-free contact number: 1-888-289-3702

Social events for children, teens and adults to gather, have fun and share their life experiences.

New Parents Packets to help parents learn about Spina Bifida and to help manage their child’s health care needs.

Educational scholarships may be awarded for educational purposes.

Access to national’s Insights magazine and to other current information on Spina Bifida.

A limited equipment fund to assist people with mobility devices, medical supplies and other necessary items not covered by insurance, as well as computer purchases.

Our Executive Director

Our Officers

Linda Bailey

My name is Linda Bailey, and I am an adult born with myelomeningocele. I am a past President & former newsletter editor for the Evergreen Spina Bifida Association. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University with emphasis...

Ruth Hayes-Short, President

I have spent 40+ years in a variety of educational leadership positions. I spent many years as a Director of Special Education and principal of numerous elementary schools. I spent the most recent years of my career as President and...

Erica Nunez, Secretary

I reside in Benton County and I am the mother to one child who also has Spina Bifida. My experience with children started in 1999 and ranges from coordinating events for orphanages in Korea, assisting in a children’s homes in...

Amy Miller, Vice President

I am the mother to 4 beautiful children, Tristram, Ariel, Balin and Kelahna. Kelahna is our youngest and she was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and Arnold Chiari Malformation. Kelahna is such a blessing to our family and we are...

Celeste McCormick, Past President

I have been involved with SBAWS since 2005, and served many years as the Newsletter Editor. Most recently I completed a two year term as President. I first joined the organization to help support my nephew Michael, who was born...

Whitney Stohr, Newsletter Editor

I joined the SBAWS Board of Directors in January 2020. I bring to the board a strong background in communications, outreach and advocacy. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science, a law degree, and master’s degrees in ecology and...

Dave Carl

I am originally from the east coast. I received a bachelors degree in social work from Buffalo State College, in Buffalo, New York in 1999. I have been involved with Spina Bifida chapters throughout the country. In 1999, I assisted...

Rachel Bernhard

I grew up in Ames, Iowa where I participated in Spina Bifida Association of Iowa (SBAI) events in support of my niece born with Spina Bifida, Emmie. I graduated from Iowa State University in Biological Systems Engineering and Global Resource...

Tim Miller

My wife and I have 5 wonderful children. Tristram, Ariel, Balin, Kelahna, and Percival. Kelahana was born with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, and Arnold Chiari Malformation. Kelahna is an amazing little girl with strength and determination that inspires me every day....