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OUR BOARD
REBECCA CHRISTIANSEN
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rebecca Christiansen is the founder of Celebrate Differences. She is a graduate of Elmhurst College with a Bachelor's of science in nursing and business administration. She is currently employed full time as a registered nurse.
After the birth of her fourth child Ryan, who has Down syndrome, she got the idea to start Celebrate Differences in hopes of showing the world that individuals with disabilities are more the same than different than others. Rebecca was awarded the American Red Cross Nurse Hero of the year for the Northern Illinois Region in 2018. She also won a meet and greet with Jason Mraz for all of the good she does in the community!
JEFF CHRISTIANSEN
FOUNDER
Jeff Christiansen, one of the original founders ofCelebrate Differences, is a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs and a seasoned law enforcement professional. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University and brings over 25 years of experience from his service with a sheriff’s office in Illinois. After retiring in 2019 to the Lake of the Ozarks, he briefly stepped away from public service before returning to law enforcement. He later served as a Chief of Police in Missouri, retiring again in 2024. A devoted father to Ryan, Jeff has been instrumental in developing training programs to better equip law enforcement officers in their interactions with individuals with special needs. His work has earned recognition from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, which invited him to present his training as part of the 40-hour Elderly Service Officer Certification Course. Jeff is also trained in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and is certified as a search manager, prepared to lead efforts when individuals with special needs go missing. His commitment to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the special needs community continues to shape more compassionate, informed policing practices.
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TREASURER
PAM STINEMAN
SECRETARY
STEVE MCDONALD DIRECTOR Steven McDonald is a dedicated educator and advocate with a strong background in both business and teaching. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration from California State University, Hayward, and later obtained a teaching credential that launched a 31-year career in elementary education. Born and raised in California, Steven has devoted his life to both his profession and his family. He is a proud father of four, including a daughter with intellectual disabilities. His personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs has deepened his commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities. Now retired, Steven resides in Florida with his wife and daughter, where he continues to support causes that promote understanding, acceptance, and opportunity for people with special needs.
A
not-for-profit organization, Celebrate Differences is incorporated in the State
of Florida and files as a qualified 501(c)(3) organization with the Internal
Revenue Service, ID 20-5007373.
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