Gretchen is an honorary founding board member of Diversability Inc. with 27 years of business administration experience in profit, non-profit and academic organizations. She moved to Bend in 2003 and received an MBA from Concordia University in 2013. Gretchen's son is affected by Autism and ADHD, opening her eyes to the difficulties he faces and the need to make sure he receives the services that accommodate his ability to learn and grow into the best independent man possible. In 2017 Gretchen was diagnosed with a disabling variant of Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, Gretchen has gained strength, awareness and a perspective she never expected, as well as an increased understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of diversabilities. Aside from her advocacy efforts, Gretchen loves spending time with her husband Brian, their combination of four children, and their two tiny chihuahuas (even though they bark a lot!).