Megan Dang is currently a senior at Rio Americano High School. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2004. Although diabetes can sometimes be a hassle, she never lets it stand in her way. Megan enjoys running, learning, and traveling. In her spare time, she takes part in her school's debate, track, and cross country team. Megan can't wait to see what the future of diabetes has in store for her, and is excited to be organizing this year's Yes2College seminar.
Connor Gillespie was diagnosed with T1D in 2010, shortly before his eighth birthday. He is currently a junior at Jesuit High School. Connor does not let Type One Diabetes get in his way. He’s an honor roll student and works hard at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels while maintaining his GPA and being a part of his school’s Chamber Choir. When not in school, Connor enjoys playing soccer and video games. Connor hopes to go into the field of medicine and make a difference. He’s very excited to be a part of this year’s Yes2College seminar.
Dr. Shana Alexander: is a licensed clinical psychologist with type 1 diabetes who specializes in Health and Sports Psychology; specifically, chronic illness, with an expertise in type 1 diabetes, sports performance enhancement and other sports related concerns. Dr. Alexander received her Bachelors degree at the University of California, Davis. After graduating from UC Davis, she then went on to receive her Masters and Doctorate degree from Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area. During her graduate work and after, she gained experience working with and treating a wide variety of populations in multiple different settings, including working internationally at The University of Sydney. She also has worked at UC Davis and Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Alexander now owns her own practice and focuses primarily on diabetes and sports.
Marisa Bricca was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2014. Marisa is a 12 year old 7th grader that goes to Rolling Hills Middle School. Marisa enjoys playing tennis, drawing, reading, sewing and traveling with her family. She ran on her cross county team and on her track and field team. She also played volleyball and soccer. Marisa and her mom just finished raising a guide dog puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Danielle Baldwin is 20 years old and currently a 1st year Nursing Student, working toward my BSN, at Sacramento State. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 5, and is very thankful and blessed to have had Dr. Prakasam as her endocrinologist throughout every step of her journey with Type 1 Diabetes. He is such an inspiration in her life, and has always encouraged Danielle to pursue her biggest dreams. Danielle's life’s ambition and desire has always been to pursue a career in the Medical Field. She hopes that one day, there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Danielle is very interested in doing research for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, and hope to one day become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Pediatric Endocrinology. Danielle greatly enjoyed working at Bearskin Meadow Camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes in 2016, and is very excited to announce that she will be working there again this summer! It truly was an incredible experience, and the memories from camp will be cherished in her heart forever. Danielle has been a worship leader at her church, Warehouse Christian Ministries, for 10 years, and loves to sing and play piano. She has been singing ever since she was 3 years old, and playing piano for about 16 years. Danielle was the pianist for the Sheldon High School Vocal Ensemble and Concert Choir in Spring 2017, and enjoy playing piano and singing for events as well. She is very honored to be one of the speakers for the Yes2College event. Danielle spoke for this event in 2016, speaking about Traveling with Diabetes, and it is such a joy to be back! She sincerely wants to encourage others that no matter what you go through, it can be utilized for good; you can be the spokesperson in others’ lives and inspire others to persevere. Dreams can become reality, and lives can be touched every moment, as you are the example to others of what it means to overcome and make your mark upon this world.
Sarah Sahagún is currently a 16 year old junior who attends John H. Pitman High School. She was diagnosed with Type One diabetes in the 5th grade at age ten. She’s played soccer for 8 years, including 3 in a competitive league and has been part of the Pitman High School soccer team for the past 3 years. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running half marathons with her mother and sister. As busy as she is, she still manages to maintain an AIC between 7-8 and doesn’t let it get in the way of having a normal and fun life.
Sean Harrison is currently attending Sacramento State at night for a degree in Finance. He has been working in the finance industry for the past four years where he does retirement planning for retirees and families. He attended Jesuit High School where he played lacrosse and basketball all four years, and graduated with a GPA of 3.9. In his free time, he likes to exercise, read and play video games. Sean was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was only 3 years old.
Amani Peer-Baadqir is currently a sophomore attending Sacramento City College and will be transferring to UC Davis. She is majoring in English and environmental science. Amani is part of the citizens climate lobby environmental organization in Sacramento. She was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2015. In high school Amani held three diabetes seminars, maintained a 4.0 all four years and was part of the honors society club. Amani enjoys going to the gym, reading and spending time with her family.
Katherine London is a 17 year old senior at Rio Americano High School and has been diabetic since she was a toddler. Despite the hassle of managing her blood sugars, she has played competitive soccer since she was 5 and continues to play for her schools Varsity team. Katherine is a part of her schools Student Goverment and loves to travel. She just recently returned from a week of hiking with her family through the National Parks of Utah. Along with discovering the freedom of owning a car and beginning to drive, Katherine continues to maintain a high GPA and well rounded social life, and is excited to be a apart of this program.
Samuel Black is a 22 year old college student studying computer science at the University of Nevada Reno. He is determined to not let his T1D get in the way of his dreams, by maintaining an a1c under 6.5, Sam hopes to compete in his first strongman competition this fall. While not in school or working as a full time caregiver, Sam enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his wife Victoria. Sam was diagnosed later in life at 17, and hopes to shares his college troubles with others to prevent them making the same mistakes he made.
Reese Wheeler is 17 years old and a junior Nevada Union High School and was diagnosed either diabetes when she was five on November 1, 2007. She loves to play basketball, softball, and tennis and doesn’t let her diabetes stop her. Reese got a diabetic alert service dog, Rover, from Dogs4Diabetics in April of 2018. He helps her keep my numbers in check. Reese has a 4.3 GPA and balance all of her AP and honors classes with her sports to maintain my GPA. She loves to travel when she has free time and hopes to study to become a biomedical engineer in college.
Brent Malde is a 16 high school junior at Oak Ridge High School and has had T1 Diabetes since he was 5 years old. Brent has been on a Medtronic pump for 6 years now and have been on a CGM for almost a year. His favorite hobbies are playing soccer (played competitively from 2nd to 9th grade), hanging out with friends, and whatever makes him happy. Brent is currently juggling 4 AP classes to maintain a 4.5 GPA and plan to go to college in a field involving biology. He is very excited to be on this panel and to offer advice to those who are seeking it.
Mitchell Schellenger was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2005, and was a patient of Dr. Prakasam's from then up through college. In that time he attended Roseville High School and played baseball, and was active in the school's music department. Mitchell attended UC Berkeley and graduated last spring with his degree in Computer Science, and now work as a software developer in the East Bay. In his spare time, Mitchell enjoys playing music, golfing, the gym, hiking in and around the bay area, and watching the Boston Red Sox.
Ty Wilkins is a 15 year old sophmore currently enrolled at Rocklin High School. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes his 8th grade year on the very last day of Spring break. Ty has been using Pens for insulin dosing and has recently started using the dexcom G5 CGM for the COACH study at the CEDE. Some of the activities he enjoys doing are: skiing, golfing, and playing in the various musical programs the school offers. Academically he is working through two weighted classes one in the area of chemistry and the other in computer science. His hopes for a future career are somewhere in the area of engineering especially being a petroleum engineer. Ty is extremely excited to be a part of this program and to offer assistance to those who seek it.
Connor Gillespie was diagnosed with T1D in 2010, shortly before his eighth birthday. He is currently a junior at Jesuit High School. Connor does not let Type One Diabetes get in his way. He’s an honor roll student and works hard at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels while maintaining his GPA and being a part of his school’s Chamber Choir. When not in school, Connor enjoys playing soccer and video games. Connor hopes to go into the field of medicine and make a difference. He’s very excited to be a part of this year’s Yes2College seminar.
Dr. Shana Alexander: is a licensed clinical psychologist with type 1 diabetes who specializes in Health and Sports Psychology; specifically, chronic illness, with an expertise in type 1 diabetes, sports performance enhancement and other sports related concerns. Dr. Alexander received her Bachelors degree at the University of California, Davis. After graduating from UC Davis, she then went on to receive her Masters and Doctorate degree from Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area. During her graduate work and after, she gained experience working with and treating a wide variety of populations in multiple different settings, including working internationally at The University of Sydney. She also has worked at UC Davis and Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Alexander now owns her own practice and focuses primarily on diabetes and sports.
Marisa Bricca was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2014. Marisa is a 12 year old 7th grader that goes to Rolling Hills Middle School. Marisa enjoys playing tennis, drawing, reading, sewing and traveling with her family. She ran on her cross county team and on her track and field team. She also played volleyball and soccer. Marisa and her mom just finished raising a guide dog puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Danielle Baldwin is 20 years old and currently a 1st year Nursing Student, working toward my BSN, at Sacramento State. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 5, and is very thankful and blessed to have had Dr. Prakasam as her endocrinologist throughout every step of her journey with Type 1 Diabetes. He is such an inspiration in her life, and has always encouraged Danielle to pursue her biggest dreams. Danielle's life’s ambition and desire has always been to pursue a career in the Medical Field. She hopes that one day, there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Danielle is very interested in doing research for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, and hope to one day become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Pediatric Endocrinology. Danielle greatly enjoyed working at Bearskin Meadow Camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes in 2016, and is very excited to announce that she will be working there again this summer! It truly was an incredible experience, and the memories from camp will be cherished in her heart forever. Danielle has been a worship leader at her church, Warehouse Christian Ministries, for 10 years, and loves to sing and play piano. She has been singing ever since she was 3 years old, and playing piano for about 16 years. Danielle was the pianist for the Sheldon High School Vocal Ensemble and Concert Choir in Spring 2017, and enjoy playing piano and singing for events as well. She is very honored to be one of the speakers for the Yes2College event. Danielle spoke for this event in 2016, speaking about Traveling with Diabetes, and it is such a joy to be back! She sincerely wants to encourage others that no matter what you go through, it can be utilized for good; you can be the spokesperson in others’ lives and inspire others to persevere. Dreams can become reality, and lives can be touched every moment, as you are the example to others of what it means to overcome and make your mark upon this world.
Sarah Sahagún is currently a 16 year old junior who attends John H. Pitman High School. She was diagnosed with Type One diabetes in the 5th grade at age ten. She’s played soccer for 8 years, including 3 in a competitive league and has been part of the Pitman High School soccer team for the past 3 years. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running half marathons with her mother and sister. As busy as she is, she still manages to maintain an AIC between 7-8 and doesn’t let it get in the way of having a normal and fun life.
Sean Harrison is currently attending Sacramento State at night for a degree in Finance. He has been working in the finance industry for the past four years where he does retirement planning for retirees and families. He attended Jesuit High School where he played lacrosse and basketball all four years, and graduated with a GPA of 3.9. In his free time, he likes to exercise, read and play video games. Sean was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was only 3 years old.
Amani Peer-Baadqir is currently a sophomore attending Sacramento City College and will be transferring to UC Davis. She is majoring in English and environmental science. Amani is part of the citizens climate lobby environmental organization in Sacramento. She was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2015. In high school Amani held three diabetes seminars, maintained a 4.0 all four years and was part of the honors society club. Amani enjoys going to the gym, reading and spending time with her family.
Katherine London is a 17 year old senior at Rio Americano High School and has been diabetic since she was a toddler. Despite the hassle of managing her blood sugars, she has played competitive soccer since she was 5 and continues to play for her schools Varsity team. Katherine is a part of her schools Student Goverment and loves to travel. She just recently returned from a week of hiking with her family through the National Parks of Utah. Along with discovering the freedom of owning a car and beginning to drive, Katherine continues to maintain a high GPA and well rounded social life, and is excited to be a apart of this program.
Samuel Black is a 22 year old college student studying computer science at the University of Nevada Reno. He is determined to not let his T1D get in the way of his dreams, by maintaining an a1c under 6.5, Sam hopes to compete in his first strongman competition this fall. While not in school or working as a full time caregiver, Sam enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his wife Victoria. Sam was diagnosed later in life at 17, and hopes to shares his college troubles with others to prevent them making the same mistakes he made.
Reese Wheeler is 17 years old and a junior Nevada Union High School and was diagnosed either diabetes when she was five on November 1, 2007. She loves to play basketball, softball, and tennis and doesn’t let her diabetes stop her. Reese got a diabetic alert service dog, Rover, from Dogs4Diabetics in April of 2018. He helps her keep my numbers in check. Reese has a 4.3 GPA and balance all of her AP and honors classes with her sports to maintain my GPA. She loves to travel when she has free time and hopes to study to become a biomedical engineer in college.
Brent Malde is a 16 high school junior at Oak Ridge High School and has had T1 Diabetes since he was 5 years old. Brent has been on a Medtronic pump for 6 years now and have been on a CGM for almost a year. His favorite hobbies are playing soccer (played competitively from 2nd to 9th grade), hanging out with friends, and whatever makes him happy. Brent is currently juggling 4 AP classes to maintain a 4.5 GPA and plan to go to college in a field involving biology. He is very excited to be on this panel and to offer advice to those who are seeking it.
Mitchell Schellenger was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2005, and was a patient of Dr. Prakasam's from then up through college. In that time he attended Roseville High School and played baseball, and was active in the school's music department. Mitchell attended UC Berkeley and graduated last spring with his degree in Computer Science, and now work as a software developer in the East Bay. In his spare time, Mitchell enjoys playing music, golfing, the gym, hiking in and around the bay area, and watching the Boston Red Sox.
Ty Wilkins is a 15 year old sophmore currently enrolled at Rocklin High School. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes his 8th grade year on the very last day of Spring break. Ty has been using Pens for insulin dosing and has recently started using the dexcom G5 CGM for the COACH study at the CEDE. Some of the activities he enjoys doing are: skiing, golfing, and playing in the various musical programs the school offers. Academically he is working through two weighted classes one in the area of chemistry and the other in computer science. His hopes for a future career are somewhere in the area of engineering especially being a petroleum engineer. Ty is extremely excited to be a part of this program and to offer assistance to those who seek it.