MEET THE BOARD

Suzanne Taylor is the visionary behind The D.I.S.H. Foundation. As the mother of a young adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Suzanne was inspired to act when her son Kaden expressed his dream of becoming a chef. Recognizing the lack of vocational opportunities available to young adults with IDD after high school, Suzanne combined her personal experience and professional background in food service to create a solution that didn’t yet exist in her community.

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With a deep commitment to dignity, independence, sense of purpose, and hope, Suzanne founded D.I.S.H. in 2019 to provide hands-on culinary training in a supportive, inclusive environment. Her leadership helped launch the foundation’s first vocational training cycle in 2022, and since then, she has continued to guide the organization’s growth through collaboration, community engagement, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every participant.

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Suzanne is a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, and her work has laid the foundation for a future where individuals with IDD can thrive in the workforce and beyond. When she’s not running DISH, you can still find her in the kitchen — cooking with Kaden and dreaming up what’s next.

Kaden Taylor is the spark that lit the flame behind The D.I.S.H. Foundation. As a young adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Kaden’s enthusiasm for cooking and his desire to work in a kitchen inspired his mother, Suzanne Taylor, to create a space where dreams like his could become reality. One morning while making pancakes together, Kaden asked, “Mom, can I do this? Like, for a job?” That moment of pure excitement and ambition became the foundation for something much bigger than either of them imagined.

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Kaden’s passion and determination showed his family — and ultimately his community — that with the right support, individuals with IDD can thrive in the culinary world and beyond. His journey continues to influence the structure of DISH’s vocational training program, which emphasizes personalized instruction, independence, and the development of meaningful job skills.

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Kaden remains actively involved with DISH, participating in programming and helping to shape a space where others like him can find purpose, confidence, and connection. His story reminds us that one person’s dream can ignite a movement, and that inclusion isn’t just possible — it’s necessary.

Brett Evans lives and works in Bellingham, Washington, where he serves the Bellingham School District as an educator. He has spent over ten years teaching special education, including nine years in a transition program supporting students with disabilities as they developed vocational skills, independent living skills, and pathways to post-secondary education. He currently teaches at the elementary level.

 

Brett and his wife, whom he married in 2012, are raising two children. Their family experiences include parenting a child with autism and developmental disabilities as well as a neurotypical child, giving Brett both professional and deeply personal insight into disability advocacy and support. They also share their home with two dogs.

 

Outside the classroom, Brett is an active coach with Special Olympics and is passionate about building inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities. He enjoys skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Baker and finds joy in cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.

 

As Vice President of the DISH Foundation, Brett oversees the Vocational Training Program, bringing his extensive educational experience and commitment to meaningful, community-based outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Laura is a Bellingham native with a deep-rooted passion for community engagement and advocacy. With nearly
two decades in the marketing industry, she has served as the Marketing Manager at SaviBank since 2018, where
she focuses on building strong connections in the community and creating effective marketing strategies.

From a young age, Laura has been involved in supporting individuals with IDD, volunteering at a group home where
her mother worked. In high school, she continued this commitment as a camp counselor at Camp Horizon. Now,
as a member of the DISH Foundation Board, she is excited to help make a difference and raise awareness for the
IDD community.

Outside of work and advocacy, Laura enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her son.