Kate joined the Board in August 2023, after her T1D daughter came home from her first session at Camp Leo and couldn’t stop talking about how great it was! Kate and her family moved to the Seattle area from New Orleans in 2022, and she had been looking for a way to get involved in the community. With a background in Human Resources, Kate is looking forward to helping with DEI initiatives, events, fundraising and recruitment. For fun, Kate loves to read, sew, attend concerts, travel and explore new places with her husband, four children and Sam (the cutest dog ever).

Thatcher Heldring is a writer and author focused on Type 1 Diabetes, environmental education, and other issues related to children and health. He has also partnered with clients working on literacy, sustainable communities, youth leadership development, and health policy. Currently, he is the Communications Director for a research institute at the University of Washington. He is also the author of four sports novels for young readers and the father of a 11-year-old T1 and a 14-year-old T3. You can reach Thatcher through his website at www.spitballinc.com.

Megan King, also known as “Squeaks” has been a volunteer with Type 1 United’s Camp Leo summer camps since 2007. Megan’s time with Camp Leo has primarily focused on directing the High School Camp program. Growing up as a person with Type 1, Megan understands the power of community through the teenage years, and strives to provide an opportunity for support and connection to as many young people as possible. When not at camp, or planning to be at camp, Megan is an Environmental Engineer with the Port of Seattle’s Aviation Environment & Sustainability Group. If you can’t find her at work, or at camp, there is a strong likelihood she is having an adventure with her friends, or her nieces, or baking a sweet treat with all the carbs in it!

Ryan McKinley, also known as “Mousetrap”, has been a part of Type 1 United since 2015, when he first came to Camp Leo as a camper. The type 1 community was greatly impactful to Ryan as a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic. Ryan began volunteering in 2017 as a CIT, and later a Counselor. He attended Washington State University where he studied accounting and finance, and began his career in accounting working as a financial statement auditor focused on healthcare and non-profit organizations. In his free time, Ryan is a musician and songwriter, and performs at live music venues across the pacific northwest with his band, Rice.

Connor Howard, also known as “Parkour”, has been a part of Type 1 united’s Camp Leo since he started as a camper in 2005. Connor has since moved his way up the ranks to be a Counselor, Activities Director, Assistant Director, and most recently Director of the high School Camp program. His experiences as a camper through Camp Leo and it’s T1D community have influenced many decisions throughout his life. Connor has always had a passion for bringing fun into every situation and strives to continue that through his work with the T1D community. In his day to day life Connor works as the Vendor Repair Coordinator for a property management company specializing in storage facilities. On his off days Connor enjoys playing on the beach with his wife and dog and getting cool photography shots with his camera drone.

Krista has been living with type 1 diabetes since she was 11. Her personal journey with T1D has fueled her passion for supporting others in the community. She currently works at Microsoft in HR and Talent Acquisition where she leverages her skills to attract and retain top talent. Her professional background also includes experience in social work and fundraising for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Outside of work she enjoys running, traveling with her husband, Ryan, cooking, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Volunteering has always been a significant part of her life and she is eager to bring her volunteer skills to the organization. She is eager to reach even more people in the T1D community to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Joy Briggs is currently the Business Operations Manager for the Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic at Seattle Children’s.  She has been in the Endocrinology department for over the last 6 years and has been a Nurse Leader for the last 10 years.  She came to SCH after her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2016 and this job has allowed her the opportunity to focus her passion for Leadership with her personal experience raising a child with Diabetes.  Joy was integral in the launch of the Diabetes Outpatient Program and is active in curriculum and program development with the division.  In addition to her work life, Joy is an avid reader, loves table-top games, is fond of the nerd culture (she prefers Star Trek over Star Wars – but loves both) and can often be found with some kind of crochet or needle work project in her hand.  In addition to her son, Joy also has an older daughter, husband of 20 years, and 4 cats.

Andy Zosel has been on the board of Type 1 United since 2019. He is the proud parent of two amazing young adults with T1D. Andy and his wife Renea have invested a lot of effort in supporting excellent organizations such as JDRF and Benaroya Research over the past 24+ years while raising a family. They are proud to support Type 1 United with our focus on community for families and T1Ds of all ages. They have especially enjoyed watching their son grow from camper to counselor at Camp Leo! Andy is currently the CEO of Omron Microscan a high-tech industrial automation business headquartered in Renton, WA. For recreation Andy enjoys any sport (especially if it involves water), cheering for UW and playing disc golf with his dogs.

Dr. Levi Lancaster received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2014. He completed two years of residency in Olympia, Washington that includes one year of general practice residency at St Peter Hospital and a second year specializing in family medicine and chronic disease management at St Peter Family Medicine. He is board certified in ambulatory care and advanced diabetes management, and he has been teaching resident physicians and pharmacists since 2018 as the Faculty Pharmacist at Providence St. Peter Family Medicine residency program. His professional interests include diabetes management and population health. He has volunteered with Camp Leo for Children with Diabetes since 2016. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs and partner, hosting board game nights with friends, and playing computer/console games.

Nate is new to the Type 1 United Board of Directors for 2023. For most of his life he has had close friends and family members who have diabetes and is a big fan of Camp Leo and what it provides for kids. Nate has worked with non-profit organizations over the last 10 years where he has helped guide them in their marketing efforts. He’s currently the Land Rover Account Director at Accenture where he oversees social media, brand, and retail marketing for Land Rover in the U.S. In his free time, Nate enjoys adventure travels, outdoor activities, and finds himself behind the wheel of a race car every now and then.

Jan joined the Type 1 United board in 2023, though she is an original founder of Camp Leo and has been involved in camp operations for over 30 years. Jan is a Retired Chronic Disease Director for the Department of Health, with 30 years Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She is an esteemed and engaged Lions Club leader. Jan loves to play golf, garden and have meaningful conversations.