Christine Rhoads
Executive Director
Christine joins DRC with 19 years of non-profit development experience, including 12 years in the type 1 diabetes (T1D) research field. “The tremendous progress I’ve seen over the last decade in advancing T1D cures and improving T1D management inspires and motivates me. I’m delighted to join this dedicated team of caring people who work tirelessly to advance breakthroughs and solve new pieces of the complex diabetes puzzle. I have hope of seeing T1D eradicated in my lifetime and will join you in celebrating when that vision is realized!”
Lynette Hill
Operations and Program Manager
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Lynette decided to continue her career in the Theme Park Industry. For 19 years, she held positions in operations, primarily on the culinary side of the business. She incorporates her experience in onboarding, budget management, policy implementation, and process improvement to advance the mission of DRC.
She served as an industry leader on the Food and Beverage Committee for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Her desire to teach carried through her career, serving as a mentor and coach to many, but her passion for helping others led her to the nonprofit world. Her childhood best friend with T1D is her inspiration for wanting to join DRC and help the community develop better management tools and hopefully a cure.
Hannah Gebauer
Program Coordinator
Hannah was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of 7 and has volunteered for several non-profit organizations in the T1D community, helping to raise money for a cure and educating children and young adults on the importance of diabetes management and well-being. After receiving her degree at the University of San Diego, she decided that it was time to merge her personal and professional goals and eventually found DRC, where she hopes to make a difference in finding the cure for T1D while enhancing the Program department at DRC.
Kayleigh Dearstyne-Hulin
Philanthropy Coordinator
Kayleigh Dearstyne-Hulin, originally from Albany, New York, is excited to be working at Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) and making San Diego her new home. She has worked at several nonprofits doing education, policy, and advocacy. She is passionate about working for mission-driven nonprofits that assist others, such as the DRC. She was drawn to DRC’s unique mission of connecting the entirety of the T1D community, and she is excited to advance this goal as the Philanthropy Coordinator.