Board of Directors

Michael Federico has over 25 years of law enforcement experience in Southern California. He is currently a Police Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor's degree in Vocational Education from Cal State Long Beach with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Ventura College. Mike has a beautiful 21-year-old daughter, Cameo, who has Down syndrome. He has been very active in the special needs community for over 20 years. Cameo and Mike also owned and operated a family Italian Restaurant in Southern California; they created a very fun place for families, which included a work program for the special needs community.

Tammy Porter is a digital marketing professional living in Los Angeles, California. She has over 15 years of experience elevating brands and ensuring their success online. With extensive experience in business development, strategic planning, brand management, and experiential marketing, Tammy also spent over a decade as a celebrity and entertainment event planner in Hollywood. When not busy fulfilling her role as Digital Marketing Director for GoDaddy, Tammy enjoys travel, scuba diving, writing, public speaking, and advocating for two of her philanthropic passions: male breast cancer awareness and the disability community. Tammy’s profound experience growing up with an uncle who had Down syndrome ignited her passion for promoting inclusion and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. She is proud to partner with DSALA and serves on the Board.

Wayne Geffen began his career in accounting for corporate entities as an Accounting Manager and Senior Accountant. In 1984 he became Vice President and Controller for a multi-unit retailer. Wayne has held Vice President and Controller positions since 1984. In 2010 Wayne started his Consulting Firm, assisting existing and start-up businesses by providing strategic financial and operation guidance. In 2012, Wayne was hired as Vice President of Finance for a large international grocery company chain with several high-volume stores in Los Angeles.

Joe Gosser is the Director of Sales for a medical software company based in Valencia, CA. He has over 15 years of experience with information technology in medical laboratories around the world. Joe also has an extensive background in business development, strategic planning, and marketing. Outside of work, Joe enjoys traveling, spending time with his loved ones, and volunteering in his local community. Joe proudly serves as a DSALA board member.

Actress/Self Advocate
Andrea Fay Friedman portrayed Amanda, the girlfriend of the character Charles "Corky" Thacher, on the TV show Life Goes On for two seasons. Friedman also had main roles in various shows such as Law and Order, SVU, and Family Guy. Andrea has been working at a law firm, in the accounting department, for 25 years. She also occasionally works as an assistant teacher for the Pathway program at UCLA, where she helps teach students how to live independently.

Self Advocate
Eden Rapp is an active 21-year-old with many passions. She loves the stage and has performed with the Junior Born to Act Players, in school productions, and with the local children’s theater. Eden expresses her love for music by playing the piano and performing with Musical Connection through Inclusion.