About Us

The Redwood Bleeding Disorders Community was founded in 2024 as one of five patient advocacy organizations represented at the state level by the Bleeding Disorders Council of CA.  The organization was formed to extend chapter services to the underserved far north coast of California. RBDC is a non-profit 501c3 and currently operates without any paid staff as a grass-roots board-run organization.

  • G Shellye Horowitz

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    G Shellye Horowitz, MA, PPS has strong ties to the bleeding disorders community with six traceable generations of hemophilia A in her family. Shellye has hemophilia A. Her advocacy work includes an emphasis on early diagnosis and care for females with hemophilia and strengthening diagnosis and care for all people with mild bleeding disorders.

    Shellye is a licensed school counselor and principal with over 30 years experience. She currently works for the University of Washington as a researcher in the Johnsen Lab. Shellye lives in Northern California, where she and her dog, “Hope,” love to wander through the majestic Redwood forests.

  • Cassandra Starks

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Cassandra Starks is an initiated firekeeper, granicera (or weather worker) in the Nahua tradition and plant spirit medicine healer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2015, is a 2-time All-American pole vaulter and set her college’s indoor and outdoor record for highest vault, all while overcoming challenges caused by having hemophilia.

    After graduating college, Cassandra began teaching tai chi and giving inspirational talks to different organizations within the hemophilia community as well as creating and facilitating programs related to the stress response, the power of the mind and emotional wisdom. She is the mother of three young children, one of whom has severe hemophilia. 

  • Meredith Wolfe

    TREASURER

    Meredith has been involved in the bleeding disorders community most of her life with a child and a brother both with Severe Hemophilia A. She uses her background in Public Health and Healthcare Administration to contribute where she can to protect and improve access to care for the bleeding disorders population.

  • Paul VandenBranden

    SECRETARY

    Paul is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Davis. He was born and raised in Humboldt County and has severe Hemophilia A. He has been involved with advocacy for the bleeding disorders community with RBDC and the Bleeding Disorders Council of California. He is dedicated to improving the quality of care for people with all chronic and rare conditions.