Greater San Diego & Desert Area Chapter

Get Involved

There are a variety of ways that you can help support our mission of critical research, education and support programs for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Whether you donate your time, money, resources or skills, you can help make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Show your support today.

2026 Board of Directors

• Toni Covello — Board President
• Lisa Brumfield, President at Marathon Group Financial
• Melissa J. Ferrari, PA-C, MPAS - Scripps Clinic
• Kelly Gleeson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
• Jamie Harris, Teacher/Broken Yolk Café RSD
• David Hees
• Rich Israel 
• Elissa Kaufer, Marketing Consultant at Prudent Publishing Company
• Tim Skeen, Director of Forecasting and Analysis at Encore Capital Group

Executive Committee

• Angelina Collins, MSN, ANP-BC, UCSD Health, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
• Patricia Vasquez - President at Prometheus Laboratories

Healthcare Professional Engagement Committee

• Angelina Collins, MSN, ANP-BC, Chair - UCSD Health, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
• Mazer Ally, MD - Scripps Clinic
• Ashleigh Areias, DDS - Taddey Dental of La Jolla
• Tom Dearborn, MA, LMFT - Mental and Behavioral Health
• Christy Dobal, RN BSN - UCSD Health
• John Dozois, Retired Chief of Strategic Planning and Systems Redesign and Senior Healthcare Architect for the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Karina Felice-Isom, BSN, RN - UCSD Health
• Melissa J. Ferrari, PA-C, MPAS - Scripps Clinic
• Daryl Fick, MD - Naval Medical Center San Diego
• Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN - Eat Well Crohn's Colitis
• Jeannie Huang, MD, M.P.H. - Rady Children's Hospital, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
• Melissa Kirkpatrick, PharmD, BCACP - UCSD Health
• Gauree G. Konijeti, MD, MPH, FACG - Scripps Clinic
• Seyedehsan ("Ehsan") Navabi, MD, FACP - United Medical Doctors
• Preetika Sinh, MD - UCSD Health
• Alissa Speziale, MD - Sharp Rees-Stealy
• Alerice Walker, MS, PA-c - Naval Medical Center San Diego
• Carly Wilknson - Scripps Clinic

Join a Committee

Make a difference in the IBD community by joining a committee! Committee members help ensure our events are successful and reach our goals, we couldn't do it without them! There are typically six committee meetings in a season and the time commitment is roughly 4 hours a month. The San Diego & Desert Area Chapter currently has three opportunities to get involved on a committee: 

• Take Steps Walk Committee (family-friendly/community event)
• Champions of Hope Gala Committee (black tie gala)

Anyone who is dedicated to the Foundation's mission of finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is eligible to join. It is a great way to network, make an impact and have fun! For more information please contact Cindie Barbera at [email protected].

Volunteer

Volunteers and committee members needed!
Want to make a difference alongside other IBD warriors? We are in need of committee volunteers for our upcoming events, as well as in-office work. Apply for volunteer opportunities or email us at [email protected].

Become A Member

As a member of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, you will help us further the cause while receiving special membership benefits. Membership benefits include subscription to the chapter newsletter and national magazine, discounts on books, and invitations to participate in chapter events and programs. Individual memberships are only $30. Join or renew today.

Donate

Send us a gift and help support Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis research. This gift can also be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. Gifts can be mailed to our office address or paid with a credit card over the phone by calling (619) 322-5013.

Matching Gifts

Many companies offer Matching Gift programs, where employees can make a donation, and the company will match their gift with an additional donation to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. See if your company offers this!

Workplace Giving

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Greater San Diego & Desert Area Chapter is proud to participate in the workplace giving campaign of Community Health Charities and United Way. At many workplaces employees can direct contributions to the charity of their choice. Look for our name and agency code in your company campaign. If you don't find us, please ask your employer to add Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

United Way Contributor Choice 

Community Health Charities Contributor Choice #37071

Donate Stock

We accept stocks as donations, if you are interested in learning about this program, please contact the Greater San Diego & Desert Area Chapter office today at (619) 322-5013.