President

Jill Conner

Jill is honored to serve as the Board President of DDI Vantage and currently holds the position of Local Outreach Manager for Intermountain Health. In her role, she leads a team of Outreach Provider Relations Representatives and oversees the implementation of strategic growth plans for specific service lines.  Her extensive background includes a tenure as Business Development Director at Shriners Children’s and valuable experience in medical sales and financial services.
Jill is passionate about her contribution to the DDI Vantage Board and is dedicated to advocating for families of children with special health care needs and medically underserved populations.
Jill and her family live near the foothills of Salt Lake City, where they enjoy the scenic surroundings. In her spare time, Jill enjoys neighborhood dog walks, Friday night cribbage games, and family golf outings. Their favorite getaway is Island Park, Idaho, where they love to fly fish for trout on the Henry’s Fork River.

Vice President

Shelby Shugart

My name is Shelby Shugart. I am a dedicated mother of a blended family of 12 children and Mimi to 9 grandchildren. I have a lifelong passion for supporting children and families, particularly in the area of early childhood education and development. From an early age, I was drawn to working with children with disabilities, ensuring they felt seen, valued, and included — a commitment that has carried through every stage of my personal and professional life.

I currently serve as a Center Director at a childcare facility in Tooele, where I am devoted to creating a supportive environment for children, families, and staff. My professional background includes experience in the medical field, working in family practice and pediatrics as a receptionist, medical assistant, and patient coordinator. Additionally, I have served in several leadership roles within the PTA, including Secretary and President.

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I am a passionate advocate for early intervention, early detection, and ensuring that families have access to resources and support. My family has personally benefited from DDI Vantage services, and I am honored to serve on the Board to further their mission of empowering children and families.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, coaching soccer, playing the piano, and engaging in community activities. I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Board Member

Patrice Goins-Boyd

Patrice has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah in Human Development and Family Studies, is licensed as a Social Service Worker (SSW), and has worked with families for well over thirty years. 

She has been an in-home childcare provider, a program coordinator at a residential facility for teen girls, co-developed a teen pregnancy program called “Help I’m Going to Be A Mommy” with her husband, and has worked with women and teen girls as a director at the YWCA domestic violence shelter for teen moms. She was also a co-founder of Kairos Charter School for pregnant and parenting teen girls.

Prior to her retirement from DDIVantage, Patrice worked there for 17 years in varied capacities and ended her career as a Coach supporting the Family Advocates. As a Board member she will be committed to using the knowledge that she has gained to support DDIVantage and advocate for the families that are served.

In Patrice’s free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and learning to create raw whole food plant-based recipes.

Board Member

Melynda Epperson

Melynda is a former director at Evanston Child Development Center in Evanston, WY. She is currently the Finance Director of a local nonprofit. She has many years of experience in Head Start and early childhood education. Her son, Tyler was born prematurely with many developmental and medical problems. Melynda credits early intervention for making a huge difference in her son’s life. Sadly, her son passed away at age 15 from his many medical challenges. Melynda is devoted to children and has a special place in her heart for early childhood. She is committed to the values and mission DDI Vantage represents.

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Board Member

Judy Ashcroft

Judy has a BS Degree in Accounting from Utah State University.  She has worked in both Government and Private accounting positions spanning over 35 years.  She is a CPA, licensed in the State of Utah.  She is a Jazz fan and loves Legos.  She has one son and enjoys camping with the family.  She is a firm believer that early intervention will help a child their entire life.

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Board Member

Megan McQuarrie

Megan McQuarrie represents the board as a past parent of a child in Early Head Start. Seeing her son succeed has been one of the best gifts of her life. It is important to her to advocate for children in the program along with the parents.

Board Member

John Harvey

John has a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and a Master of Business Administration. He comes to DDI Vantage being a parent to a child that previously used DDI Vantage services and brings his drive to help make this world a better place. John enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children. They all enjoy traveling, paddle boarding, and swimming. John is a huge Utah Jazz fan, is getting into being a Utah Mammoth fan, and both University of Utah & BYU football fan. Yes, that can happen.

Board Member

Daniel Heaps

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2017, Heaps went on to attend Creighton University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor of Law with a focus on litigation. Before joining Stowell Crayk, Heaps worked as a Victim Counselor at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.Outside of work, Danny enjoys sports, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his kids.

Board Member

Sadie Rodriguez

A proud Head Start kid in 2003, Sadie Rodriguez’s early experiences shaped her lifelong passion for supporting children and families. With over eight years in early childhood education, she has held roles ranging from Therapeutic Preschool Specialist and severe Child Abuse Investigator to Behavior Specialist, Manager of Disabilities and Mental Health, and Manager of Early Childhood Education. Sadie has presented at the Early Childhood Conference of Utah from 2023 to 2025 and is set to present at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Conference in November 2025. She is deeply committed to professional development, creating and delivering bilingual trainings on trauma-informed practices, behavior support, and inclusive learning.
Sadie earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work and holds an ECMH-E® (Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement), blending her lived experience with professional expertise.
 

Board Member

Mark Castillo

Mark has a Bachelor’s in Human Resources from Brigham Young University and a Master’s from Utah State University. He has served in HR leadership roles in various industries, ranging from
telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and non-profits. Currently, he is an HR Consultant for the Employers Council and has provided leadership training to the management team of DDI Vantage. Mark enjoys travelling with his wife, running, following college football and eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants.