Our Promise
Here at Don't Be A Sap, we have been achieving so much with so little for so long that now we can do the impossible with nothing at all. We promise to continue making the impossible happen by advocating for Deaf individuals and exposing the world to the incredible life of ASL education. Our mission includes helping underprivileged families who rely solely on Love and Hope to stay afloat, ultimately making everyone's life a little better. We offer support for hearing loss to anyone experiencing any type of hearing impairment, cognitive differences, or challenges due to life circumstances (such as serving in the military, illness, or accidents). Our commitment is to bridge the gap between the ASL communities and the Hearing communities, doing everything in our power to bring acceptance and equality to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Autistic, Mute, Blind, and beautifully gifted individuals.
The Board and Key Personnel
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
At Don't Be a Sap..., we proudly support advocacy for Deaf individuals by offering a diverse selection of novelties that cater to all ages and interests. From funny gag gifts to nostalgic toys, we have something for everyone, all while promoting ASL education and raising awareness for hearing loss.
Andrea Cota Board President
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
Andrea Cota holds dual degrees in Psychology and Art History from UC Davis and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. She is a practicing school counselor and a former ESE teacher and RBT. Through her work, Andrea has supported children with mental health challenges and developmental di
Andrea Cota holds dual degrees in Psychology and Art History from UC Davis and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. She is a practicing school counselor and a former ESE teacher and RBT. Through her work, Andrea has supported children with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities, incorporating her academic expertise with compassionate, hands-on experience. As a strong advocate for Deaf children's rights and an enthusiast for ASL education, Andrea combines her passion for mental health with support for hearing loss, ensuring that all students receive the assistance they need. A leader and published author, she is deeply committed to advancing mental health awareness and services. As a CODA and the daughter of the founder of Don’t Be a Sap, It’s a Booby Trap (DBAS), Andrea carries forward a personal and professional passion for helping children with disabilities across diverse communities. Her involvement in DBAS is not only an extension of her family legacy but also reflects her mission to promote inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for children and families.
Teresa Campbell Board Secretary
Patricia Riley Founder & Director
Persephone Haskell Board Community Advisor
Teresa is our number one supporter! As a NP in California and an amazing mother and grandmother, she actively champions advocacy for Deaf individuals. With her strong knowledge of mental and physical health, disabilities, and ASL education, she is a vital resource for support for hearing loss. Truly, she is an amazing woman.
Persephone Haskell Board Community Advisor
Persephone Haskell Board Community Advisor
Persephone Haskell Board Community Advisor
Driven by a dedication to youth education and inclusive community building, Persephone brings invaluable insight to the DBAS board. Her hands-on experience in education and creative initiative help guide our outreach strategies, ensuring our programs deliver meaningful, lasting impact for families and children of all abilities.
Maggie Wellman Special Projects Manager
Persephone Haskell Board Community Advisor
Maggie Wellman Special Projects Manager
Maggie Wellman, MBA, brings a robust background in nonprofit development and organizational strategy to her work with DBAS. With an MBA from the University of Colorado, Maggie focuses on project management and fundraising for special initiatives that advocate for Deaf communities and enhance ASL education, helping to bridge the gap betwee
Maggie Wellman, MBA, brings a robust background in nonprofit development and organizational strategy to her work with DBAS. With an MBA from the University of Colorado, Maggie focuses on project management and fundraising for special initiatives that advocate for Deaf communities and enhance ASL education, helping to bridge the gap between Deaf, ASL, and hearing communities. With her experience in event planning, grant organization, and partnership building, Maggie excels at turning big ideas into actionable, well-managed projects. Her goal is to ensure that DBAS continues to grow its reach and empower communities through creativity, connection, and sustainable support.