About

DSIA was founded in 2004 by three families seeking greater access to support, information, and services in our community. Since then, we’ve grown as a dedicated non-profit organization serving Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Yuba, and Sutter counties.

Our Mission

Our Vision

We envision a community where people with Down syndrome are empowered, respected as individuals, and accepted as valued participants in neighborhood schools, community activities, and the business world.

Our History

After experiencing the educational, social, and support benefits offered by other Down syndrome advocacy groups around the country, the Bermudes, Prieto, and Linn families – each having a young child with Down syndrome – formed the Down Syndrome Information Alliance. Together, with Sally Dominguez (whose granddaughter has Down syndrome) and Nicole Besoyan (whose daughter has Down syndrome), these families served as the founding Board of Directors. DSIA became affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society and began providing community services in late 2004. By mid-2005, DSIA had connected with local hospitals and became the local source of information for medical professionals and parents. In our first year, DSIA distributed 150 parent guides!

DSIA now provides regular educational symposia, resources, support, activities, and myriad programs for the Down syndrome community. Learn more about our programs and services, and how to become a member!

Meet the Board of Directors

Heather

Heather Green, President

In 2001 Heather had her first daughter, Gabby, who was born with Down syndrome. In 2004, along with two other families, Heather found DSIA. She has been active ever since, serving as Vice President, Executive Director, and currently serving as DSIA’s Program Coordinator. Heather previously worked for Sacramento County as a Deputy Sheriff and for the Sacramento County Office of Education Infant Development Program as a Parent Representative. Now, along with DSIA, Heather works at the WarmLine Family Resource Center as a Family Resource and Support Specialist and Training and Activities Coordinator. Heather is also a committee member of The National Scientific Advisory Committee for the MIND Institute.  Together, she and Andy have 6 children. Send an email to Heather.

Monica

Monica Crumley, Vice President

Monica and her husband, Doug, have 5 children. Their fourth child, John Michael, has Down syndrome and teaches them daily to slow down and enjoy life. Monica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, but currently stays home to raise her children. In her spare time, she volunteers at her kids’ schools, sings in a vocal group and writes a blog about raising a child with Down syndrome. Send an email to Monica.

Jonna

Jonna Heichlinger, Secretary

Jonna and her husband Matt live in Rocklin with their 3 children: Abbey,William, and Grace. Their daughter Grace (born in 2008) is the blessing that brought them to DSIA. Prior to the birth of their son, Jonna worked as a teacher’s aide for a Developmentally Delayed Kindergarten Class and had the absolute joy of getting very familiar with children living with Down syndrome. Jonna also taught swim lessons for 16 years and often had the pleasure of working with people of all ages in the water with a little something extra. Send an email to Jonna.

Trevor

Trevor Stapleton, Treasurer

Trevor Stapleton joined the DSIA Board in 2008 and also serves as the organization’s Treasurer. Trevor and his wife, Julie, are the proud parents of 2 boys, Riley and Joseph (Ds). Beginning with Joseph’s pre-natal diagnosis, Trevor and his family have and continue to experience the challenges facing a young child with Down syndrome. As a result, Trevor is very passionate about DSIA’s programs, experiencing firsthand the support and hope DSIA brings to the Down syndrome community. When not spending time with his family or serving DSIA, Trevor is a partner with Wilke, Fleury, Hoffelt, Gould & Birney, LLP, one of Sacramento’s oldest and most respected law firms, serving the Sacramento Valley region since 1922. Send an email to Trevor.

Susan

Susan Biery

Susan and her husband, John, have three girls and one boy. Her middle child has been blessed with an extra chromosome. She has a bachelor’s in business management with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from BYU. She is currently working part-time on a degree as a physician assistant. Send an email to Susan.

Nancy

Nancy Muir

Nancy and her husband Alastair live in Rocklin with their three children. They began gathering information about Down syndrome when they found out their daughter, MacKenzie, was carrying an extra 21^st chromosome before she was born. They realized from the beginning that their daughter would and could do anything and everything everyone else does, and it is that attitude that has pushed them and their daughter to not let anything hold her back. Nancy works for Placer County, is a Girl Scout Troop Leader, loves driving her son all over Northern California to watch him play soccer, and enjoys relaxing with her family. Send an email to Nancy.

Magdeline

Magdeline Zogopoulos

Magdeline is a proud mother of teenager Katina Aitkens. Katina and Magdeline have never let the fact that Katina has an extra 21^st chromosome stand in their way. Magdeline serves on the Community Advisory Committee to the Sacramento City Unified School District, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and currently works for Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services. Send an email to Magdeline.

Rosalinda

Rosalinda Gray

Rosalinda and her husband Anthony have two children, Isabella, 7 years old and Dorian, 19 months old who was born with Down syndrome. Rosalinda was given a 2 out of 3 chance during her 16th week of pregnancy that Dorian would have Down syndrome. Dorian was officially diagnosed at 1 week of age. Rosalinda is currently at home with the children after leaving her job with Yolo County and the Yolo County Crisis Nursery. Rosalinda has worked as a teachers aid as well, working with many children who have Autism, Down syndrome and other diagnosis. Rosalinda is currently volunteering in classrooms, continuing her education and loving life. Send an email to Rosalinda.

Shannon

Shannon Murphy

Want to Serve the Down Syndrome Community?

DSIA is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Board. We are currently seeking members with the following interests, expertise, and skills:

• Self-advocate (must be 18 years or older)
• Fundraising/development
• Grant writing
• Education
• Health care professional

For more information contact volunteer@downsydromeinfo.org

Past DSIA Presidents and Executive Directors

Board Presidents

Lisa Lindsey, Ph.D. (2010-2012)

Dana Garel (2009-2010)

Samantha Smith (2008-2009)

Heather Green (2004-2008)

Executive Directors

Elaine Linn (2008-2009)