We’re just like you.

Down Syndrome Connections wants you to know that you’re welcome here. We are a group of individuals working to make the community bigger, and inclusive to all. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Group of children and adults sitting on the ground, and showing crazy funky socks for World Down Syndrome Day.
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Our Mission

Our foundational tenets are INCLUSION, ADVOCACY, EDUCATION and SUPPORT.

People with Down syndrome can do so much, and our organization includes individuals with Down syndrome at its core.

We serve the Down syndrome community in order to bridge gaps in finding resources, events and services.

We serve everyone in the community: parents, grandparents, adult siblings, caregivers and individuals with Down syndrome. We welcome others in the DD/IDD community to join in our activities.

We want to connect with you, and allow you to connect with each other, and with the people, resources, events, organizations and activities that serve people with Down syndrome. We promote research that helps people with Down syndrome be healthy, live longer and be fully included in society as a whole.

An infographic about Down Syndrome Connections (DSC) explaining mission, programs, and impact. Sections cover education, support, advocacy, resources, and their 2024 impact, with colorful blocks and icons.

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2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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  • A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiling in a room with animated posters on the wall.

    Lisa Holmquist

    PRESIDENT

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A woman with glasses and long wavy hair, wearing a black shirt with white polka dots and a blue lanyard, smiling at the camera.

    Waldina Tapia

    VICE PRESIDENT and Grupo Español

    (Southern Nevada)

  • Portrait of a woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and a blue lanyard.

    Felica Calhoun

    VICE PRESIDENT

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A woman with glasses smiling, wearing a tan jacket and a black shirt with a white stripe, standing against a plain background.

    Tanya Williams

    SECRETARY

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A smiling woman with long, light brown hair in a social or formal setting, with people blurred in the background.

    Carol Kramer

    TREASURER

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A woman with long dreadlocks, wearing glasses and a colorful floral top, smiling and resting her chin on her hand against a light purple background.

    Nyetta Abernathy

    DIRECTOR

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearings a leopard print top, against a yellow background.

    Jordyne Duncan

    DIRECTOR

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A smiling man with gray hair, wearing glasses with a blue reflection, a checkered shirt, and a black jacket, against a solid light blue background.

    Michael Eicher

    DIRECTOR

    (Southern Nevada)

  • Portrait of a young woman with long, wavy red hair, wearing a floral top and a necklace, against a blue background.

    Hannah Huse

    DIRECTOR

    (Northern Nevada)

  • A woman with styled dreadlocks, wearing a white T-shirt with purple and gold lettering, smiling and sitting at a wooden table with a blue background.

    Kalea Wright

    DIRECTOR

    (Southern Nevada)

  • A man with black hair, glasses, and a dark suit smiling during an indoor event.

    Lo Fu Tan, MD

    MEDICAL ADVISOR

    Former member of DSC Inaugural board, Dr. Tan continues to advise DSCLV on medical issues.

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair tied back, wearing a light-colored hoodie, standing indoors with a colorful background including a projection screen and yellow chairs.

    Thessa Hilgenkamp

    ADVISOR
    Former member of DSC Inaugural board, Dr. Hilgenkamp continues to advise DSCLV on research issues and assist with the Annual Las Vegas Down Syndrome Conference.

  • Smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing an orange sheer blouse with textured dots and an orange skirt, standing against a dark gray background.

    Christina Ugalde

    NORTHERN NEVADA ADVISOR

    Executive Director · Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada