Meet the Board

I joined the board in 2014. I wanted to become actively involved in the Down Syndrome community and connect with others who had shared experiences. I also think the role of an organization like New Directions is so important; I wanted to be a part of that and contribute to helping people.

My family- Wife – Emma, Daughters – Norah (15), and Ruby (12) who has Down Syndrome.

I am a Math Teacher, Librarian, and Activities Director at West Sioux High School in Hawarden, IA. I enjoy woodworking, attending sporting events, and binge watching good shows. 

I am excited about the new look of the Buddy Walk, and hope to have more events throughout the year.  

I live in Sioux Falls with my wife Jaci and our two kids Parker (4) and Elias (2)I am a home health nurse for Avera. I enjoy fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. As a family we enjoy doing anything outdoors and water activities like splash pads and swimming and spending time in our backyard relaxing.

Joined the board: 2022

I was born and raised in Brookings, studied at NYU, and returned home where I met my husband, Jay, in 2013.  We relocated to Sioux Falls five years ago.  Previously I did administrative work for a small company, but made the switch to being a stay at home mom when Owen was born.   Our home has two boys, Skye, aged 12, and Owen, aged 1.5.  We also have a dog, and a cat.  You can usually find us either at Skye’s sporting events or out enjoying the state parks with our dog and the boys.

Our introduction to the Down syndrome community was with our youngest, who had a birth diagnosis.  We were initially concerned for his heart and oxygen needs; we closed his PDA in the cath lab when he was seven months old and the rest of Owen’s recovery has been all his own.  He is quite resilient and is all toddler these days.

Joined: 2023

I live in Sioux Falls with my husband, Jared, and three children Natalie (9), Isabella (4), and Lucas (4). Our son Lucas was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. I am a Registered Nurse and work at Universal Pediatrics and Dakota Dermatolgoy, both as needed. I also recently became an Executive Realtor Assistant for Shaina Goedtke with Keller Williams. Down Syndrome connected the two of us as Shaina has a daughter, Kenzie, who also has Down Syndrome.

I joined the board in March 2023. I joined the board because I am passionate about meeting other families within the Down Syndrome community. I believe that supporting each other and highlighting community events, no matter the organization is vital for the families living here. My goals are to create more opportunities for families to meet and support one another. I decided to take the leap and join the New directions board after serving as a committee member for a non profit called Rare by Design. I have been an active committee member the last year and a half and helped with their yearly fundraising event. It really helped me gain confidence in doing more for our community.

When I am not working and serving, I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, water activities, star gazing, it’s all fun. I have hiked the Grand Canyon, the Narrows, and Bryce Canyon with many more on my bucket list to do! I truly believe that nothing can stop a driven mind.

Joined:2023