We’re on a mission to change what’s possible for people with Down syndrome.

It all started with a small group of parents in 1991. Parents raising children with Down syndrome in a world that didn’t believe children with Down syndrome were capable of much. But these parents knew different.

These parents knew that with the right support and resources, their children could do anything. They could learn and succeed in school. They could make friends and become part of a community. They could find meaningful work and contribute to society. They could reach their full potential and live happy, fulfilling lives.

The world might not believe it, but these parents wouldn’t have it any other way.

Since 1991, DSACF has grown from a few parents to more than 1,200 individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We serve families across eight counties with help from more than 17,000 friends, professionals, volunteers and other supporters. Our powerful community believes in the extraordinary potential of people with Down syndrome. We’re bringing out that potential in extraordinary ways every day.

Mission

We change what’s possible for people with Down syndrome through:

PROGRAMS that propel children and adults with Down syndrome toward their full potential.

RESOURCES to support families at every stage of their life.

ADVOCACY to promote inclusion and protect the rights of people with Down syndrome.

Our Team

Heather Barnes

Executive Director

Heather has a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and originally began her career as a practicing clinician. For the last 19 years, Heather has held various management roles within nonprofits and has worked with the disability community for the last 17 years. Prior to joining DSACF, Heather spent the last 13 years working for Best Buddies, another nonprofit that provides programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her work with Best Buddies, Heather has gotten to know, and love, so many of the individuals and families with Down syndrome living in Central Florida. Heather has a 15 y.o. daughter, Hailey, and 13 y.o. son, Luke, whom she is frequently found chauffeuring around town to various sporting events.

Lauren Kelley

Development Manager

Lauren has a Bachelor's in Event Management from the University of Central Florida and has worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years. She has worked in several different sectors of the events world, but her passion lies within non-profit organizations. She even served as an intern at DSACF while in college, which helped spark that love for non-profits. She lives in Maitland with her partner, Kevin and their dog Ozzy.

Marniebel Castro

Program Development Manager

Marniebel has a background in hospitality and event coordination. She first became a member of DSACF in 2013 as a parent. In the past 5 years she has been a volunteer and took on the role as Chairperson of the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk. She has a passion for helping and advocating for people with Down syndrome. She currently resides in Orlando, Fl with her husband Philip and son Tommy (9) who has Down syndrome.

Ashley Hofer

Adult Program Coordinator

Ashley has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and has a background in operations and administration. She has always had a passion for giving back to her community and is excited to continue doing so in her role with the DSACF. Ashley currently resides in the Orlando area with her husband Ron, her daughter Nora, and her son Liam who has Down Syndrome.

Tori Leto

Program Coordinator

A proud graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Leadership, Tori Leto is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at USF. With a strong foundation in mental health, she is thrilled to join the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) as an advocate dedicated to enhancing resources, support, and resilience-building opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. Tori brings a wealth of community service experience from her tenure as Miss Tampa 2022 in the Miss America Organization, coupled with a talent for creative digital design. She is eager to contribute to expanding the reach and impact of DSACF’s resources.

Cynthia Rosado

Office Administrator

Cynthia has an Associate’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and worked in the pharmaceutical and medical industry for more than 23 years. She is blessed with a six-year-old daughter, Zoey, who has Down syndrome. Cynthia loves being able to combine her passion for the special population community with her career at DSACF. Cynthia leads our family/community outreach and memberships and is excited to join our families on their precious journey.

Board of Directors

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

The DSACF Medical Advisory Board is composed of physicians, psychologists, therapists, and other health care professionals who have an interest in and/or experience in caring for individuals with Down syndrome and are familiar with accepted standards of various general and subspecialty care of individuals with Down syndrome.

Samuel Smith, D.O.

Advent Health, Pediatrics

Lynda Pollack, M.D.

Orlando Health, Pediatric Genetics

Jennifer Tucker, PT, DPT, PCS

UCF, College of Physical Therapy

Annuette R Cabiac, M.D.

Orlando Health, Pediatrics

Gerson Valencia Villeda, M.D.

Orlando Health, Pediatric Cardiology

Sheryl Logan, M.D.

Women’s Care, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Julie Denham, M.D.

Nemours, Gastroenterology

Wendy Yovaish, ARNP

Orlando Health, Pediatric Genetics

Kristin Marie Castillo Farias, M.D.

Private Practice, Internal Medicine

Daniel Irizarry, M.D.

Kanan Medical, Family Medicine

Stacy Taylor, MA, B.C.B.A.

Advanced Behavior & Learning, Special Education and Behavior Analysis

Our Partners

Thank you to our partners, whose generous support makes our programs possible.