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.

Marniebel Castro

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 (12) who has Down syndrome.

Ashley Hofer

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.

Oryza Quiles

Program Coordinator

Oryza has a B.S. in Special Education from Venezuela. While she spent many years working in sales and collections, her true passion has always been supporting children with special needs. That passion became even more personal when her daughter, Sabrina, was born with Down syndrome. Oryza has been a dedicated volunteer whenever possible and later served as a member of our Board of Directors. Wanting to make an even more personal impact, she joined the DSACF team. Oryza lives in the Altamonte Springs area with her husband, Agustin, her sons, Benji and Matteo, her daughter, Sabrina, and her mother, Maria.

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.