Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks

DSGO Board Members

• Lynn Neidigh - President contact...
  Currently, I choose to stay at home with my four year old Jessica and my two year old son, Jackson, who happens to have Down syndrome. The work I do with the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks keeps me busy. I enjoy giving public presentations at schools, civic organizations, churches etc. I strongly believe in building a community where individuals with Down syndrome are welcomed, valued and supported.
• Jennifer Giordano - Secretary contact...
  As part of a dynamic DS organization in Michigan, I was blessed to have access to so much information, many resources and great support. I am very excited about the opportunity to help create those same opportunities for families in the Ozarks. My son that has DS is now 8 years old and, though I have learned much about DS, inclusive education and how to be a strong advocate for him, there is still much to learn and experience in our future. I am a fervent believer that by networking with other families we can all be better, well-informed advocates for our loved ones with DS. No matter what stage you find yourself currently - new parent, family member to an older child or adolescent with DS, support for an adult with DS - your experiences and knowledge can be of immeasurable value to others. I believe that in making ourselves better advocates we are in turn making our community stronger and, ultimately the future brighter with more opportunities for our loved ones here in the Ozarks.
• Kelly Shifflet - Treasure contact...
  My primary focus for the DSGO is to build a relationship with the area schools and supported employment programs. I would like to see us become a resource to provide information and training about Down Syndrome and related topics. I believe that our group can work with the schools and community towards inclusion and a better life for our children and loved ones. Learn more about Kelly...
• Amy Waldrop contact...
  I believe that all people who have a disability can and should be involved with every opportunity life has to offer and all aspects of their community, especially employment. I believe that attitude is the driving force for everything. I wrote the DSGO Policy and Procedures, and the 501(c)(3) application so that we could obtain non profit status. Learn more about Amy...
• Becky Morgan contact...
  As board member of the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks I serve as Chair of the Parent-to-Parent Support Network. We provide support and friendship for new parents of children with Down syndrome. I am employed with the Springfield Public Schools as Coordinator of Attendance Services. A position I have held going on 15 years. On November 21, 2005 my family was blessed with the birth of my niece, Ashlynn Michelle Oaks. She is a child with Down syndrome. Ashlynn is just like any other child. She will do what she wants to do, be what she wants to be, and go where she wants to go. Her parents, Melissa and Adam, and family will be their to guide and support. Just like any other family.
• Judy Coiner contact...
• Ray Nicholls contact...
  I have a granddaughter who has Down syndrome and felt a need to get involved in helping her and others with Down syndrome. I volunteer my expertise in finance to the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks.
• Carolyn Newport contact...
• John Torgerson contact...
• John Thaemlitz contact...
  Spending free time with my wife Elena and son Vincent, who has Down syndrome, is what I enjoy most. Vincent and I share the same enthusiasm for motorcycles, and we really enjoy riding in our sidecar. I graduated with a dual major in Mathematics and Computer Science from MSU in 1994. I have been doing system integration and software development of web based applications ever since.