The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a 501 (c)(3) Georgia non-profit organization dedicated to support, early intervention, education, awareness and advocacy for persons with Down syndrome and their families. The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta was founded in 1979 and serves the Greater Metro Atlanta area.

The DSAA is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Officers and Directors.

Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are elected by the general membership at the annual meeting held in December each year.

Committees are appointed by the Officers and oversee major activities (Education, Support, Advocacy, Awareness, and Fundraising). The Board meets at least six times a year.

Volunteers

The DSAA has hundreds of dedicated volunteers who help run its programs, social activities and educational seminars, assist with fundraising events, participate in advocacy efforts, speak to local groups, run community-based support groups, provide photography services and raise awareness through our website, newsletter and social media. If you'd like to volunteer, let us know! 

Staff

The organization has one staff member who oversees the day-to-day operations:

 Sheryl Arno, Executive Director 

Sheryl has over twenty-five years of service in the field of developmental disability and her vast experience at both the local and state  level puts her in a position to advance the efforts of the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta to provide new opportunities for education, connections, and programming. Sheryl is a forward-looking leader who has consistently paved the way for appropriate supports, acceptance, and inclusion throughout her career. She was director of the first inclusive pre-school in Georgia, was instrumental in the growth of the inclusive Habima Theater and helped launch Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth, which enables individuals with developmental disabilities to attend college. In addition, Sheryl has trained hundreds of police and emergency personnel on disability awareness and crisis response.

Board of Directors

Officers 

President: Clair Wallace, Equifax

Immediate Past President: John Ducat, DLA Piper

Secretary: Kimberly Knight

A former educator of 17 years, Kim taught Spanish for several years before she moved into administration, where she became very involved in the Special Education department.  Little did she know then that she would have a child with Down Syndrome.  Now she is so grateful for the training she received!  She loves serving on the DSAA as board secretary in addition to planning DSAA Mom's events and helping to connect new moms.

Treasurer: Josh Greenbaum, Emory University

Josh and his family have been members of the DSAA since his daughter, Auden, was born in 2010. He serves on the board as a way to give back to the community, to thank all of those who have helped his family, and to be a resource and support for all those who need it. Josh is the Executive Director of Advancement Information Services at Emory University and an alum of Emory, Tufts University, and the University of Michigan.

Member: Jolie Ganley, Georgia Cyber Academy

Jolie's brother Jamie, has Down Syndrome. She spent her life growing up side by side with him, so much so, that  Jamie impacted her career and outlook on life. Jolie started out working with adults with special needs before she got her education in Special Ed and then Counseling. She currently works as a Dual Enrollment Counselor for Georgia Cyber Academy. As a Board Member Jolie hopes her education and experience can help grow the programs and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Member: Nanci Brown, The Coca-Cola Company

Nancy is a Senior Finance manager at The Coca-Cola Company and has been there for 20 years. She has a 14 year old son, and an 11 year old daughter with Down Syndrome. She serves as a Board Member to help Atlanta further build out a strong, connected & fulfilling Down Syndrome community for all families.

Member / D.A.D.S. Liaison: Todd Hartle, Self-employed

Self-advocate: Daniel Faust

Daniel hopes his story with Mosaic Down Syndrome will inspire individuals with Mosaic Down and Down
Syndrome to be the best version of themselves and to never use their disability as an excuse for
achieving their aspirations in a moral manner. As a board member, he is here to help, serve, and lead in
improving the quality of life with individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.

General Board

Meagan Nash, Glass Doctor

When her son Asher was born, Meagan was amazed to learn that there was an entire Down Syndrome community ready to support her. She wanted to join the DSAA board, because it allows her and others to build an even stronger community for the current and new families DSAA comes in contact with!

Advisory Board

Jennifer Sheran, Kids II, Inc.

Committees

Advocacy - Lisa Newbern, Clair Wallace

Marketing - Jennifer Sheran, Meagan Nash

Education - Edward Bradley

Finance - Josh Greenbaum

Fundraising - Clair Wallace

Buddy Walk - Meagan Nash, Nanci Brown, Jennifer Sheran

D.A.D.S - Todd Hartle, John Field

Social Events - Kimberly Knight, Whitney Moody, Norma Prescott