Hi, everyone! I have really enjoyed meeting your beautiful families and am so grateful for the warm welcome. I wanted to share a bit about myself as we begin this journey together.

I am a North Carolina native, wife, and mother of three children. Originally from Wilson, North Carolina, I attended UNC Chapel Hill where I obtained dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science. I then went on to Campbell University's Norman A. Wiggins School of Law where I earned my Juris Doctorate. My initial plan was to work in family law, but nonprofit work was my true passion.

I met my husband while I was in law school and moved to support his military career. Together, we have three amazing children: Michael, who attends Appalachian State, Ella Beal, and Reese. We also have two crazy dogs, Remi, a mini-goldendoodle and Luther, a giant schnauzer and eternal troublemaker.

I have been working in nonprofits for over a decade, having spent most of my time managing health care focused organizations and advocating for others. As a child, my parents and grandparents emphasized service and I credit this with leading me to nonprofit work. I love the motto "Don't look for a reason to say no. Look for a way to say yes".

I am very active on several Boards, including my daughter's school, Rotary, Carolina Collaborative Community Care, Women's Giving Circle, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.  



When not working, you will find me with my family either at Bald Head Island, traveling, or watching my daughter play volleyball. I look forward to working with each of you!

December 18th:  Unraveling Down Syndrome and Autism

An estimated 20% of individuals with Down syndrome can have a co-occurring diagnosis of autism. This presentation will discuss the characteristics of autism in Down syndrome, methods for diagnosing, best practices for a new diagnosis, and priority interventions that are useful across the spectrum. Dr. Patel will also cover tips for navigating a dual diagnosis as well as what might be overlooked with a dual diagnosis.

Lina Patel, PsyD is an Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, practicing at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Patel is the Director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative, a virtual clinic providing tele-behavioral health services to children, teens, and young adults with Down syndrome. She provides consultation with schools, parent training regarding the management of challenging or unsafe behaviors, toilet training, and desensitization to medical devices (such as hearing aids and CPAP), and evaluation for dual diagnoses, including autism. She has worked with hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome. Outside of her clinical work, she conducts research as the Director of Neurodevelopmental, Behavioral and Cognitive Assessment at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Additionally, she has presented to numerous organizations across the country and internationally and is the coauthor "Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience."

Call for Speakers

NCDSA is seeking passionate and knowledgeable presenters to join us in creating a transformative event.

Your proposal should aim to captivate, inspire, and encourage individuals to attend the conference.

Submit your proposal by November 22nd.

Adapting Your Home for a Child With Down Syndrome

"There are many physical and mental challenges that children with Down syndrome face, including navigating their homes. As parents, caregivers, or loved ones, creating a safe and inclusive home environment is a priority. When adapting your home for a child with Down syndrome, consider practicality, emotional concerns, and the profound impact your child’s environment has on their development."



NCDSA Advocacy and Outreach Director, Donna Beckmann, weighs in on adapting your home for a child with Down syndrome.

Urgent Advocacy Alert

We need you to tell your Members of Congress that individuals with Down syndrome deserve to be able to work, save, and earn their way to independence! 

Did you know that adults with Down syndrome are told they cannot save their money? In fact, they will be penalized if they ever have assets of more than $2,000!

Just last week NCDSA received yet another phone call from a sister of a 30-year-old man with Down syndrome who she is caring for after their parents' death. She was asking for help on figuring out his money. He has so many needs, she has her own children to care for, and yet, they are not allowed to "save" his money to buy him a new communication device.

The NCDSA is joining with national organizations such as The Arc, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the National Down Syndrome Congress in telling our Members of Congress that individuals with disabilities deserve to be able to work, save, and earn their way to independence! To date, no North Carolina US Senators or House Members have co-sponsored the bi-partisan SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S 2767/HR 5408).

Join with us today to ask your senator and representative to co-sponsor and support this update to SSI.

Save the Date - Holiday Events

• February 24: NCDSA Annual Gala
• April 27: 2024 North Carolina Down Syndrome Conference

All siblings ages 8-14 of an individual with Down syndrome are encouraged to attend. Sibshops may be “therapeutic” for kids to attend, but they are not therapy. The Sibshop model takes a wellness perspective. They’re a celebration of the many lifelong contributions made by brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. There will be games, food, and tons of fun. Sibs are welcome to attend any or all Sibshops.

Upcoming Sibshops:

November 19^th 

December 17^th 

From 3-5pm at the NCDSA Training Center 

WE are a FAMILY here at NCDSA

Some "bunny" wants to say Hello to our NCDSA family and we want to say "Hip, Hip HORRAY" andWE are a FAMILY here at NCDSA and look forward to connecting with additional new and expecting families THIS Saturday, November 18^th from 10-12. Don't forget to register HERE !  celebrate the King Family and sweet baby Civel who is home and recovering well post heart surgery!

We also want to give a thank-you shout out to the Harrel Family for being a great mentor and resource for the King family during this time. Elizabeth stated how this fellow rockin' Mom "has been such an incredible resource"! 

WE are a FAMILY here at NCDSA and look forward to connecting with additional new and expecting families THIS Saturday, November 18^th from 10-12.

2,342 Registrants

113 Teams

98 Volunteers

7 Celebrity Row Participants

12 Resource Vendors

66 Sponsors

Team Awards & T-21 Circle

• Youngest Team Member with Down Syndrome - Alton's Army
• Most Team Spirit - Amazing Allyson
• Highest Fundraising Team - Team Lineberry
• Largest Team - Havens Team Sunshine
• Highest Earning 1st Year Team - Jo's Bows
• Step Up Award - Ellie's Extras
• Most Creative Fundraiser - Jacob's Tribe
• Best Team T-Shirt - Devyn's Divas & Dudes

This year, we were excited to honor our T-21 Circle. These teams have raised over $50,000 during throughout their Triangle Buddy Walk history!

Team Lineberry

Emmaleigh's Overcomers

Kasey's Krew

Strollin' For Sadie

Team Beckmann

Team Mello Kello

Calling all NCDSA moms!

•  Help connect moms in our community!
•  Support your favorite local restaurant or business!
•  Find other NCDSA moms in your area!

We are looking for volunteers to host Moms Night Out events! It doesn't just have to be an evening event, daytime and weekend events are encouraged as well! 

Looking to get involved? Consider giving your time or expertise! We have in person and virtual opportunities available.

No commitment is too small!