BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Katy Sursa - President
Katy is a mother of a rock star named Emma Kate who has Mosaic Down syndrome. Emma Kate is Katy's world. Katy received a prenatal diagnosis at 20 weeks and her life has never been the same! Emma Kate has inspired her to strive to change the world for the better and make every day count. Katy and her family live in Bryant, Arkansas. She is originally from Hot Springs and graduated from Mid-America Christian University with a Bachelors degree in Specialized Ministry. Katy graduated Arkansas State University in 2017 with a Masters in Public Administration and currently works as the Director of Community Development for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas. Her heart will forever be in the Down syndrome community. Katy wants to make this world better for her daughter and for every family who has a loved one with Down Syndrome.
Raysha Clark - Vice President 
Raysha is part Mother Hen, part Army combat veteran, part therapist, part advocate, part volunteer, part listening ear, and a few parts empathy. Together that makes for an interesting combination of wit, worldly knowledge, and compassion.  After finding out her long awaited boy child had Down syndrome during a prenatal screening, Raysha struggled the rest of her pregnancy to cope with the news.  When her son was born and wasn't crying, she no longer mourned for the "typical" son; she became concerned with the delicate life of her new son.  The diagnosis was no longer at the forefront of her mind, she simply wanted her boy baby to be okay. In February 2016, the birth of her son Matthew Ray changed her life forever. Because of her background in social services and marriage and family counseling, Raysha has since started working with other parents of children with special needs to help them navigate the unique and delicate emotions that arise in their journey.
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     Allison Kelly - Treasurer
     Allison is mother to two little boys each with Down syndrome and her older daughter. Allison is             passionate about furthering rights and efforts for people with Down syndrome and their families.
     She is very involved in her church and says her family is her number one priority in life. ​
Amanda Black - Secretary 
Amanda is the mother of Dryver, a very energetic, beautiful little boy with Down syndrome. Amanda is passionate about working out, helping out in the community, and providing for her family. We're so lucky to have Amanda on our team! 
Dennis Dixon - Self-Advocate Representative 
Dennis is an adult self-advocate with Down syndrome. Born into the foster care system in the 1960's, Dennis has seen it all. Dennis has his GED and his Diesel Mechanic's Diploma. He is a huge cheerleader and promoter for self-awareness and independence. He's shared his story on national stages such as the National Down Syndrome Congress Self-Advocacy trainings. 
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​Jenine Stafford - Buddy Box Representative​
​Jenine Stafford is the mother of 5 year old Michael who has Down Syndrome and is married to Brian Stafford.  She is a Financial Advisor by trade and was previously the treasurer for Arkansas Down syndrome Association and is now an Executive Board Member for DSAC. Jenine went to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and now lives with Brian and Michael in Little Rock.
Ken Mayo - DADS Representative
Ken is known in the community as "Rileys Dad". He's also the Director of Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.) of Arkansas. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome of Arkansas chapter is a community group associated with Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition of Arkansas, which identifies and specifically serves fathers and other significant males in the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome and intellectual disabilities. DADS creates comfortable opportunities for fathers to become more engaged and increase their knowledge and advocacy skills while staying connected to all programs offered by DSAC. He also volunteers his time as an advisory board member for the Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition and a board member for the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association.  
Tracy McAuliffe - ADSN Representative
​Tracy is an Army spouse, elementary school teacher, and co-founder of Arkansas Down Syndrome Network (ADSN).  Through ADSN, she is able to connect prenatal and postnatal families to current information and communities around the state to help new families feel welcomed and show them how incredible our world is.  Her son, Everett, was born in 2014 and he’s a big brother, twice over.  He’s a champion who has shown true love and compassion and can brighten anyone’s disposition with his smile and laugh.  She and her husband have very high expectations for his future and are proving to be the best advocates for his inclusion and acceptance in our world.
Tricia Ambeau - GiGi's Playhouse Little Rock Representative 
fter the birth of her youngest daughter with T21 she Co-Founded Precious Baby Ministries to help bridge the gap for new parents between diagnosis and acceptance.  Tricia is the creator of the blog and Facebook group 3of21 and advisory board member for the Arkansas Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Pediatric Clinic. She works with a team of dedicated individuals to start and operate the only GiGi's Playhouse in Arkansas.
Melanie Farmer - Gretchen's Troupe Representative
Melanie is an advisory board member for DSAC and currently resides in Van Buren, AR. Melanie received a postnatal diagnosis of Trisomy 21 over 2 years ago after the birth of her daughter, Gretchen. Melanie found no real support in the local area and wanted to ensure that no family felt alone after receiving their child's diagnosis. As a result, Melanie founded Gretchen's Troupe where they offer information, support, and feedback to new and existing parents. Melanie is a work-from-home mama and has an 8-year-old boy, Grady,  who is enamored with his baby sister. We hope that we can make a difference in one new parent's life.