About Us

  1. Home /
  2. About Us

About Us

DSAB is a non-profit organization led by energetic volunteers committed to helping families of those with Down syndrome since 2006. We seek to offer guidance, enrichment and support to all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through our community activities, events and funding for our local families, we are striving to build a supportive culture of awareness, acceptance and advocacy throughout all Brevard county.

DSAB is fully funded by generous donations from local partners in advocacy and people like you! All of our funds stay in our local community of Brevard county to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Our Vision

To build a culture of respect, inclusion, support, and education in Brevard County where individuals with Down syndrome can RISE to their full potential at all stages of their lives.

Our Mission

To RESPECT the unique gifts of people with Down syndrome

To INCLUDE individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our community

To SUPPORT individuals with Down syndrome and their families

To EDUCATE families, medical communities, government and local agencies

Creed of Babies With Down Syndrome

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains

I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above

To Him I’m no different
His love knows no bounds
It’s those here among you
In cities and towns

That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I’ve chosen
Will help me get started

For I’m one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you

That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
​
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I’ll do it as you do
But at my own pace

– Sharon Sudano
© 1992

Meet The Team

If you are interested in joining the board or volunteering on a committee contact president@dsabrevard.org
Brett Calder
Board Member
Brett and his wife Barbara have been married for over 30 years and are the proud parents of Andrew and Lee, who has Down Syndrome. Brett is the Managing Partner of Sunroute Networks (wireless network
Heather Hart
Board Member
Heather joined the DSAB board of directors this year and is well-known and beloved throughout the community as an occupational therapist for children ages 3 years through 6th grade for Brevard Public Schools. Heather received
Steve Whiting
Secretary
Steve and his family moved to Melbourne two years ago from Maryland, where Steve volunteered as an Area Director for Special Olympics. His daughter Candace runs her own business for motivational speaking called Great Life
Deborah Lightle
Board Member
Debbie and her husband Brian have been lifetime community leaders and residents of Brevard county. Joining the DSAB board this year, Debbie is a retired educator and the guardian advocate for her 57-year-old brother Scotty
Victoria Timberlake
Executive Director
In 2013 Victoria and her husband James welcomed their first child, Kristalyn, born with Down syndrome and a multitude of surprise health complications. Though, Kristalyn is still fed through a g-tube she is healthy and
Jay Freeland
Treasurer
Jay and his wife Donna have been married for over 20 years and are the proud parents of Joel and Evan, who has Down syndrome. Jay Freeland is the retired President, CEO and Director of
Jimmy Rudolph, CPM
Vice President (Acting) President
Jimmy Rudolph joined the Board in 2019 after a 40-year career as an Aerospace engineer at the Kennedy Space Center. Jimmy has lived in Brevard County for over 50 years and has been involved with many not-for-profit agencies having
Aknesha Miller
Board Member
In 2019 Aknesha became the proud mom of Alaric born with Down Syndrome and two major health issues that required multiple surgeries in his first two months of life.   Looking for support and some answers
Down Syndrome Association of Brevard