 | James McFadden - President Hello friends! My name is James McFadden and I simply can't tell you in just a few sentences just how grateful I am to have a son who was born with Down syndrome. He has changed my life, my purpose, and provided me with more joy than I deserve. Jonathan is a hundred characters rolled into one big package. This picture is a little old, I'll get a new one posted real soon, but he is currently 8 years old and absolutely loves video games (PS2), Harry Potter, Star Wars, and running us ragged. My wife Shiela and I moved here to St. George just a little more than two years ago from San Diego, California with our 3 kids. Since moving here we have welcomed a new one to the fold to make it 4. As of November 28th, I will have a 10 year old and a 10 month old. As most of you know, I was the President of the UDSF's Washington County Chapter last year. After trying unsuccessfully to resolve some misunderstandings and miss-communications, and after going almost 9 months without any activities or support, we the underlying members of the board proposed and ratified the formation of Southern Utah's very own, up and personal, Down Syndrome Association. Going forward we plan to introduce some exciting programs and activities to get families re-connected and supported on this amazing path we have been blessed to step onto as parents. We look forward to seeing and serving you soon. Your friend down south, James...
| Picture Forthcoming! |
Barb Christley - Vice President
My name is Barb Christley, and I currently work at SkyWest Headquarters as an Expediter. We moved here from Pennsylvania 3 years ago. I have a Down Syndrome daughter named Whitney who is 31 years old. Whit has been a challenge but also a wonderful gift to our family. She always is trying to please and constantly tells us we’re the best parents and family she has ever had. We love her honesty and with pure sincerity and she reminds us every day to be more charitable and loving to those around us. What a lesson she is teaching this world! When we moved to St. George, I found it very difficult to find programs and activities for her to participate in. I couldn’t find anyone to talk to and no matter who I asked no one seemed to know. I am so excited to become a part of this wonderful organization and my personal goal is to make sure, that soon, everyone coming to Southern Utah will know who we are and where they can get help. We are moving forward with goals for the future and a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association grow by leaps and bounds.
|  | Sadie Pulsipher - Treasurer Hi all, my name is Sadie Pulsipher and this is my Willie! I am originally from Southern Nevada but we have made our home here in Southern Utah for the last 4 years and we recently moved to St. George from Cedar City with our 6 children. William "Willie" is our son with Down Syndrome. He is 10 years old and he wants to be a cowboy. I was the President of the UDSF program in Cedar City before moving here but am happy to be just a member here in St. George. My motivation for serving on the board is Willie. It seems there are so many opportunities for the "typical" child that I wanted to be apart of something that can help the community become aware of the needs these children have and their desire to participate like everyone else. I want to make sure he has those opportunities.
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| Alicia Poore - Secretary My name is Alicia Poore. I'm from Illinois, but have spent the last 3 years in Utah. I have a younger brother named Harry, whom I love dearly. He is 17 years old, going on 18 and will be a senior this year. Harry is such a joy in my life. He loves to put a show on everyone, my dad calls him a social animal. He loves the Beatles and Chuck Norris. He watches Walker Texas Ranger quite often and loves to play with his hot wheels cars. Nearly every time we talk he will sing me a song and tell me sweet things to brighten my day. When Harry came into my life, I found my passion. The day he was born, I was 6 and read my first book about Down syndrome. Since then I have actively involved myself in many organizations with helping those with disabilities. I would like to credit my parents, their example to me was beyond great. My mother's influence in regards to her love for Harry still carries on and for that I am eternally grateful to my mother and father. At the moment I'm attending Dixie College pursuing a career in education and then eventually a masters in Special Education through the University of Utah. I look forward to contributing to the Southern Utah community in regards to those with special needs. It is an honor to be Harry's sister and I wouldn't change it for the world.
| | | Paul Forcier - Trustee
|  | Sherri Dial - Board Member I am Sherri Dial and the mother of Jennifer (J.J.) Dial, who changed my life when she was born 21 years ago. I have been involved in many disability programs through the years. Currently I am on the board of the Southern Utah DSA, the Red Rock Center for Independence and the Utah Developmental Disability Council. I am a Human Services planner for the Five County Association of Governments and an adjunct professor at Dixie State College. Jeff (my husband) and I moved to St. George 25 years ago (back then there was one traffic signal on the Blvd.) I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that wants to improve the lives of individual with down syndrome.
|  | Michelle Graves - Committee Chair
Hi my name is Michelle Graves. I am a full time mother of 4 and work part time as a hiking guide for a local spa in town. My family and I have lived in St. George for just over 4 years and before that we lived in Baltimore, Maryland. I am the mother of Amber Graves. She is 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. I have been involved with Down Syndrome groups since Amber was born. Having the support of other families with special needs has been a great experience for me and my family. My motivation to serve on the board is to provide great opportunities for socialization among other families. I also want Amber to have a great peer support group. The opportunity to be with other families teaches my typical children empathy. I love what I gain from talking to other parents. I want the down south support group to grow and flourish in St. George. I think as advocates for our children we can make change happen and strive to allow our special needs children to live their best lives!
| | | Board Position Open - Committee Chair
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| Cedar City - Chair |
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