Board Members
Tammy Gehlert
President
Welcome to the Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley! I am Tammy Gehlert and I would like to be the president of our wonderful organization. I joined the DSAHV over 10 years ago, and started volunteering that same year. I also joined the Board about that time. I felt very strongly about having opportunities for our families and our children to come together, so with the DSAHV I organized social and recreational activities like PALS in the Park and our annual Easter Egg Hunt. For the last six years or so, I have been a volunteer educational coach for the DSAHV, hosting educational workshops and helping parents with information and guidance to navigate the educational system and advocate for their children. For the future of DSAHV, I want to continue and expand the opportunities for our families and children to come together. The DSAHV is a great support network for our families. I also want to strengthen DSAHV’s role in educating parents and caregivers to be advocates for their child/person with Down syndrome.
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Vice President
Amy Jett
Secretary
My name is Amy Jett and my youngest child Wesley has Down syndrome. We live in Rosendale, NY. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist for the New Paltz School District. I previously worked for a private agency and worked with children receiving Early Intervention services in Ulster County. I am the current secretary for DSAHV and running for another term. In my spare time, I love spending time with my friends and family!
Tammy Windheim
Treasurer
Hi, I live in the Hudson Valley. I am a mother of five children, the first having been born with Down syndrome. She is a beautiful and mature adult now who continues to amaze me. After retiring from IBM I began working as a Direct Care Provider. I joined DSAHV to meet local families and have been fortunate to be able to continue serving on the DSAHV Board to bring education and awareness to our community.
Bonnie Ann Dombroski
Board Member
I am Bonnie Dombroski and I joined DSAHV in 2013 and became a Board Member and Vice President in 2018. I have been advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and their families since 1991, when my daughter, Christa was born. I was one of the founding members of the DSA of Central Florida, and I am a retired Registered Nurse. Christa and I prepare our New Parent & Baby Gift Baskets and enjoy welcoming new families to the DSAHV Community.
Laura Aagard
Board Member
I am the mother of two beautiful girls, the younger of which was born with Down syndrome. My family and I live in the Hudson Valley, where I also work as a teacher. As a member of the Down Syndrome Association for over a decade, I have had the opportunity to meet many others whose lives have been touched by a family member with Ds. As a board member, I want to help provide support to these individuals and their families.
John Aagard
Board Member
I am a father to two wonderful girls; the younger has Down syndrome. I teach in the Spackenkill School District. Our family has been a part of the DSAHV for several years. We attend events including dances, fundraisers and other programs. I serve as a DSAHV board member because I wish to continue to support children with Down syndrome and their families.
Christa Wicklund
Self advocate
Hi! I am Christa Wicklund and I joined DSAHV in 2013 with my family, after moving here from Texas. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I was a guest speaker at the 2016 Down syndrome Congress Convention in Orlando, FL. I worked at Shear Love Salon in Wappingers Falls, for 3 years. I graduated from the Think Ahead Program at Dutchess Community College in May, 2020. Currently, I am a teaching assistant in the Faith Formation Program, at Saint Kateri Church in Lagrangeville. I enjoy traveling, swimming, adaptive skiing, and hiking with my dog, Jameson.
Jessica Doering
Self advocate
I have been involved with DSAHV as a self advocate for many years, speaking up at board meetings on behalf of adults that were born with Down syndrome. I like cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Tammy Gehlert
Education Coach
I am Tammy Gehlert, and I volunteer with DSAHV.
I am a mom to 5 grown children and a 10 year old who is a beautiful, smart, and sassy girl with Down syndrome named Cara. I am also a teacher and a Girl Scout leader, including a troop for girls with special needs and their sisters.
Jason Gehlert
Program Coordinator
Jason Gehlert is the father of a Down syndrome daughter, Cara. Jason is our program coordinator, planning events, fundraising, and most of all bringing connectivity with all our families. Jason works with our board of directors to bring DSAHV to new horizons, establishing new events and ideas that benefit our community. Jason is an author, and a new father of a baby girl. Jason lives with his dog Jasper and enjoys cooking and outdoor adventures.