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Who We Are

Board & Staff

Our board has a strong commitment to serving the many families who have a loved one with DS-ASD. 

We are a full volunteer, parent run organization who fully understand the challenges of living with DS-ASD. Our experienced and compassionate board stand ready to provide much needed support, information, and resources to all who are on this DS-ASD journey through a variety of platforms.  Our small but mighty organization serves as a vital lifeline to many people living in the margins of our society. 

Our board members currently include:

  • Donna Narey ~ board member
  • Allisa Rudden ~ board member
  • Teresa Unnerstall ~ board member
  • Chiara Jaffe ~ board member
  • Charlotte Gray, Executive Director
    Charlotte Gray, Executive Director

    Charlotte has served as the executive director of the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection since 2015. In addition to managing the daily operations and fiscal reporting, Charlotte provides direct support to families across multiple channels. Charlotte presents workshops on DS-ASD both in person and via webinars for audiences which include the NDSC, MDSC and DSAIA conferences. Charlotte also co-founded Morning Travelers, a play group for families who have a child with Down syndrome, which now has three other locations in Massachusetts. Charlotte worked for a child psychologist as a FloorTime Therapy Consultant for children with ASD for four years providing homebased support and therapy for children with emotional and social developmental challenges, and currently works as an accountant for a retirement community. Charlotte has her Master’s in Business Administration and lives in the Boston area with her husband Bill and their son Jacob who has DS-ASD.

  • Jeanne Doherty, President
    Jeanne Doherty, President

    Jeanne serves as president of the Board for the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection since 2016 providing leadership, direction and overseeing operations of the organization. Jeanne brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge about providing care to individuals with complex needs. She has supported families with loved ones with DS-ASD for over 10 years. Jeanne currently is the Family Support Specialist for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and served as Board President for a regional provider of residential options for adults with I/DD. In addition, she now serves as a board member for Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. Jeanne lives in the Denver area with her husband and three daughters, including Jessica who has DS-ASD.

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