Board of Directors
CADSA is guided by a Board of Directors that is committed to fulfilling the purpose and mission of the organization. Each board member has a dedication for supporting people with Down syndrome and their families and has been elected by members based on personal experience, passion and expertise. Each board member has a personal connection to an individual with Down syndrome and looks forward to creating a better tomorrow for the Mid-Michigan community.
Ed Starmer
President
Dads' Group Co-Coordinator
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Ed Starmer is new to the CADSA Board of Directors in 2012. Ed’s wife Corey is a key contributor to CADSA’s Step Up for Down Syndrome fundraising event, and he hopes to follow her example and be an asset to CADSA and all mid-Michigan families in need of the Association’s support. Ed and Corey live in DeWitt with their two amazing boys, Cameron, age 4, and Bennett, 18 months, and are expecting a third son in May. Their son Bennett was diagnosed with Down syndrome in October of 2010, two months after he was born. That discovery commenced an incredible journey that has produced some angst, many joys, and has ultimately taught them more about love and life than they thought possible. Professionally, Ed works as an in-house attorney for Dart Container Corporation, headquartered in Mason. Ed is looking forward to being involved with CADSA for many years to come.
Charles Drayton
Vice President
Dads' Group Co-Cordinator
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Charles and Teagan Drayton became active with CADSA shortly after the birth of their son Charlie in 2009; they also have a daughter, Lillian, age 4. Their participation started with Teagan’s involvement in the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Jungle Party. The Drayton Family resides in East Lansing. Charlie attends Bailey Street Day Care, where he continues to be an inspiration to his family, teachers and classmates. Professionally, Charles is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock, Davis, & Dunlap P.C.
Carrie Moore
General Board Member
Step Up for Down Syndrome Co-Cordinator
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(517) 896-1253
Carrie has been an active member of CADSA since its foundation. She is married to Brad and has three boys: BJ, who has Down syndrome, Bryce and Caden. The Moore family is very active and enjoys sports of all seasons. BJ and Bryce participate in several sports year-round, and Caden, the youngest, is just getting started. BJ also enjoys family, friends and various school activities. He is very social, and people revel in his energy. He has many friends, both with and without special needs. Carrie has never thought of BJ as a person with a disability. She considers him as different as everyone else in our crazy world, bringing sunshine into our lives just like all of our other children. Carrie enjoys volunteering for CADSA and advancing the group and helping others, as well as learning from all the great families she’s met along the way. Carrie is also Co-Coordinator of the Step Up for Down Syndrome Zoo Party, which raises awareness, attracts 2,000 people and is the primary primary funding source for CADSA.
Madeleine Veneklase
Secretary
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Madeleine grew up in a large family as one of sixteen children. Today, she and her husband, Chris, are parents of five. When their youngest child, Veronica, was born in 2004, the pediatrician apologized, stating she was showing signs of Down syndrome. Madeleine and Chris, however, have a strong faith and believe that God gives us the children he wants us to have. They were not sorry, and, today, Veronica continues to be a source of joy and inspiration for the family and others. Madeleine has a background in education and has taught all age levels. She is currently homeschooling Veronica’s sister, Regina, and oversees Veronica’s education. Madeleine and Veronica share a love of books and stories. Madeleine is convinced that when it comes to a child with Down syndrome there are no apologies; the appropriate response is acceptance. As secretary of the CADSA Board of Directors, Madeleine hopes to offer hope and joy to others. Madeleine's motto: Education only sometimes requires the use of words.
Kierin Kerbawy
Self Advocate Representative
Club 21 Coordinator
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(517) 599-2412
Kierin Kerbawy was born with Down syndrome on September 6,1991 at 9:54 p.m. in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing General Hospital and has made his parents proud ever since. In June of 2011, Kierin graduated from East Lansing High School, where he was very active in sports and other activities. He is a self-advocate who believes that Down syndrome is just a part of his life and hasn’t hurt him at all. On the board, Kierin offers a pertinent perspective about living with Down syndrome. He wants people to believe in people with disabilities and celebrate the abilities they have. Mostly, he just wants people to realize that, like everyone else, people with disabilities are part of the circle of life!
Curt Bratcher
General Board Member
Dads' Group Co-Coordinator
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Curt joined CADSA in 2011 in response to learning about the Step Up for Down Syndrome Jungle Party held at Potter Park Zoo. He is from Battle Creek where he lives with his wife, Rumi, and two daughters. Their eldest daughter, Emily, attends Michigan State University, and their youngest daughter, Alisha, attends high school.
When Alisha was born in 1994, it was bittersweet, though the Bratchers realized very quickly that Alisha was very special, not just because she has Down syndrome, but her unique personality. Alisha loves to sing and dance. Curt has a Bachelors Degree from Siena Heights University in Public Safety Administration. He works at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center as their Emergency Management Coordinator. Curt hopes to inspire other families with a child with Down syndrome from the Battle Creek area to get involved in CADSA.
Rosanne Tersigni
General Board Member
CADSA Executive Director
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(517) 333-6655
Rosanne joined CADSA in the spring of 2012. She has led other nonprofit organizations to growth and success and is already making a huge impact at CADSA. Rosanne has a passion for children and, most specifically, children with special needs. Her personal goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of many. She accomplishes this through her commitment to community awareness, advocacy efforts, building a resource database and education. Rosanne lives in Lansing with her husband, Mike. Together, they have five children and ten grandchildren.
Erin Hamilton
General Board Member
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Erin is new to the CADSA Board of Directors in 2013. She served on the Step Up for Down Syndrome Planning Committee in 2012. She has a younger brother with Down syndrome and grew up attending Down syndrome events in the Grand Rapids area. Erin and her husband, Nick, live in East Lansing. Professionally, Erin is the Special Education Masters Program Coordinator at MSU. She is a strong advocate for individuals with special needs and is looking forward to being involved in CADSA for many years to come.
Teressa Long
Tresurer
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Teressa joined CADSA in the spring of 2012 and holds the position of Treasurer. Teressa lives in the Leslie area with her husband, Jim, two sons, James and Patrick and three labs, Bear, Jack and Sweet Pea. Teressa was looking for a way to serve others in the community and was encouraged to join CADSA. Having a cousin with Down Syndrome and enjoying children, CADSA appealed to her. Teressa is employed by the State Of Michigan as an auditor for the Department of Community Health. She enjoys camping, gardening, photography, reading and cooking in her spare time.
