Newsletter

Marti has enjoyed living in Alaska in for 27+ years. She has five fabulous children. She enjoys beekeeping, cider pressing, gardening, sewing and quilting, reading, remodeling…She has far too many interests given that there are only 24 hours in day! She loves the fact that having a child with Down Syndrome has broadened her horizons and taught her so much about love.

Anchorage Social Chair 

Kim and her husband Jay drove up the Alcan in 1995 with high hopes for a great life in Alaska! It has been a wonderful place to raise their 8 children including Jacob who was number 5 and born with Down Syndrome! Kim loves meeting new people and has enjoyed getting to know families associated with the Alaska Down Syndrome Network. Kim's favorite titles are Mom and Tutu (Grandma), but she also enjoys serving in her church, learning new things, gardening, crocheting, reading and building a business as a Dietitian and Functional Nutrition Practitioner. 

Secretary

I found out about the network through Donna D when I first started as a PT. She brought a book for our clinic to use for free regarding gross motor development for kiddos with Down Syndrome. I thought, "wow if a group passes out free information to clinicians in town I want to be a part of that!"

I really find joy in my job as a pediatric PT helping individuals with DS. I love to play and be active and I enjoy that our network promotes monthly activities like rock climbing, swimming, picnics, gardening, and dance parties for the whole family.

My favorite part of the network is the connections we build. It's amazing to see how families can come together and share resources and how the community can provide for our families.

Treasurer

Adina Kamilos has lived in Alaska for 30 years. She has been married to her husband Nick for 20 years and together they have 3 beautiful girls. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, knitting, and volunteering both within this group and the children's ministries at her church.

President/Fundraising | Co-Walk Chair

I am a North Carolina native who transplanted to Wisconsin where I met my husband Brent. After getting married in August 2022, we decided to move to Alaska in November 2022. Our son Bodhi came into this world in September of 2023 and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome unbeknownst to us. We joined the AKDSN in Dec 2023 to have a support system as we navigated this journey.

Social Media

Morgan loves everything Alaska-hunting, fishing, hiking, river rafting, hammocking—you name it, she loves it! She is a student at Utah State University, and is studying Outdoor Product Design which means she can (hopefully) spend her future designing things to help her enjoy the great outdoors. She is also a little old lady at heart, as she also enjoys knitting, reading, film photography and baking. She enjoy contests, but only if she’s winning.

Social Media

Cheyenne is currently studying Communicative Disorders at Utah State University and the plan is to eventually become a Speech Language Pathologist. Her favorite sibling is Caleb, her brother with Down Syndrome, and he serves as the inspiration for her course of study. She can’t wait to be done with school! She loves the outdoors, fishing, hiking, painting and sewing. She is currently a healthcare aide in an afterschool program. She enjoys working with kids and hopes that is part of her future career.

Co-Founder and Past President

Donna Davidson was born and has lived in Anchorage, Alaska all her years except for college and a two-year time working in Italy after graduating from Stanford University with a masters in physical therapy. As a pediatric therapist she has had the joy of working with many children with Down syndrome. When her son was born with DS, she was well supported by parents of babies with whom she was working. When Alex was 18 months old, the idea of creating a DS Parent Group was proposed by the Infant Learning Program. After working for 50 years as a therapist, Donna is trying to find time to get out in the mountains or on her bicycle more!

MatSu Valley Rep

Co-Walk Chair | Valley Social

Born and raised in the beautiful state of Alaska, I’m a proud mom of five and wife to Brian. Our youngest, Levi, was born in 2021 with Down syndrome, which has opened up a whole new world of connection and advocacy. I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s camping, cheering on a baseball game, or just soaking in nature. One of my biggest passions is engaging with other families in the Down syndrome community, sharing experiences, and building meaningful relationships. Life is busy, messy, and full of love—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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