We are a family…

Supporting

Families

You are not alone.

Parents of children with Down syndrome often find it even harder to find community and feel understood.

For Donna Davidson, Co-Founder and Director of the Alaska Down Syndrome Network, the first friend who really “got it” just so happened to be another pregnant mom waiting to meet her own baby with Down syndrome in the same Eagle River hospital wing. Their first gleam of connection and shared experience would pave the way for hundreds of Alaskan families just like yours to find a place to belong.

Since our first AKDSN meeting on April 16, 1986, we have been laughing, crying, learning, and loving life… together.

“Without friends made through the Chapter, life would be quite a bit lonelier - without someone you could share the crazy things that happen and laugh about them because they understand completely.”

— Donna Davidson, Co-Founder and Director

Donna Davidson
Co-Founder and Director of the Alaska Down Syndrome Network

A note from Donna,

We’ve grown from potlucks with a few like-minded parents to over 120 families and Area Representatives around the state!

While our official chapter name is still the Alaska Chapter National Down Syndrome Congress, we’ve been doing business as the Alaska Down Syndrome Network since 2018.

We’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and membership is open to all individuals with Down syndrome, their families, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of those with Down syndrome.

Evelyn Moss and Donna started with a potluck in Eagle River. Bit by bit, it became a group. When 14 babies were born in Anchorage in one year, there were enough parents (including a lawyer) to create a formal, registered non-profit. As they say, the rest is history....

~ Donna

Each of us has been (or still is)
…in your shoes.

We wonder if we’re doing it right, try to find resources, want the very best for our kids, and we figure it out as we go.

That’s why we’ll always prioritize education and creating connections as we continue to build an encouraging, joyful Down syndrome community. No matter if you’re new or expecting parents, grandparents, friends, family, or advocates, we’re so glad you found us, and we can’t wait to be friends!

Meet Our Board of Directors

Marti Bolan

Co-President, 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.
Kim Wilcox

Co-President, Social
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.
Sara Montgomery

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.
Adina Kamilos

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.
Samantha Ackerly

Fundraising Chair & Walk Co-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 Bohdi 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.
Morgan Bolan

Co-Chair 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.
Cheyenne Bolan

Co-Chair 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.
Donna Davidson

Co-Founder and Director of the Alaska Down Syndrome Network
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!