Down Syndrome
Connection of the Bay Area
101-J Town and Country Drive
Danville, CA 94526
Fax 925-362-8663
Our Staff
Peggy Alreck-Anthony, Office Manager (Danville)
Peggy brings extensive business experience in processes, business controls and project management making her a good fit for the management of our office. Including years of volunteering with youth sports and schools along with her love of kids is what sparked the interest in working here. Seeing how much the DSCBA has meant to Nancy’s life over the last few years clinched it.
Tempra Board, Grant Manager
Tempra Board is a professional grant writer and development consultant for non-profit organizations. She holds a Master's degree in Communication Development and has more than 15 years of non-profit experience, including as Development Director of small and mid-sized organizations. (www.tempra@tempraboard.com) Having worked with DSCBA since 2010, “I continue to find inspiration in the passion and dedication of DSCBA’s staff and board, and in the amazing abilities of the families we serve.”
Virginia Bonham, Teacher (Oakland & Danville)
Virginia has an extensive background in theatre including a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. She brings to the Connection a passion for teaching children and youth of all levels theatrical and dramatic techniques to bolster their skills.
Laura Briggs, A.A., Teacher (Danville)
Laura brings over 17 years of experience in working with children, the last fourteen with children with special needs. She brings both her love of the work and wide ranging experience, having worked with children of all ages and with many different types of disabilities. In fact, just two classes short of earning her Preschool Certificate in Early Childhood Education Laura began her most valuable education as mother to a son with Down syndrome.
Harold Burns, Teacher (Oakland & S.F.)
Harold Burns is a dancer and educator based in Oakland. He moved to the Bay Area from Connecticut to study movement and performance. He currently works most frequently with the Olimpias Project, a dance & disability performance group based in Berkeley. Harold has volunteered with DSCBA since Spring 2009. He also works as a Community Living Assistant for adults with developmental disabilities who are seeking to create or maintain an independent lifestyle.
Jennifer Cooper, Co-Director of Support & Education (Danville)
Jennifer Cooper, MA Ed, has worked in the field of education for over 16 years, the last 10 of which have focused on special education. Jennifer is dedicated to helping children with disabilities reach their fullest potential in a meaningful and motiving manner. She believes in the power and success of authentically including people with disabilities in all areas of their school and community experiences. Jennifer also enjoys connecting with and supporting families along the journey of raising a child with Down syndrome. She loves to spend time with her husband and two teenage boys, the eldest of whom has with Down syndrome.
Nancy Ferguson, DSEA Program Manager (Danville)
Nancy Ferguson, is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BS in communication. She relocated with her family, to the Bay Area from Michigan in 2011. Nancy has served as the President of the Parent Advisory Committee for children with special needs in the Rochester School District. She also provided support and advocacy to parents at the county level. Nancy has three children, including Adam, her son with Down syndrome. Her family has found the DSCBA to be an incredible resource and support network.
Kathy Harkins, Event Administrator (Danville)
Kathy has been with the Down Syndrome Connection since its beginning. The Connection was the first phone call she made 18years ago-when her first child was born with Down syndrome. Kathy then joined the Board as a member and then went on to become President of the Board of Directors. Soon after that, she became a staff member-Director of Operations from 2001 to 2011. In 2012, she became the Event Administrator, assisting Nancy and staff with the fundraisers necessary in keeping the Connection doors open. The Connection was and still is a lifeline for Kathy and her family. She brings to the Connection ‘hands on experience’.
Martha Hogan, Director of Parent Advocacy and Support (Danville)
Director of Parent Advocacy and Support, is one of the cofounders of the Down Syndrome Connection. Proud mother of four boys, the youngest one born with Down Syndrome. Loves to work with parents and has a passion for golf and life in general.
Marianne Iversen, Director of Programs/Teacher (Danville)
Marianne has been a longtime friend of the DSCBA. She became a board member in 2008 and in 2009 joined the staff part time as the Program Coordinator and teacher in the Next Step class. She is now the full time Director of Programs and continues to teach the Next Step Class. She brings over 13 years of experience of working with adults in both a school and adult program setting teaching vocational and life skills. She also brings years of experience running and operating a small business but is happy to be back full time in the area where she feels her heart truly belongs.
Nancy Labelle, Executive Director (Danville)
Nancy has had an extensive business career that has included several Executive Management positions such as Product Marketing and Product Development Director. During her 24-year employment in a Fortune 500 company she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Master of Science degree in Technology Management. Nancy’s experience of leading several multi-million dollar projects, and the budgsets, timelines, and people that go along with them, has provided her with a well rounded view of what businesses—and nonprofits—need to thrive. Nancy brings to the Connection not only her educational and background experience but her love and compassion for people, desire to break down barriers, and commitment to serving the community.
Christina Lewis, Teacher (S.F.)
Christina Lewis is a drama therapist and a special education teacher. She works in the San Francisco Unified School District with students with severe developmental disabilities, and teaches Clowning to children of all ages in a variety of settings throughout the Bay Area.
Tamara Reed, Teacher (Danville, Pinole, Benicia)
Tamara is a mother and animal lover. Her background includes working with children and adults who have developmental disabilites through Special Oympics, group homes and more.
