Theresa Nix, Founder and Executive director
My husband and I received our son's Down syndrome diagnosis the day after he was born. We felt shocked, afraid and alone. But we chose to turn our powerful emotions into energy that propelled us forward, allowing us to become the advocates—and parents—that Everett needed.
Immediately, we began researching. I spent two years simply figuring things out—not only as the mom of a child with special needs, but also as a first-time mom. After meeting fabulous women through a mom group, I realized that sharing personal experiences is the best resource (and therapy) we could ever hope to find. I learned more in a few moments from moms who “get it” than I had in all of my hours of Googling. But we needed more: more information, more activities, more help, more togetherness.
This is why I established Downside Up—a non-profit providing support, education, and encouragement for families who have children with disabilities. We connect children with the resources they need to grow and thrive. We inspire community acceptance by sharing with others the presence and potential of people with special needs. We welcome every new family into our own, meeting them exactly where they are on this wild ride..