Board Members and Staff
Sara Krambeer
President [email protected] Hello! My name is Sara Krambeer and I am the current Vice President on the HADSA Board. I also works as a General Transcriptionist and the owner of Sara’s KramBakery. Surviving the newborn stages with our twins, Jack and Ollie, (and honestly every stage after that) has been one of my greatest accomplishments. Ranking right up there with that is taking control and becoming my own boss while also being a stay at home mom. Oh! Do not forget successfully using a power tool for the first time… by myself… at 38 years old. A girl’s got to start sometime, right?! Since first learning about HADSA when Ollie was in the NICU, I knew I eventually wanted to be more involved. Receiving a diagnosis like this can feel overwhelming and lonely and I was really drawn to the idea of being able to help other families discover they were part of an amazing community. I officially joined the board as an at-large member in 2020 (thanks to some encouragement from Lindsey) and was part of the social committee... which, as you can imagine, wasn't really a demanding position in 2020. I became secretary in 2022 and vice president this year. I am excited to work with this year's board and plan some fun events for our community! One quirky fact about me: I got my first tattoo while on vacation in New York only because my friend wanted to use the tattoo parlor's restroom (No Regerts.. right?!) 
Tiffany Wilford
Secretary [email protected] Hi there! My name is Tiffany Wilford and this is my 2nd year on the HADSA board and I will continue to serve as the Board Secretary. I am also a Mom and Business Partner with LimeLife by Alcone and Bellame. In life I aspire to be the best mother, wife, friend and sister I can be. I want to make things easier for my four amazing boys to be able to succeed in this world. As well as holding two college degrees, I am also an award-winning actress and I have appeared in several motion pictures. I decided to get involved with HADSA after we moved from South Carolina to Iowa in 2019. Our son, Declan, has Down Syndrome and we knew we wanted to make sure we were getting him the most support possible. One quirky fact about me: I love to dance and I randomly will break into dancing if I feel so inclined. 
Michelle Friedman
Board Member Hi! I’m Michelle Friedman and I’m looking forward to another year of serving on the board. As a stay-at-home mom, it is my number one goal to raise well-rounded and kind human beings. While I continue to grow in faith and leadership within my church and community, I make it my mission to share my daughter, Anna Kate, with the world. We want everyone to know how great people with Down Syndrome are and we will shout it loud for all to hear! Before joining HADSA I was, and I continue to be, a 4-H leader in my area. I have also studied abroad in Australia and I have been on mission trips to Haiti. It is safe to say that I enjoy adventure, helping others, as well as giving back to the community and world while setting a good example for my kids. I have been involved with HADSA before Anna Kate was born. I knew right away that I wanted to be active in our Down Syndrome community. A few months after Anna Kate was born I became Treasurer. I really enjoy planning events and getting the community together to celebrate our chromosomally enhanced loved ones! One quirky fact about me: I do not like the sound of people chewing bananas. 
Ashley Heinrich
Board Member Hey All! My name is Ashley Heinrich and I am so excited to be back on the HADSA board again this year. This is my 5th year as a board member. I work with the Social and Fundraising committees on scheduling monthly community fundraisers as well as informal gatherings throughout the year. I work as a school safety official for a high school and on an ambulance for my professional life while also working to finish my schooling. I aspire each and every day to be the best version of myself I can be while being a single mom to my 3 children. I enjoy helping others and being able to take my experiences to help guide other individuals through hard times. I hope to someday be a motivational speaker about the things I have experienced in my life. My daughter, Gabby, led me to find HADSA so that we could learn and grow in our ability to be involved with others in our community who face some of the same battles and be able to share similar experiences. I was a young mom when I had Gabby and had learned so much about Down Syndrome and diabetes. I want to be able to support others in our Down Syndrome community. A quirky fact about me: I can go somewhere else and be so organized and help someone else organize their things but when it comes to my own I always feel like everything is unorganized. 
Maureen Vlasich
Board Member Hi There! My name is Maureen Vlasich and I'm in my 2nd year on the HADSA Board this year (2024). In my daily life I was a NICU nurse for 16 years and recently transitioned to care coordination the The University of Iowa Hospital to assist in easier transitions to home for babies needing a NICU stay. I am really proud of my career as a nurse and recently co-wrote an article that was approved for publication for a nursing journal. My greatest achievement will always be my family. They are some really great humans. Because of this, my number one goal is to always be the best wife and mother I can be to my husband, Brian and my three beautiful children, Jovie, Natalie and Elliott. I also aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially those in the Down Syndrome community. Out son Elliott was born with Down Syndrome. As the dust settled after the first couple of years, I wanted to be as involved in our wonderful community as much as I am able. I am grateful for HADSA that gives me that opportunity. One quirky fact about you: I frequently find my coffee in the microwave at the end of the day. I am a wannabe homesteader but also want to travel the world. 
Wendy Dayton
Board Member Hey! My name is Wendy Dayton. I’m currently serving as an at large member of HADSA. I work as a Subrogation and Arbitration Specialist at an insurance company. I’m mommy to Barrett (4) and Harrison (1). My husband, Jake and I have been married for 20 years. I obtained a degree as a paralegal just out of high school and went back to get my bachelor’s degree in business in my thirties. My husband is co-owner of a family owned full service meat locker. With two little boys, and owing a business, you can imagine we have very little free time. I aspire to bring awareness to people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, by promoting diversity and inclusion. They say it takes a village. Since receiving the news that Harrison has Down Syndrome, I’ve been growing my village. I’m eager to bring awareness, support, and education to families and individuals blessed with Down Syndrome. While also gaining the same from this amazing community we’ve become a part of. I learned of HADSA from a board member I met randomly in the hospital cafeteria while Harrison was in the NICU. And when the opportunity presented itself to join the board, I was excited to join in the hopes I can offer support to others just as I was given that day at the hospital. Quirky fact: I grew up on a dairy farm but hate milk. |
Caè Kurylo-Gully
Vice President [email protected] Hello everyone! My name is CaèLeisheia Kurylo-Gully but you can call me Caè (Kay) – Most people do! I joined the board last year (2023) and I’m looking forward to serving on the board and as part of the Social Media Team again this year (2024). I’m also lucky enough to get to be a stay-at-home Mom with a side of making apparel, crafts, and lots more! Along with being a good Mom and wife, being a leader, mentor and change maker in the world are some of my biggest goals. I also am pursuing higher Psychology education and degrees than what I have currently attained. One of the biggest accomplishments in my life was finishing my online degree and being named to the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, all while being pregnant. The other being birthing and raising my toddler Khai and my extra blessed baby, Buddha. I was informed about HADSA by someone involved with DSDN sometime during pregnancy, after diagnosis. Shortly after giving birth, I tried to find more ways to be involved, advocate, and educate. We ended up moving to Cedar Rapids from Waterloo, and from there I expressed my interest being on the board! One quirky fact about me: I was a wrestler. 
Jessica Luetkemeier
Treasurer Treasurer@Hadsa.Org My name is Jessica Luetkemeier but most people call me Jess. I am currently serving as an at large board member but in my day to day life I am a part time preschool teacher as well as a 5 star Uber driver to my 4 boys. My number one goal in life is to raise four gentlemen who love Jesus and love people. I also aspire to help raise awareness of inclusion and how we’re all more alike than different. I’d also love to take my boys on a mission trip someday. The accomplishments in life I am most proud of are being a mom to my four boys, completing my Masters in Early Childhood Education and running a half marathon. While to some these may seem small at different points of my life I had been told these things would most likely not happen for me so to see them through to completion is even more special. In August 2023 our surprise baby, Jude, was born and confirmed to have Down Syndrome. I have always been an outgoing and involved person and knew I’d want to get connected and involved with HADSA. I had previous knowledge of HADSA through my work as a special education teacher and former counselor at Camp Courageous. I also recently finished my Masters and figured I’d be quite bored without anything “extra” to do (Don’t worry…Jude has helped pick up any “extra” time I might have with either appointments or a snuggle). One quirky fact about me: When I moved to Monticello in high school I told my parents I would NEVER move back and live in a small town. Here I am almost 20 years later, married to a man from Germany that I met while working at Camp Courageous, raising our 4 boys in that same small town I was never going to live in again. 
Darb Ludolph
Board Member Hey! My name is Darb & I’ve been on the board since 2023! I love being involved with HADSA & grateful for the connections/friendships I have made along the way. I am a part Social Media Team. Outside of the HADSA world, I’m a full time Momma to my three little rascals. Along with my husband, Matt, we get to raise 3 of the best (but ferrel) children: Joey, Phoebe and Garth (our extra special guy). I married my best friend & now hope to raise good humans and teach them the simplicity of life. Being a stay at home mom has become my identity. I have been looking & looking for something, outside of the house, that is fulfilling & purposeful. What better way to fulfill that than to be a member of the HADSA Board with a wonderful group of people & feel that I am bringing something to this awesome community that I am so lucky to be a part of. Also eager to help bring awareness and support for families & individuals who were blessed with that extra chromie! One quirky fact about you: My brother, sister & I have the same birthday! I am a twin & we were born on my brothers second birthday (what a lucky guy!) 
Leigh Anne Hansen
Board Member Hi there! My name is Leigh Anne Hansen. This is my first year as an at large member on the HADSA board. I work part-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist with Central Rivers AEA. I primarily work with preschoolers and I LOVE it! My husband, Sam, is a physical therapist with MercyOne. We live in Waterloo with our 4 children- Cole (10), Claire (7), Henry (4) and our extra special addition, Jack, who was born in February of 2024. Jack is fiercely loved by all of his big siblings! My greatest achievement is my family and my goal is to be the best momma I can be! I think I am most proud of helping my children develop interests and talents they love. It isn’t always easy and is often chaotic, but I am also proud of all of the family vacations and adventures we’ve been able to take as a family! Some of the coolest places we’ve been to are Brazil, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. I was lucky enough to get connected with HADSA when I was expecting our 4th baby, Jack. I knew I wanted to get more involved with the organization and help provide that same support that I received to more families. I have met so many amazing people in the Down Syndrome community and I knew I wanted to become more involved! It was such a loving and supportive group and I couldn’t wait to fully immerse myself and our family! Quirky fact about me- I love to play tennis and I dream of my kiddos also enjoying it and having family doubles matches some day! 
McKenna Kvidera
Board Member Hi! My name is McKenna. This is my first year on the board. I am excited to serve our community and get to know more families! While my favorite job is being Addie’s mom, I work full-time as a veterinarian. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate (Go Cyclones!) and University of Illinois for my doctorate. My husband, Joe, and I now live on the family farm outside Traer with our daughter, Addison. Not far from Addie Jo, you’ll find our miniature Australian shepherd, Navy. Addie surprised us at birth with Down Syndrome, hiding it on genetic testing and ultrasound! She has been our biggest blessing, and we are so lucky to be her parents. Quickly after the diagnosis, we joined HADSA which has been a wonderful, welcoming community! We live a bit further than most, but we still try to participate in as many events as possible. While I am new to the Down Syndrome community, it was important to me to get involved. I look forward to helping plan events and continuing to spread awareness. I want to help advocate for my daughter and others with Down Syndrome especially in rural communities - that we may know their worth and for them to always have a spot at the table with their peers! One fact about me: I got into sourdough bread making (received my starter from another extra-lucky mom) and hope to have a cut flower garden this summer! |
Past President
Emily Barnes
Email: Emily@hadsa.org
Hi! My name is Emily Barnes and I am your HADSA Past President. Formerly I have served as an at large member as well as Vice President and President. In my life outside of HADSA, I work as an Elementary Music Specialist for the Cedar Rapids Community School District at both Van Buren and Wright Elementary Schools.
Like many in this world, it often feels like there is not enough of me to go around. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I want to be good at ALL the things! While I may not have achieved being good at ALL the things, a couple things I have accomplished quite well are family and music. Both play huge roles in my life. I have Bachelors and Master’s degrees in education, plus additional music education training at St. Thomas University & the Orff Institute in Austria. Now I reside in Cedar Rapids with my husband, Jeremy, and our three wonderful sons: Magnus, Miles, and Marcus.
I decided to get involved with HADSA after attending a couple family events that left me smiling. I had known about HADSA since Marcus was born and Heather Deppe visited us in the NICU. Lindsey asked me to be on the board and I agreed! I knew I wanted to be active in the Down Syndrome Community because I was so unaware of it before Marcus came into our lives.
One quirky fact about me: All of my favorite hobbies are “Old Lady” things – I love quilting, gardening, and reading historical fiction.
Emily Barnes
Email: Emily@hadsa.org
Hi! My name is Emily Barnes and I am your HADSA Past President. Formerly I have served as an at large member as well as Vice President and President. In my life outside of HADSA, I work as an Elementary Music Specialist for the Cedar Rapids Community School District at both Van Buren and Wright Elementary Schools.
Like many in this world, it often feels like there is not enough of me to go around. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I want to be good at ALL the things! While I may not have achieved being good at ALL the things, a couple things I have accomplished quite well are family and music. Both play huge roles in my life. I have Bachelors and Master’s degrees in education, plus additional music education training at St. Thomas University & the Orff Institute in Austria. Now I reside in Cedar Rapids with my husband, Jeremy, and our three wonderful sons: Magnus, Miles, and Marcus.
I decided to get involved with HADSA after attending a couple family events that left me smiling. I had known about HADSA since Marcus was born and Heather Deppe visited us in the NICU. Lindsey asked me to be on the board and I agreed! I knew I wanted to be active in the Down Syndrome Community because I was so unaware of it before Marcus came into our lives.
One quirky fact about me: All of my favorite hobbies are “Old Lady” things – I love quilting, gardening, and reading historical fiction.
Staff
Lindsey Flaherty
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Hello HADSA Community! Lindsey here – and I am so optimistic looking ahead to our 2025 year to come. May will be my 7 year anniversary with you all and I cannot believe it!
Some of you have probably met my husband, Keith. He really is my right hand man at most of our events (and in life, honestly). Our daughter Loyola (Lie-O-La) also accompanies us to most of our events nowadays. She has made life in general, but especially HADSA a little more interesting since joining us in May of 2024. We could not love being a family of 3 any more than we do!
I was referred to HADSA from a family that were members. I was working for them as a respite worker and they felt I would be a good fit for the position that had recently come open. I’m very thankful they shared that information with me because being a part of this community has absolutely changed my life!
One quirky think about me: My college educations is actually in cosmetology, but now I am a Revenue Manager at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. Not quite the path most would take to this point…. :)
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Hello HADSA Community! Lindsey here – and I am so optimistic looking ahead to our 2025 year to come. May will be my 7 year anniversary with you all and I cannot believe it!
Some of you have probably met my husband, Keith. He really is my right hand man at most of our events (and in life, honestly). Our daughter Loyola (Lie-O-La) also accompanies us to most of our events nowadays. She has made life in general, but especially HADSA a little more interesting since joining us in May of 2024. We could not love being a family of 3 any more than we do!
I was referred to HADSA from a family that were members. I was working for them as a respite worker and they felt I would be a good fit for the position that had recently come open. I’m very thankful they shared that information with me because being a part of this community has absolutely changed my life!
One quirky think about me: My college educations is actually in cosmetology, but now I am a Revenue Manager at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. Not quite the path most would take to this point…. :)
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