Connolly Lees
president
Connolly and her husband, Jon, have 2 children: Henry and Breda, who has Down syndrome. They joined DSACT in 2014 and participate in many of the social, educational, and advocacy events DSACT offers. Connolly was a middle school science teacher for many years and is now Executive Director of The Passalong Project, a service and empowerment organization she founded. Connolly enjoys volunteering, traveling, live music, and the many wonderful walking trails in Central Texas.
Kyle henry
Vice president
Kyle Henry was introduced to DSACT through the new parent outreach program when his daughter was born with Down syndrome in 2006. At the time he remembers the kind and understanding voice of the outreach coordinator. He now appreciates the opportunities that call created for his daughter and family to participate in DSACT programs and to develop friendships with other members. Kyle joined the DSACT board in 2016 to help continue creating new opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Kyle’s professional experience is in corporate strategy and operations at Accenture and AMD. He currently leads corporate development for a technology startup company.
Nicholas Carlin
Treasurer
Nicholas Carlin is the proud father of 2 boys, Jean Pablo “Pablo” and Marco. Pablo has Down Syndrome, attends Casis Elementary School and participates in several great DSACT classes and events. Nicholas is a local CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner who helps families work towards their goals by managing all aspects of their financial lives. He has a special focus and passion around advising families that are also dealing with the concerns and uncertainties that having a child with special needs can create.
Marshall Eudy
Secretary
Marshall Eudy serves as Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs for Mood Media, a commercial music and digital media services company headquartered in Austin. His younger sister, Gracie, has Down syndrome and lives in her own apartment in the Austin community. He is involved with DSACT’s adult social activities and is passionate about increasing opportunities for adults with special needs.
mariel cannady
Dr. Mariel Cannady and her husband John joined DSACT in 2019 after the birth of their daughter who has Down syndrome. Before moving to Austin in 2015, Mariel and John were active as teachers for children with developmental support needs during worship services in Richmond, VA. Mariel is an assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UT-Austin Dell Medical School and a licensed psychologist who serves children and families in the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics division of Dell Children’s Medical Center. She was previously a school psychologist in Virginia. Mariel is passionate about equitable access to healthcare and educational opportunities. In her free time Mariel enjoys reading, watching investigative journalism shows, and spending time with friends and family.
sara dodd
Sara Dodd is the mother of two beautiful children - Caroline, and Brian, who has Down syndrome. She and her husband are small business owners who grew up in Austin. Sara graduated from TCU with an elementary teaching degree and taught 4th grade, with a few years in a special education/co-teach classroom. She enjoys traveling, raising her family, and reaching out to and supporting new families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Kim Kann
Kim Kann is the mother of three beautiful children. She has been a member of DSACT since 2013 and on the Board of Directors since 2016. Kim works full time for The Hackett Group, a global business advisory solutions firm. She enjoys traveling. volunteering, Austin restaurants, live music, loving on her people and advocating about Down syndrome awareness.
kimberly.kann@yahoo.com
Jordan Muething
Jordan is Communications Director for product design consultancy argodesign, where she oversees all marketing, PR and comms efforts. She is a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. She also volunteers regularly with the local CareBOX program. Jordan is most fulfilled when making a positive impact.
Ellen Sauer
Most of Ellen Sauer’s life has been in the nonprofit world, either through direct service as an LMFT/Art Therapist, or as a volunteer. From the time she was a child, her parents showed her the joy of giving of her time, skills and resources and it has been a life-long passion for her. She recently retired from selling real estate, and knew all along when that time came, she’d wholeheartedly plunge herself back into non-profit service. She does not have children of her own, but has felt incredibly humbled and honored to get to work with other people’s children every step along the way. The DSACT members have totally captured her heart, so she is thrilled to be part of this community. A fourth-generation Texan and native Houstonian who lived on the West Coast for 18 years, Ellen has been delighted to call Austin home for the past 15 years as she loves the Central Texas lifestyle and especially the people here.
Suzanne Shepherd
Suzanne Shepherd is the mother of three boys – Connor, Kevin, and Jack, who has Down syndrome. She is married to Carl Shepherd, co-founder of Homeaway. Suzanne is also the former Director of Legal Services for the Seton Family of Hospitals. Suzanne has been Co-Chair of the DSACT Healthcare Committee since 2008. She coordinates presentations to healthcare providers to improve the way the diagnosis of Down syndrome is presented to new parents. As part of this initiative, Suzanne scripted “Down Syndrome in the 21st Century.” She was born in New Jersey and is actually proud of that. Having married a native Texan, however, she’s lived in Austin since 1983 and calls Austin home.
In 2015, Carl and Suzanne Shepherd were recognized as Lifetime Trustees of DSACT.