Down Syndrome Foundation of Southeast New Mexico
Meet DSFSENM
The Down Syndrome Foundation of SENM got its start after Teresa McCreary hosted the first Roswell Buddy Walk in 2005. She and her family along their son Keagan had attended prior Buddy Walks in Carlsbad, NM, and were encouraged to continue the efforts in Roswell.
Supporting Families
After the 2nd Annual Roswell Buddy Walk, in 2006, a group of parents decided to meet regularly and spend more time getting to know each other. They wanted to find out how they could help each other and their children with down syndrome. The UPs (United Parents for Down Syndrome) group was founded and began meeting once a month for the next year.
At this time the DSFSENM was started. In 2007, we gained our 501c3 status and continued establishing programs to help support families in SENM.
DSFSENM aims to improve the quality of life that individuals with down syndrome experience through strategic partnerships, special programs, family support, and community involvement. And YOUR donation is a huge part of that!
Our Staff
NORRISSA BULLARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Norrissa is originally from Michigan. She moved to Roswell in 2016 looking to help make a difference in the community. With previous experience in working with no profit organizations, she eagerly lks forward to gaining more knowledge and experience in the down syndrome community. She started as the program director for the DSFSENM and held that title for four years. For the past two years she has helped to further the mission of DSFSENM as the Executive Director.
Norrissa and her husband Chris have a son, Jaiden who is none years old and a daughter, Brie who was born in June of 2020. Her hobbies include watching movies, playing basketball, and photography.
Board of Directors
Jerolyn Wagner
Board President
Director of Nursing at ENMU-Roswell, Jerolyn has nursing students who have volunteered for the Down Syndrome Foundation for the past three years. Through these opportunities she was able to learn more about the Down Syndrome Foundation. When we approached her to be a board member she was more than happy to join us. She says, “Although I have only served on the board for a short time, I can see how this experience will provide positive influences to help me grow both personally and professionally. It is an amazing organization and a tremendous benefit to the community.”
Jeff Weathers
Vice President
Jeff is the Senior Operations Rep. for New Mexico Gas Co. He has worked there 28 years. He is married to Laura Weathers and they have two kids, LaneEldridge, 27, and Bailey Eldridge, 21. He says, ” I was first introduced to the Down Syndrome Foundation when my band played for the Buddy Walk years ago, and that ignited something in my heart to be a part of this great cause.”
Richard Yeager
Board Treasurer
Alexis Davalos
Board Secretary
Alexis is 29 years old and has three children, Abraham, 14, Christian, 11, and Kailey, 9. She is also expecting a fourth! Alexis and her family moved to Roswell because her husband, Luis, was offered a dairy management job. She has worked from home and has been a stay at home mom since being married. They moved from Portales where both of their parents still live. She says, “I stumbled upon the Down Syndrome Foundation by pure luck and have enjoyed being a part of the wonderful program and I look forward to more!”
Andrew Lewis
Self-Advocate Member
A hugh accomplishment for our foundation came when Andrew accepted our invitation to join the Board of Directors. Not only is this a huge step for us all as a family but it is an incredible feat to have first hand input from one of the many we serve. We are extremely grateful and excited to see what this adventure brings. If you see Andrew around, please congratulate him and thank him for joining us!
Nick Nanz
Self-Advocate Parent Member
We are excited to announce Nick, one of our self-advocate parents from Ruidoso, has joined the Board of Directors. This will open great doors to not only help our Board with parent input but it also gives us a representative in the Ruidoso area. Branching out and having the opportunity to grow the reach of our foundation is one of the many parts of our mission. If you see him around, please congratulate and thank him!
Our Sponsors
