About the HDSA
Our Founding Members
Since 1984, we’ve supported individuals with Down syndrome and their families through every stage of life, with a focus on connection, advocacy, education, and practical support. Whether you’re new to a diagnosis, looking for community, or supporting someone you love, you’ll find a place here.
Behind every program, event, and resource at HDSA is a group of people who care deeply about this community.
Our volunteer Board leads with empathy, lived experience, and a shared belief that individuals with Down syndrome should have every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Together, we’re building a more inclusive Halton, one family, one connection, and one step forward at a time.
Over the last 40 years HDSA has grown from a small group of families into a strong, volunteer-powered network in Halton. We share, learn, and celebrate together so people with Down syndrome can reach their potential at every stage of life.
Jesse Porter
Chair
Jesse holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Brock University. Since graduating in 2018, he has worked in corporate finance, tech and, most recently, corporate strategy consulting. His connection to the Down syndrome community began in high school, when he volunteered with adults at Ontario Pioneer Camp. Jesse enjoys exercising, investing, listening to podcasts and playing chess.
Sheelagh Muldoon
Director of Fundraising
Sheelagh holds an MBA with a minor in Human Resources. She has spent most of her career in Director roles at public and private organizations across manufacturing, distribution and services, leading HR, Quality, Health and Safety, Procurement and Operations. Sheelagh joined the HDSA Board of Directors to make a positive difference for local families and individuals.
Allan McNeill
Director of VIPs
Allan lives in Burlington, has Down syndrome and is one of six siblings. He attended St. Raphael's Elementary school and graduated from Assumption High School, where he played Junior Football and served as Team Manager. He volunteered at Holy Rosary School for 12 years and works at Innomotive Solutions Group. A qualified Scout Leader, he enjoys sports, music and singing.
Lindsey Chalmers
Director of VIPs
Lindsey grew up in Caledon and graduated from Heydon Park S.S., earning the Edith L. Groves Award for determination, self-advocacy and compassion. She completed Humber College's Community Integration Through Co-Operative Education and Culinary Skills programs. Since 2017, she has worked at Starbucks at SickKids. She loves musicals, dancing and Special Olympics basketball, and is Director of VIPs.
Ryan Bouskill
Treasurer
Ryan is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Finance and Accounting degree from Western University. He also completed the PDO and CFO programs through the Canadian Securities Institute. For over a decade, he has advised individuals and businesses on tax planning, cross-border structures and US returns, and served as part-time Controller and CFO. Ryan is an avid hockey player, skier and movie fan
Hannah Prinsloo
Corporate Secretary
Hannah is from Toronto and earned a degree in Political Science from Queen's University, with a minor in History and certificates in Business and Law. She is now in her second year at Dalhousie's Schulich School of Law in Halifax. Hannah has served as the HDSA's Corporate Secretary for the past year and looks forward to continuing in the role. She enjoys hiking, jogging and reading scary books.
Catherine Villasenor
Director-at-Large
Catherine is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University. She has 8+ years of non-profit experience, from frontline to director roles, supporting families experiencing homelessness in Halton. In 2022, she and her husband Danier welcomed their son Caidan, who has Down syndrome.
Gabriella Feric
Director of Groups & Programs
Lindsay studied Music and English at Acadia University and earned a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Wollongong in Australia. She spent ten years teaching at The Linden School, an independent girls' school in Toronto focused on social justice. She began a new career in home staging, creating inviting spaces across the Halton Region.
Khouloud Chouaib
Director of Community Partnerships
Khouloud is a pharmacist with experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a focus on preventive, patient-centred health. She founded The Healing Collective and ReviGen Health, which help people take control of their health. Khouloud is dedicated to supporting families of children with Down syndrome. She values time with family and enjoys reading and travel.
Ashley Sieders
Charity Administrator
Ashley has served the HDSA and Halton communities since January 2023 and loves meeting new members. Her background spans community events, corporate administration and, her favourite, non-profit organizations. Reach out to Ashley for anything you need, or to say hi! Ashley and her husband Kurt are raising three kind kids who love laughing, 90s sitcoms, hosting parties and Sunday football. Go Bills!
Oksana Hlyva
Director of Advocacy & Awareness
Oksana is a proud Canadian with Ukrainian roots who has called Southern Ontario, on Turtle Island, home for 20 years. Educated in Ukraine and the US, she holds a Master of Science in Higher Education (Educational Leadership and Policy Studies) and a PhD in English, Rhetoric and Professional Communication. She brings a focus on awareness, advocacy and research to a more equitable community.
Our efforts in the Halton Down syndrome community are made possible by our generous sponsors and community partners.
We are very grateful to our supporters for all that they have done for HDSA. A huge thank you goes out to our supporters:
“This journey can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelming, but HDSA has been there every step of the way. They have created a community where we feel understood and supported.”
— Rosa Valdes