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I live in Otaki, on the Kapiti Coast.. I have two sons Chris my oldest son Chris is married to the lovely Nikita and my younger son Brendon,  has Down syndrome.  I am also a very proud grandparent.  I am a midwife working in Otaki and Levin.

I first become involved in the Down syndrome community when Brendon was about 18 months old.  I was ith the Wellington Down Syndrome Association since Brendon was about 18 months old, I am a In the past I volunteered as the Wellington Down Syndrome Association in both the Co-ordinator and Regional Contact roles. I also served as the WDSA  Zone 4 (Wellington, Kapiti and the Wairarapa) on the NZDSA governance committee prior to my role as President.   .

When Brendon was younger I was also involved in the Manawatu (Otaki is half way between Wellington and Palmerston North). I was a founding Trustee and Treasurer of ABCD (Aiming for the Best for Children with Down syndrome). 

I was a co-author of the original ‘We Welcome your Baby’ pack and our family was featured in the DVD that was part of the pack. Brendon was 4 at the time, so he has changed quite a bit since then. Our story however echoes many of the same emotions, feelings and questions parents still experience today so will never really go out of date and as with all parents I remember that time as if it were yesterday! Today, I have the benefit of the deep joy and rich life experiences Brendon has bought to my life. 

I believe diversity in our society is important, and that individuals with a disability should be viewed as valuable and contributing members of their community. 

I see being involved with both the local DS Association and the National Down Syndrome Association as a way I can help to support parents of other children with Down syndrome as well as assisting the interests of individuals with Down syndrome to be a valued part of their community