Our Start
Down Syndrome Network Oregon (DSNO) began in 2002 by two women whose children were born with Down syndrome. We started as a small group of parents getting together to share their experiences over coffee, and it did not take long to realize the value of a support network of parents and caregivers who are raising a child living with Down syndrome or other disability. With the help of an today’s involved board of directors and growing staff, DSNO is a thriving local organization that has supported hundreds of families in the Portland-metro area, SW Washington, and throughout Oregon.
Our Mission
DSNO’s mission to connect, embrace, and celebrate our community. We are dedicated to building community connections and empowering individuals and families who experience Down syndrome or other disabilities through meaningful social engagement, compassionate guidance, and steadfast support, where we embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and foster a community where inclusion is not just a goal but a cherished reality.
Our Vision
DSNO’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community where individuals and their families who experience Down syndrome or other disabilities are valued and actively engaged, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for all.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ELLIOTT DALE
Born in Alaska and raised in SE Portland, Elliott now calls Lake Oswego home. Elliott is an attorney in private practice primarily serving small business owners and real estate investors. Elliott is passionate about building businesses and organizations, connecting with others and getting others better connected, and leaving things better than he found them. Elliott and his wife, Jennifer, first became involved with DSNO shortly after the birth of their 2nd child, who is now a teenager. Elliott served on the board of FACT Oregon for 7 years, as a member of the ODE’s Dispute Resolution Committee for 8 years, and joined the DSNO Board in 2018. Outside of work, Elliott enjoys time with his wife and three kids, Duck football games, travel, food, and heckling friends, mostly in that order.
CHASE FETTIG SECRETARY
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Chase joined the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon board in 2023. With over seven years of experience in the employee benefits industry, Chase has built a career focused on helping organizations support employee well-being. A graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in Public Health Management & Policy, he has also dedicated much of his professional life to nonprofit advocacy, including volunteer work with organizations such as Special Olympics Oregon, where he supports initiatives that promote inclusion. Since joining the DSNO board, Chase has found fulfillment in fostering meaningful opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome throughout the region. He is constantly inspired by families within the DSNO community, and motivated to expand our outreach knowing how valuable and impactful the connections are. Chase brings a fresh perspective and strong dedication to DSNO’s continued growth, working to expand its outreach and build a lasting, supportive community for future families. Outside of his work with DSNO, he enjoys spending time with family and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
CHRISTY FITZPATRICK TREASURER
Christy was born and raised in Eastern Oregon, relocating to the Portland area after graduating from Linfield University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and works for Lam Research as a Director of Corporate Accounting. Christy joined the Board in 2023 and also serves as the Board Treasurer. Christy and her family became aware of DSNO and attended their first Buddy Walk in 2016. Impressed with the impact and breadth of reach of DSNO, the Fitzpatrick Family has been a big fan and supporter of the organization ever since. Outside of work, Christy’s favorite role is “soccer mom”. She also enjoys traveling and spending rainy Portland days reading by the fireplace.
SUSAN FLEMING
Susan Fleming joined the DSNO Board in 2024. She has a background in marketing communications and event planning, and produced the live storytelling event Listen to Your Mother, where she shared her stories as a parent of a child experiencing Down syndrome. She believes strongly that inclusive education leads to inclusive lives, and spent nine years on the Student Services Parent Advisory Committee for Lake Oswego School District. She currently sits on the Clackamas Inclusion Team which promotes inclusive preschool environments in the county. She has degrees from Willamette University and Johns Hopkins University.
SHANE GOODELL
Shane enjoys spending time with his family. With 2 older children (29 and 27) and 2 younger children (7 and 5) he is very busy. His daughter Piper, 7 years old has down syndrome. Shane realizes that there are families that are joining this community that need more resources and information as they begin their journey. If free time is presented to him, he likes to try and get out to play some golf.
CARLOS LANDAZURI
Carlos was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, before moving to Oregon in 1996 to attend college at Oregon State University. After graduating from OSU with a Business Administration and Finance degree, Carlos started working for New York Life Insurance Company as an Operations Manager. During his 24-year career with New York Life, Carlos relocated to California and Hawaii, until 2013 when the opportunity to move back to Oregon was presented. Carlos now lives in West Linn, with his wife Cheryl and 3 daughters: Isabela (19), Joanna (16) and Carmen (10). Carlos and his family have been members of DSNO since 2013, and he joined the board in October 2024. Carlos’s 2nd daughter Joanna experiences Down Syndrome. She has nurtured great friendships, participated in multiple fitness and social activities thanks to DSNO programs. Carlos enjoys camping trips with his family, competing in long distance running events, mountain biking the pacific northwest and outdoor cooking.
CORY MORGAN PRESIDENT
Cory is an Oregon native and grew up in the mid-valley. After graduating from George Fox University with a BS in Computer Science, he married Tiffany and settled in Tigard, and together they have two sons. Cory and Tiffany learned of their first son Drew’s Down syndrome diagnosis shortly after delivery. They found their way to DSNO soon after, and were embraced by this amazing community that became an essential support system and part of their extended village in raising Drew (and his brother Isaac). After serving DSNO in various capacities, Cory joined the board in 2023. He has a strong desire to help lead this next chapter of growth for DSNO, nurturing this wonderful gift of community from the founders and passing it along to the next generation of families. Cory works as a digital technology leader, and feels called to share his time and talents developed in the corporate world to serve the DSNO community. Outside of work, Cory loves getting outdoors with the family, preferably in the woods of Central Oregon or on any body of water.
KYLE PEARSON
Kyle grew up in Central Oregon and leads a small business that provides financial and tax advisory services to entrepreneurs and scaling small businesses. Along with his wife Katey and their family, Kyle has been a member of the DSNO community since 2014. Like many that are introduced into the Down Syndrome community unexpectedly, a warm welcome, space of belonging, and the deep ties that Kyle and Katey have experienced within the community have cultivated a deep love for the DSNO and what it represents. Kyle joined the board in 2022 with the desire to advance its mission and participate in building on its strong foundation and influence. As an avid sports fan, you’ll probably find Kyle in his free time at a Portland Timbers or Trail Blazers game, glued to a 49ers game on TV, coaching youth soccer or tennis, on a bike trail or golf course, traveling, chasing around his 3 young kids, annoying his wife, or perhaps some combination of all the above!
AMBER PETTY-KILBARGER
Amber is originally from Anaheim Hills, California and relocated to Oregon. She has been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years in Arizona, California, and Oregon. Amber has been a member of DSNO for many years and recently joined the board in 2024. She is interested in working with young families starting the educational journey with their child who experiences Down Syndrome. Outside of her professional commitments, Amber cherishes spending time with her two children and husband. Her daughter, Tessa has Down syndrome. Amber believes strongly in building community with other families on a similar journey. She is also focused on helping families down the educational path of teaching and not testing. Every child should be So Happy to Learn.
JIM STUDER
SUZANNE VU VICE PRESIDENT
Suzanne is originally from Massachusetts and relocated to Portland over 12 years ago. She has been in a creative design position for over 20 years. Suzanne’s been a member of DSNO since 2022 and joined the board in 2023, aiming to enhance DSNO’s outreach, community connections, and creative branding efforts. Additionally, she serves on Oregon’s State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC), focusing on ensuring quality statewide services for young children with disabilities and their families. Outside of her professional commitments, Suzanne cherishes spending time with her two children. Her youngest child has down syndrome. Suzanne believes children with disabilities enrich our community. Suzanne’s personal journey, particularly her youngest child, has deepened her empathy and commitment to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community.
STAFF
TIFFANY MORGAN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tiffany grew up in Southern Oregon and settled in the area after graduating from George Fox University with a degree in Elementary Education. When her oldest son, Drew was born she stepped away from teaching and due to his Down syndrome diagnosis, began seeking local support. She….board member in 2016…in 2020 she became the Program Director and first official staff member of DSNO.
TINA IZEN
EVENT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR