Meet Caitlin!
We’re thrilled to spotlight Caitlin, one of our amazing volunteers who has been part of the DSACO community since 2024.
Caitlin first got involved with DSACO through the Buddy Walk after seeing a social media post looking for volunteers for the planning committee. After her very first meeting, she knew she had found a community that felt like family. Caitlin first learned about DSACO after beginning her PhD program at Ohio State, where connections at the Nisonger Center frequently spoke about the organization. Hearing about the different ways DSACO supports families, people with Down syndrome, and the broader community inspired her to get involved.
Since then, Caitlin has served as the Cheer Coordinator for the Buddy Walk Planning Committee and volunteered at the Dancing with the Stars Gala and at the World Down Syndrome Day Celebration. One of her favorite memories happened during her very first Buddy Walk, which also happened to be one of the wettest! When rain caused a few cheer squads to cancel, Caitlin and several DSACO staff members stepped in to fill the spots. They spent the day soaked, dancing in puddles, and cheering on every walker who came through. Several walkers even joined in on the fun! It was a little nutty, a lot of joyful, and a moment that made Caitlin realize she was exactly where she belonged.
For Caitlin, one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering with DSACO is the authenticity of the community. She loves how everyone is encouraged to be themselves and how staff, volunteers, families, and people with Down syndrome all bring their own unique energy to the organization.
Outside of DSACO, Caitlin stays busy as a West Licking Special Olympics cheerleading coach, spending time with her Buddy through Best Buddies, sharing research opportunities through Nisonger’s RRTC program, and so much more. When she’s not volunteering, she enjoys movies with friends, spa nights with her daughters, and competing in pageants. She loves that pageants give her an opportunity to build community, use her voice, and have a little fun with her sparkly sash and crown!
Caitlin, thank you for bringing your energy, joy, and authenticity to the DSACO community. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the DSACO family!
