Shows
Texas Down Syndrome ChatIntroducing a new staff member!Join us in welcoming our new Development Coordinator, Jessica Pastrano. In this episode we can get to know her and learn what the DSASTX team has been up to in the fall as well as what we have planned for 2026.
2025-12-0225 minTexas Down Syndrome Chat¿Que es un Centro de Capacitación para Padres?Acompáñenos para conocer más sobre la Partners Resource Network con Verónica Álvarez, Coordinadora de la Región Central de Texas. Ella nos explica los servicios que ofrecen a los padres que se encuentran en el sistema de educación especial en Texas.
2025-09-0828 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatBecky West & Power to MarcJoin us for an informative episode with Becky West and Power to Marc. In this episode we learn about Becky's family and how her journey led her to work at Power to Marc, where she spreads the news about techniques from Practice without Pressure. We discuss the dangers of restraint of individuals with Down syndrome for medical procedures.
2025-07-0348 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatFamily Spotlight: Juan Valenzuela & Lizzeth Saldana FamilySeason 3, Episode 4 is a Family Spotlight! We talked with Juan Valenzuela and Lizzeth Saldana, who have a 8 year-old son, Dante, who has Down syndrome. They gave us an insight on their pregnancy diagnosis story, their journey with Dante, advice on the importance of advocacy for children, and their time here with the DSASTX. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest family, Juan & Lizzeth, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does.
2025-04-3053 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatTransition Services: Employment, SSI, & GuardianshipIn Season 3, Episode 3, we hop on a call with the team from Disability Rights Texas and discuss transition services including employment for individuals with disabilities, SSI, and even touch on guardianship. Take a listen to resource and information packed episode to hear about more about Disability Rights Texas and all the services and support they provide for families in our community. We thank our guests Jeanie, Preston, and Ted for talking with us this month! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does.
2025-03-3142 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatWaivers & The Arc of San Antonio!In Season 3, Episode 2 we sit down with Heather Long, Director of Family Support Services (FSS) of The Arc of San Antonio and discuss The Arc & everything you need to know about waiver lists. The Arc of San Antonio serves as a social service home in Bexar and surrounding counties to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and assists their families through their direct care and comprehensive case management programs. Take a listen to this month’s episode to hear about The Arc and waiver lists, and also how we work alongside each other to help provide mo...
2025-02-2829 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatSupporting Through Recreation, Respite, and Education- Learn all about CAMP!Season 3 is finally here! Episode 1 of Season 3 is all about CAMP (Children's Association for Maximum Potential)! We sat down with Chief Administrative Officer, Sarah Coulombe and discuss the services and support CAMP offers to individuals with disabilities - and those who care for them. Sarah shares her journey with CAMP, and gives our listeners all the information and details on how your child and family can begin theirs too! Take a listen to this month’s episode to hear about CAMP and also how we work alongside each other to help provide more opportunities to all those in our com...
2025-02-0131 minTexas Down Syndrome Chat2024 End of Year Recap!Season 2, Episode 11 is our last episode of Season 2! Thank you all for coming on this journey with us for YEAR 2 of the Texas Down Syndrome Chat and for listening to every episode this past year! We decided to take this episode to chat about all of the incredible and unforgettable moments and events that happened in 2024. We were joined by DSASTX Executive Director, Brian Lopez for this final episode. The DSASTX is celebrated all year long as this past year was our 30th Anniversary serving the Down syndrome community. Take a listen to this month’s episode to hear ab...
2024-12-3143 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatIntroducing New DSASTX Board Member, Oralia Lara-Vargas &the 2025 DSASTX Education Conference!In Season 2, Episode 10 we sit down with one of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas' newest Board Members, Oralia Lara-Vargas, and discuss her time with DSASTX, and all her work within Special Education. During the episode, we introduce and discuss more details and information regarding our 2025 DSASTX Education Conference. If you want to know more about our upcoming conference, take a listen to this month's episode! The 2025 DSASTX Education Conference is January 31, 2025! Be sure to check out our website at dsastx.org for more info and to get registered! We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank y...
2024-12-0234 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatDown Syndrome Awareness Month Spotlight: Self-Advocate, Cristina Kazmierczak!Season 2, Episode 9 is a Down Syndrome Awareness Month Special! The DSASTX is celebrating the Down syndrome community all month long and we were so excited to sit down with DSASTX Board Member, and self-advocate, Cristina Kazmierczak. She gave us an insight about who she is, her experiences from grade school till now, and what she has accomplished and hopes to accomplish in the future! We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our special guest, Cristina, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether...
2024-10-3031 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatCómo cambia la vida el síndrome de Down con Nayeli Llamas (En español)En el episodio 8 de la temporada 2, Magaly Diaz, la Directora de Educación de DSASTX habla con una madre sobre cómo cambia la vida cuando tienes un hijo con síndrome de Down. Se sienta con Nayeli Llamas quien nos cuenta su experiencia con su hija Mariana y cómo su familia recibió su diagnóstico. Esperamos que disfrutes el episodio de este mes y agradezcamos a nuestra invitada, Nayeli, por venir a hablar con nosotros. También esperamos que el Chat sobre el síndrome de Down de Texas apoye, eduque e inspire a nuestros oyentes, ya sea que...
2024-09-3050 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatFamily Spotlight: Bonnie Silva MontoyaSeason 2, Episode 7 is a Family Spotlight! We talked with DSASTX Mom, Bonnie Silva Montoya, who has a 9 year-old daughter, Ella, with Down syndrome. She shared her story on her pregnancy diagnosis, her journey with Ella, joining and becoming a Parent Mentor for the DSASTX, and her & Ella's experience with coping with grief and loss. We hope you take a listen to this month's episode, and thank our guest, Bonnie, for coming out to talk with us about her and her family. We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down...
2024-08-2843 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatLet's Talk About Speech & Feeding Therapy!Season 2 /Episode 6 is all about discussing speech and feeding therapy, with Speech Language Pathologist, Lizbeth Monterrosa, who has over 13 years of experience in working with pediatrics and adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities. We discuss what speech and feeding therapy is and what it can do for children and adults with Down syndrome. We talk about what SLP's work on and all their goals while working with different families. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest Liz, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, an...
2024-06-2547 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatTalking Upcoming Special Events, Summer Camp, and Introducing Michelle T.!In Season 2, Episode 5 we catch you all up with all that yet to come for the DSASTX this year! Our Education Director, Magaly Diaz, and I breakdown everything that is coming up this summer and fall, from upcoming special events to Summer Camp, and we even introduce a new and special guest. We chatted with DSASTX's new Program and Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Toudouze, on how she became part of our team, her brother Kyle, and what she hopes for as the newest member to our community. For more information on any events or programs, please visit our website at...
2024-05-3033 minTexas Down Syndrome Chat30th Anniversary Special with Terri Mauldin!Season 2, Episode 4 is a 30th Anniversary Special! The DSASTX is celebrating 30 years of serving the Down syndrome community this year. We were so excited to sit down with the first and former Executive Director of the DSASTX, Terri Mauldin. She gave us an insight on her journey from the very beginning from being a mom to her daughter Stephanie, who has Down syndrome, and how she became a part and helped pave the way to what the DSASTX has become today! She chats about her time and journey here serving as the Executive Director, and shared her stories of c...
2024-04-2552 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatFamily Spotlight: The Ryan FamilySeason 2, Episode 3 is a Family Spotlight! We talked with Katie and Luke Ryan, who have a 5 year-old son, Levi, who has Down syndrome. They gave us an insight on their pregnancy diagnosis story, their journey with Levi, advice for new parents, and their time here with the DSASTX. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest family, the Ryan's, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does.Be sure to...
2024-03-3049 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatLearn About ARD/IEP Meetings!On Season 2, Episode 2 of the Texas Down Syndrome Chat we chat about the ARD/IEP meetings! In this episode, we sat down with a very special guest and friend of ours, Juan Hernandez, who is a Special Education Services Manager at Brighton Center, and discussed all about ARD/IEP meetings. He shared his expertise as a parent and an advocate working within special education. He shared his advice and tips on how to navigate ARD/IEP meetings, while giving us an insight on his own experience. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest Juan, for...
2024-02-2749 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatThe Rise School is Coming to San Antonio!We are officially in Season 2! On Season 2, Episode 1 of the Texas Down Syndrome Chat we chat about the upcoming Rise School that is opening THIS AUGUST in San Antonio! In this episode, we sat down with two very special guests, Vanessa Hurd and Taylor English, who is the Rise School of San Antonio co-founder, and discuss details on what the Rise School will entail, the benefits of it, and all the information you need to know about its opening, location, and enrollment process. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guests Vanessa and Taylor, for coming o...
2024-01-2637 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatTalking Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, and Brain Health!In Episode 12 we sit down with special guest, Sarah Savoia, who is an Assistant Professor for the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Research Investigator for the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, to educate us on Alzheimer's Disease, brain health, and the ongoing research and study conducted by the Biggs Institute and UTHSC. To learn more about the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases and their study, please visit https://biggsinstitute.org/ or contact Research Coordinator Sr., Floyd Jones, at 210-450-3158. W...
2023-12-2629 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatFamily Spotlight: Jessica Gonzalez Zimbron (En español)El episodio 11 es otro foco de atención familiar, ¡pero en español! Este episodio es presentado por la Directora de Educación de DSASTX, Magaly Diaz con la invitada especial y una de nuestras mamás de DSASTX, Jessica Zimbron. Hablan de las experiencias de tener una hija con síndrome de Down. Ella nos da una idea de su viaje con su hija Rebeca, el mantenimiento de un hogar bilingüe y el tema de la “educación en el hogar”, y más. Esperamos que disfrutes el episodio de este mes y agradezcamos a nuestra fam...
2023-11-2852 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatSupporter Spotlight!: Yolanda Valenzuela, Kym's Angels FoundationEpisode 10 is a Supporter Spotlight! It is our very first one, and it’s where we sit down with one of our supporters/donors for the DSASTX , and for our first one, we brought out a special friend, supporter, and overall amazing human being, Yolanda Valenzuela. We talked with Yolanda, who represents the Kym's Angels Foundation as she gave us an insight into her journey in the non profit world, and how she began, what she has done, and what she hopes to continue to do. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and again, we thank our sp...
2023-10-2342 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatNutrition, Gluten, and Building Healthy Habits!Episode 9 is learning about nutrition, gluten, and building healthier habits! We sat down with one of our dietetic intern, Duyen Ho, who discusses the strengths and challenges of health conditions with individuals with Down syndrome. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest, Duyen, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does.Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok @DSASTX or visit our website at dsastx.org to...
2023-09-1740 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatFamily Spotlight: The Lopez FamilyEpisode 8 is a Family Spotlight! It is our very first one, and it’s where we sit down with one of our DSASTX families and chat about their journey. We talked with Laura and Joseph López, who have a beautiful 8 year-old daughter, Liliana, who has Down syndrome. They gave us an insight on their birth diagnosis story, their journey with Liliana, some parenting advice, and their time here with the DSASTX. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest family, the Lopez’s, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas Down...
2023-08-1446 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatSpeaking fitness with Coach Dan!On today's episode, we talk to a fan favorite here at the DSASTX: Coach Dan! Coach Dan tailors fitness for people of all special needs. His program, F.I.T.T.I.D helps support, and educate individuals with disabilities through functional fitness training and nutrition where anyone, regardless of their disability, can become stronger and more independent. You can find more information on his programs here: https://letsgetfittid.comFascinating stuff. You can join one his classes here at the DSASTX every second Saturday of the month, if you register here: https...
2023-07-1836 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatTexas Down Syndrome Chat- Featuring Kinetic Kids!On today's episode, we speak to Tracy Fontenot, the Co-Founder and Executive Director at Kinetic Kids: a fellow nonprofit that helps special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to help development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community!Visit the Kinetic Kids website for additional information! We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok @DSASTX or visit our website at dsastx.org t...
2023-06-1236 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatCharla entre MadresDSASTX's own Magaly Diaz speaks with Claudia Vargas of Education Service Center, Region 20 about bilingual education, approaching Down Syndrome stigma within the LATINX community and experiences with their daughters living with Down Syndrome. Visit the ESC-Region 20 website. We also hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, whether you have Down syndrome, or know someone who does. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok @DSASTX or visit our website at dsastx.org to send us questions, comments, or suggestions regarding our podcast, and even what you would l...
2023-05-0853 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatRecap of DSASTX Events & the Better Together Inclusion Conference!Episode 4 is all about the past couple of weeks at the DSASTX! Our Education Director, Magaly Diaz, and I do a recap of all the recent events that just happened over the month of March and the beginning of April. We chat about World Down Syndrome Day, the 2023 Collective Palette, the Spurs game, and our 2023 Easter Egg Hunt! During the episode, we introduce and discuss more details and information regarding our 2023 Better Together Inclusion Conference. If you want to know more about our upcoming conference, take a listen to this month's episode! The 2023 Better Together Conference is on May 11...
2023-04-1139 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatChatting about World Down Syndrome Day and Inclusion!Episode 3 is all about introducing the Executive Director, and founder of SA Life Academy, Cindy Boynton. She is a mother of a son, who has Down syndrome and has played a part in the history of the DSASTX. We chat about her story and journey with her son Drew, and what inclusion has meant to her throughout the years. We discuss how we as a community can celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and all the loved ones in our lives. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest Cindy, for coming out to talk with us...
2023-03-1343 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatLet's Talk About Occupational Therapy!Episode 2 is all about discussing occupational therapy, with Occupational Therapist, Analy Flores, who has over 10 years of experience in working with pediatrics and has been a part of the team at Pediatric Therapy Specialists for the last 6 years. We discuss what occupational therapy is and what it can do for children and adults with Down syndrome. We talk about what OT's work on, including sensory processing, and all their goals while working with different families. We hope you enjoy this month's episode, and thank our guest Analy, for coming out to talk with us! We also hope the Texas...
2023-02-1347 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatWelcome to the Texas Down Syndrome Chat!Welcome to The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas' official podcast: the Texas Down Syndrome Chat. We are so excited to launch our podcast this year! This episode is a short introduction to the Texas Down Syndrome Chat and what we hope this podcast will bring to all of you. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook @DSASTX or visit our website at dsastx.org to send us questions, comments, or suggestions regarding our podcast, and even what you would like for us to talk about next!
2023-01-0900 minTexas Down Syndrome ChatIntroducing Faith, Brian, Magaly & the DSASTX!Welcome to our first official episode of the Texas Down Syndrome Chat. Episode 1 is all about introducing the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas with host and Program and Outreach Coordinator, Faith Levario, and our guests, Executive Director, Brian Lopez, and Education Director, Magaly Diaz. We give an insight into who we are and the paths we took that led us to the DSASTX. We talk about what our organization provides for individuals and families living with Down syndrome, and what is yet to come in 2023. We hope the Texas Down Syndrome Chat supports, educates, and inspires our listeners, w...
2023-01-0937 min