About Us

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Our Story

UP21 began when a group of moms attended a conference on educating children with Down syndrome in Atlanta in 2010. After the conference we all agreed that the information we learned was extremely beneficial in educating our children. We were determined to bring the conference to St Tammany which was the impetus in forming UP21. Our 5-year goal was to raise $50,000 (the cost of the conference). Surprisingly, we were able to host the Downs Ed International Conference in 2012, in Covington, within 1 ½ years of UP21’s inception. Over 300 attendees were present for a 2-day conference with the majority of those being St. Tammany parish educators. We’ve since hosted well renowned experts who have spoken on important topics pertaining to Down syndrome to parents, educators, physicians and other professionals.  

Our Board

Cassie Walther

Cassie Walther

Founding Member

Haley Wheeler

Haley Wheeler

Board Member

Tiffani Ducote

Tiffani Ducote

Board Member

Angie Dugas

Angie Dugas

Board Member

Jeff Binder

Jeff Binder

Board Member

Helen Robinson

Helen Robinson

Board Member

Puddy Robinson

Puddy Robinson

Board Member

Megan Bremond

Megan Bremond

Board Member