Core Responsibilities: Along with general Family Connector cases, Danyel assists families in preparing and planning for the future of their loved one with Down syndrome beginning in the teen years through adulthood. Danyel offers education and support along the way for families as they take those steps into the next stage of life after high school.
Previous Experience: Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Non-profit agencies and school communities. Volunteer with Down syndrome affiliated organizations in North Dakota, Iowa, & Minnesota including Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association and GiGi's Playhouse.
Personal Fun: Danyel enjoys nature hikes, time with family (all of their interests), journaling & music.
More info: Danyel's adult life has carried one common theme - keep going. When her first child Tony was born with Down syndrome over 20 years ago, she didn't know what the future would hold. She was a young, scared and confused new mom convinced she was "too young" (She was no where near 35 - learned that that was a myth) and not "capable of being a mom to someone with special needs". Danyel didn't know what to do, who to talk to or how to do this. So she just resolved to "keep going". So she read, found other parents, reached out, and began this journey. She kept going when he needed therapies, early intervention, sign language to assist in his speech difficulties, and community opportunities like little league, horse therapy and cub scouts. When middle and high school came - along with it came the Miracle league, Best Buddies, Gigi's Playhouse, Special Olympics and his very favorite - football. Tony's joys, passions, challenges and daily living skills became priorities and as a family, they, continued on. When "Transition" came - it wasn't like "starting over" - but it sure felt like starting new again. There were, and still are, lots of changes and new paths to take. While he is now so much more the guide - they keep going. Tony is 24 years old now, and the pursuit for him to live out the best opportunities for his life with the right supports in place, as well as the right adaptations to assist him in his challenges, is part of our everyday. We continue to seek, experiment, adapt and change as needed as we keep going. We do so with his best interest, his greatest joys, and his strengths and skills leading the charge. So much has changed in these short 24 years and it is a lot to be excited about. Danyel looks forward to all that is to come.
Danyel has been given the opportunity to partner with DSAMn to assist families during the transition ages. When she was going through that time period with Tony, she really wished she had a "back-up". While their family did more than their fair share of searching, calling and trying to figure it all out - they still missed things, learned things later than ideal, and felt overwhelmed with wonder if they had thought of everything. They kept going, but were again so unsure of where they were going. Having someone who could check in with and double check things with would have helped SO much. So in Danyel's position here, she is really hoping to get the word out that she can assist families while they keep going through everything. Her goal is to be the "back up", the someone who listens when a parent feels overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated. As well as the person a family member wants to share ideas with, ask questions and get to celebrate the little things with. To offer resources, find options and support.
Kassi Schimek, Associate Director, New & Expecting Parent Support
