For The Love Of Down Syndrome
About Us
Meet the Team
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our nonprofit organization forward. They are always pushing themselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to improve our programs and services.
Meet some of our incredible team leaders below:
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Peter retired from the Jamaica Police Department and migrated to the United States in 1983. He continued his career in law enforcement by joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1988. While serving as a police officer, Peter attended the University of La Verne, California, where he graduated Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration. He is also a graduate of the LAPD West Point Leadership Program, the FBI National Academy, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX). When he eventually retired in 2018, he held the rank of Captain, and Commanding Officer of the Criminal Gang-Homicide Division.
Peter’s involvement as an advocate for the Down syndrome community started with the birth of his daughter, Sophia, in November 1998. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas in 2018, Peter participated in various activities sponsored by Down syndrome organizations in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. However, Peter and his wife, Belinda, were primarily involved in the development, support, and sponsorship of programs for “Up for Downs,” a subsidiary Down syndrome organization of DSA/LA, which later evolved into the Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association. In the 20 years that Sophia was a member of that organization, Peter was involved in the planning, coordination, and/or sponsorship of their annual Buddy Walk event and other programs/activities. When Peter made Las Vegas his home, he continued his involvement, advocacy and support for persons diagnosed with Down syndrome, initially through DSOSN, and later with Best Buddies. Peter is happy to return to DSOSN, where he has continued his advocacy and support for not only persons diagnosed with Down syndrome, but also for all persons in the broader intellectual and developmental disability community.
Veronica was born in Washington D.C. and moved to Las Vegas with her family while in high school in 1982. She is a graduate of the University of Las Vegas Nevada and holds a Master of Social Work degree. She has worked as a licensed social worker in child welfare with the state of Nevada and Clark County for more than 32 years, formally retiring in 2020 and now works part-time from home for Clark County.
Veronica has one adult son and too many pets to mention. Her family has been active members of DSOSN since her brother, Matt, who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, was born in 1985.Born 20 years after Veronica, Matt was a welcome surprise to the family. Veronica, Matt, and their parents eventually became active members of DSOSN for many years, and they all spent many Thanksgivings volunteering at the Festival of Trees and Lights annual fundraising gala event. Bill, their dad, still attends DSOSN events on a regular basis, when he is able. Matt is now a “Senior Ambassador” for the organization and actively participates in many of the programs and events at DSOSN. Veronica accompanies Matt to all his events, and volunteers for activities such as the Art Painting Class and the Performing Arts Program. Over the past three years, Veronica has served as the coordinator for the “Cool-21’s Program,” and organizes the monthly
events for the Cool-21’s group, and as she says, “I enjoy every minute of it.”
Veronica is looking forward to her new role as a Board Member and welcomes the opportunity to work with the other Board Members to grow and expand the many programs that DSOSN offers to its members.
Teresa was born and raised in New Jersey. She relocated to Nevada in 1997 with her husband, Bill Klem Sr. (of 38 years), and her children. She worked as a teacher for 18 years at the Community Christian Academy (Pahrump) and held the position of Principal for two of those years. During her teaching career, she took on additional responsibilities doing therapeutic foster care for children with disabilities. She continued to work with children with disabilities as a volunteer and coach with Special Olympics Nevada for 27 years. Teresa understands what it is like not only to work with, but also to be a parent of, a child (or children) with disabilities: she is the proud parent of two; Billy 36, and Matthew 32.
Shortly after relocating to Nevada, Teresa was introduced to the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) and became a member with Billy. Because of her coaching activities with Special Olympics, she became less involved in the organization and stayed away for several years. She returned in early 2025 to attend a Performing Arts rehearsal, and from the moment she walked into the DSOSN Learning Center, she was impressed with the culture of inclusion that permeates the room; not just for the members (regardless of their diagnosed disabilities), but also for the parents and caregivers. For her son Billy, “It was almost as if he had found a new home,” and he wanted to sign up both as a DSOSN member, and as a member of the rehearsing cast immediately (Billy is now one of the star performers in the DSOSN Performing Arts Program).
Teresa is looking forward to the anticipated challenges, as she transitions from a participating parent to the more demanding role of a member of the DSOSN Board of Directors.
Outside of her volunteering roles, Teresa enjoys reading, spending time at the pool, and mostly being with her family.
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
Jeremy is a native Nevadan that has lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years. He and his wife, Mical, have been married for 10 years and together have nine children and two grandchildren, with a 3rd on the way. William, Jeremy’s 18-year-old son, was born in Las Vegas and diagnosed with Down Syndrome while still in the womb. Jeremy is the proud owner of Express Home Services, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical service company with locations in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Jeremy is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On the weekends, you will find Jeremy at any variety of sporting events, supporting his children.
Ernest is a graduate of Western Governors University and holds a Master of Science Degree in cyber security and information assurance. Ernest lives in Las Vegas and enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons, helping to coach their soccer and basketball teams. Ernest is a man of many talents and currently owns/operates a small trucking business (GrassRoots Trucking), and is a Cybersecurity/IT infrastructure consultant. Prior to moving to Nevada, Ernest lived in Minnesota and worked with adults with disabilities. He had a passion for helping adults with disabilities in Minnesota, and he brought that same passion for service with him here to Southern Nevada, which is evident in his volunteer services to the members, supporters, and friends of the DSOSN.
Salvatore (Sal) is a seasoned IT Professional with over 23 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in computer repair, he has worked with some of the top companies in the field and has a reputation for delivering results. As a driven and detail-oriented professional, Sal is dedicated to ensuring that every project he is assigned receives the highest level of quality and meets the needs of his clients. He brings that same sense of responsibility to his position as a DSOSN Board member. When not working, Sal enjoys coaching bowling and volunteering with Special Olympics. Now, as a Board member, Sal has assumed responsibilities for the DSOSN Recreational Bowling Training League.
Felipe J Vital Jr. is an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His path was inspired by his personal journey as a parent whose life has been profoundly shaped by raising a child with Down Syndrome. As a lifelong advocate and ally for his daughter, Aliah, this experience has deepened his commitment to fostering inclusion, dignity, joy and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
He was born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated with his family to the United States in 2003, with the goal of providing greater opportunities for Aliah. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Accounting, and pursued a career in the banking industry where he served until his retirement in 2005.
Now that he is retired, Felipe has dedicated his time to continue on the journey of advocacy for individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome, and feels even more excited to do so as a member of the DSOSN Board of Directors.
Lynda Ortiz is a person who has been shaped by her experience, growth, and heart. Over the years, she has learned the value of resilience, teamwork, and showing up for others when it matters. A natural organizer and connector, Lynda takes pride in
bringing people together and making things run smoothly, always with care and concern for others, and the purest of intentions for outcomes.
bringing people together and making things run smoothly, always with care and concern for others, and the purest of intentions for outcomes.
As she steps confidently into her 60’s, Lynda embraces this chapter of her life with excitement, self-awareness, and a deep sense of appreciation for how far she has come. She believes in honesty, kindness, and the power of learning at every stage of life. Grounded, thoughtful, and still evolving, Lynda continues to move forward with purpose, grace, and an open mind.
It is in the context of her life experiences that Lynda sees and embraces her new role as a member of the DSOSN Board of Directors: challenging though it may be, she feels that her life experiences have prepared her for this role, which may yet become her finest moment.
Michael is a Hypnotist, Magician, Speaker, Author, and Success Strategy Coach. He has been a performer his entire life and has headlined in Las Vegas and exclusive venues all over the globe as both a magician and a hypnotist. His other passion is working as a clinical hypnotist and life coach, helping private clients achieve goals in every area of their lives. He also provides his motivational and training programs to groups from schools to major corporations.
Michael once served as a DSOSN Board Member but left a few years ago because of a heavy work schedule that required a lot of travelling out of state. He is delighted to again return and serve as a member of the DSOSN Board of Directors. Michael’s mission in life is to not be a
superstar, but instead a super servant…especially for the members and entire service population of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.
Our Staff
