Staff

Executive Director

Beth Smith, M. Ed.

Beth Smith joined DSAGC as the Executive Director in 2024.  She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling. Her career path progressed from work in the public school system as an intervention specialist and school counselor to nonprofit leadership. She served as a nonprofit executive director for ten years before joining our organization. She has three adult children and lives on the westside of Cincinnati with her husband and three dogs.
Email Beth

"My favorite aspect of the DSAGC is the strong sense of community and collaboration that inspires hope and leads to consequential, life-fulfilling opportunities for those we serve."

Fun fact: I love to treasure hunt and collect vintage needlepoint. I recently purchased one that had some old currency hidden between the fabric and frame!

Program Team

Maggie Ranz, Early Matters Coordinator

As the Early Matters Coordinator, Maggie is responsible for providing support, resources, programs, and connection opportunities to our youngest families. She will also provide much needed outreach to local health professionals who deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Prior to becoming the Early Matters Coordinator, Maggie worked for University’s Medical Center and then for the James Cancer Hospital. In addition, she started out her career at the DSAGC as our Outreach Coordinator where she spent countless hours connecting with local health professionals, schools, employers, and legislators to make sure our community is an inclusive one. Maggie is a native of Columbus, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University. She has been connected to the Down syndrome community since 2016 when her friend Lindsey’s son, Owen, was born with Down syndrome. Maggie lives on the west side of town with her husband and two children. Email Maggie

“One thing I love most about my job is seeing the relationship and bonds families make after meeting one another through the DSAGC. I love being the person who gets to welcome our newest families and introduce them to this amazing community.”

Fun Fact: I can ride a unicycle!

Joanie Elfers, School Age Coordinator

As the School Age Coordinator, Joanie attends school meetings and assists with IEPs, behavior plans, and other school related matters. She also does “peer presentations” to students and teachers to expand the school’s knowledge of Down syndrome. In addition, she plans educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for school-age children and teens throughout the year. Prior to joining the DSAGC staff team in 2014, she worked for worked for Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services as a Service Facilitator then transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a School Intervention Specialist. She assisted children with various disabilities and medical conditions with their transition back-to-school after their hospitalization.  Joanie has a personal passion and connection to Down syndrome through her niece, Payton Schroeder, was born in February of 2002.  At the age of 7, she was also diagnosed with Autism. Email Joanie

“I love so much about my job at the DSAGC, but one of my favorite things is watching the crowds go wild when our cheerleaders perform. They spread so much positive community awareness.”

Fun Fact:  I’m in a horseshoe league—and I’m pretty darn good!

Stephanie Dailey, Young Adult Coordinator

As the Young Adult Coordinator, Stephanie is responsible for providing support, resources and programs to ages 18-34. Some areas Stephanie can provide support are for housing, full employment, transportation, healthcare, social networking and aging. Stephanie also is responsible for planning a wide variety of programs including TELL and Find Your Way. She received a BS in Kinesiology from Miami University and her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Dayton. Prior to joining the DSAGC staff, Stephanie worked as a Physical Therapist, working with children and adults with developmental disabilities, orthopedic injuries, and neurologic conditions. Stephanie continues to hold her licensure as a Physical Therapist and continues to practice physical therapy as well. She became connected to the DSAGC as a volunteer and to the community by working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Email Stephanie

“There are so many reasons why I love my job at the DSAGC! One is the connections I have made with the young adults and their families. They have welcomed me with open arms over the past year. My job is so much fun and I love getting to spend time with the young adults at all of the programs we have! I also love getting to see them grow and become more confident in their life skills through our Find Your Way retreats and tune up classes.”

Fun Fact: I am also a physical therapist!

Emma Daniels, Adult Program Specialist

As the Adult Program Specialist, Emma Daniels is responsible for Social Clubs, finding and training Peer Partners, getting new groups together and helping the Peer Partners to make sure their club is a success, and oversees our internship program. Emma Daniels holds a BA in Public Relations, a minor in Organizational Leadership and a focus in Women’s Gender Studies from Northern Kentucky University. Prior to joining the DSAGC staff team in 2017, Emma worked at Jason’s Connection a local non-profit, as well as helped start the Best Buddies program at NKU pairing NKU students with individuals who are a part of the DSAGC in one-to-one friendships, this is how she met her friend Kelsey and got involved at the DSAGC in 2010. She has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Emma lives in Fort Thomas with her husband Jason and their three kids, Adelyn, Lorelei, Carson, and their cat Frank. Because of Best Buddies Emma has personal passion and connection to Down syndrome through her friend Kelsey, they have been friends since 2010. Email Emma

“My favorite thing about working at the DSAGC is being able to watch and help my friends grow in their independence.”

Fun Fact: I was bitten by a penguin when I worked at the Newport Aquarium as an animal helper.

Kim Wynn, Aging Specialist

As the Aging Specialist, Kim Wynn is responsible for providing support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome (ages 35+) and their families. She is available to assist with aging concerns, guardianship issues, housing, transportation, sibling caregivers, and more. Kim has spent her entire career working in the field of developmental disabilities. Email Kim

“My favorite thing about working at the DSAGC is being able to personalize my approach to get to know individuals 35+ and their families/caregivers. Everyone has been so welcoming and appreciative of the DSAGC’s hiring of an aging specialist and the programs that we offer.”

Fun Fact: I was Miss 16 of Cincinnati (year 1973)

Outreach Team

Molly Blaker, Outreach Specialist

As an Outreach Specialist, Molly works to support individuals with Down syndrome throughout our community.  She does this by collaborating with educators, employers, and medical personnel.  She works to connect the DSAGC to services and opportunities that benefit our families.  Molly has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University.  She began working with DSAGC in 2019, as the Outreach Coordinator for the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network.  Prior to becoming the Outreach Specialist, Molly worked as an Intervention Specialist in numerous schools around the greater Cincinnati area.  Molly lives in Loveland with her husband and children.  Email Molly

“I love many things about my job, but my favorite is getting to work with our interns. I have learned so much from them and delight in seeing them grow throughout their internship.”

Fun Fact: I am a huge fan of the TV show House Hunters!

Emily Hayes, Intern

As an intern, Emily is responsible for helping the program and development team with tasks. She likes to do computer work and is working towards being more confident in public speaking. Prior to working at the DSAGC, Emily worked at a hair salon where she interacted with clients and completed daily cleaning tasks. Emily will be working as part of the DSAGC team from January 2025 – October 2025.

“My favorite part about working at the DSAGC is getting to help people and make a difference.”

Fun Fact: I like to sing and dance. I want to be famous.

Amy Iten, Volunteer Coordinator

As the DSAGC Volunteer Coordinator, Amy is responsible for recruiting, training and managing over 700 volunteers each year.  In addition, she directly supports the volunteers who lead our many community groups.  Amy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.  Prior to joining the staff in 2015, she volunteered as a DSAGC Community Group Leader connecting families like hers who have a loved one with Down syndrome. Email Amy

“My favorite part of my job is making connections – family to family, volunteers to the DSAGC, and my own personal connections with families and volunteers. I love directly supporting the volunteers who lead our community groups. They are creative, dedicated and I learn a lot working with them.”

Fun Fact: I used to work as a taster for a local flavoring company – not the most glamorous job with the things we “had” to taste, but it was usually pretty interesting!

Development Team

Kerin Caudill, Fundraising and Event Manager

As the Fundraising and Event Manager for the DSAGC, Kerin is a member of the Development Team and plans the organization’s major fundraising events (the Buddy Walk and the Golf Outing) as well as other projects within the organization. She has worked in the nonprofit sector as a development professional for 25 years, specifically event marketing and fundraising. Prior to joining the DSAGC staff in 2011, Kerin worked for Sesame Workshop, Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation,  She relocated to Ohio, from New York, with her husband and 2 children and lives on the East side of Cincinnati.  Email Kerin

"I love so much about what I do at the DSAGC. Having the opportunity to support families here in Cincinnati has brought me so much joy.  I step back at the Buddy Walk each year after the official walk “start” and just soak it all in.  What an awesome community we live in." 

Fun Fact: My first job out of college was with Sesame Workshop. I grew up watching and LOVING Sesame Street, so to end up working alongside Big Bird, Grover, Elmo and the rest of my childhood heroes was so very special. 

Amy Fleming, Project Specialist 

As the Project Specialist, Amy is responsible for managing our World Down Syndrome Day 5K, Summer Picnic, and Holiday Party as well as the Annual Appeal and other projects throughout the year which engage our families and donors. Prior to joining the DSAGC staff team, she worked as the Events and Communications Manager at the Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation in Chicago. She graduated from Scranton University in PA and has a Masters from Boston University. She and her husband, Andy live in Mariemont with their four children.  Her second child, Devin, has Down syndrome. Email Amy

Kari Kester, Grants Coordinator

As the Grant Coordinator, Kari is responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to area foundations and corporations. These funds help support the programs and services that we provide. Kari graduated from Northern Arizona University and has her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience. Her most recent ten years have been in fundraising, including everything from annual campaigns, to grant writing, to donor communication and engagement. Kari and her husband live in West Chester with their two sons. Her youngest son has Down syndrome. She is excited to use her professional experiences and personal passion to support individuals with Down syndrome. Email Kari

“It is an incredible honor to work for the organization that has been and will continue to be such an important part of our family’s journey.”

Fun Fact: I love all things baseball – especially if one of my boys is on the field!

Julie Sheffer, Development Coordinator

As the Development Coordinator, Julie’s focus is building and maintaining a base of faithful donors who have both the capacity and desire to give in impactful ways. Julie holds a bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Dayton. Prior to joining DSAGC, Julie worked in the marketing communications department for Corning, Inc. in upstate NY and at Cognis Corporation in Cincinnati, OH. She also worked at Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati as an outing leader for teens and adults with disabilities. Most recently, she was a development manager at Most Valuable Kids, a local non-profit in Cincinnati. She lives on the east side of Cincinnati with her husband, Scott, and their 3 children and 2 dogs. Email Julie

“Getting the opportunity to know our donors and supporters on a personal level is the best part of my job!  The generosity we receive from this community is such a testament to the trust and belief they have in us as an organization.”

Fun Fact: I never got wisdom teeth – and I was sure happy about that when everyone I knew had to have them removed!

Business Team

Betsy Browe, Operations Manager

As the Business Manager, Betsy is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day and big picture finances as well as our Community Participation Fund (scholarships). This position helps provide the foundation and building blocks necessary to support the staff members as they work to achieve their organizational goals. Betsy joined the DSAGC staff team February 2024. She lives in Fairfield with her husband and daughter, Cora, who has Down syndrome.Email Betsy

“The DSAGC is an amazing place to work because of the people I get to work with every day. The passion, support and positivity are incredible! I was lucky enough to get a job here when my daughter Cora, who has Down syndrome, was 7 months old. I couldn’t be happier with this community and the resources we bring to families like ours.”

Fun Fact: I had my daughter Cora when I was on vacation in the Florida Keys. So technically, she is from Miami, FL!

Andy Baker, Bookkeeper

As the Bookkeeper, Andy assists the Operations Manager with the DSAGC’s day-to-day financial tasks. He has a diverse professional background having served in various roles in the private and public sectors. Andy brings over 25 years of experience in financial management, customer relations, and project management. Andy is keenly aware of the invaluable role the DSAGC plays in the Greater Cincinnati Down syndrome community, as he has a daughter with Ds. His family has leaned into the talented and caring staff at the DSAGC many times over the years. Andy lives in Glendale with his wife Jen and their daughter Carly and son Quinn. Email Andy

“Being a part of a team that reaches so many families and touches so many lives is very gratifying.”

Fun Fact: When I was 22, I saved a clerk at a liquor store from choking using the Heimlich Maneuver.

Jenn Schott, Office Coordinator 

As the Office Coordinator, Jenn will assist our staff team with a variety of tasks including program preparation, database entry, communicating with families, administrative tasks, and more. Jenn has been in the developmental disabilities field since 2012 serving in a variety of roles including paraprofessional, direct support, and program lead. She lives in the east side of Cincinnati with her child. Email Jenn

“The best part about my job is getting to help where I am needed the most!”

Fun Fact: I won tickets to see Rascal Flatts from the radio station B-105, for singing karaoke one night at Turfway Park!

Marketing Team

Krissy Vinson, Communications Coordinator

As the Communications Coordinator, Krissy is responsible for creating and editing all content on the DSAGC website, social media platforms and Ds Press.  She oversees the overall marketing objectives of the organization and strives to promote the DSAGC through various media outlets. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Northern Kentucky University.  Prior to joining the staff in 2012, Krissy volunteered at the DSAGC because she has a family connection to Down syndrome. She lives in Northern KY with her husband and children. Email Krissy

“My favorite part about working at the DSAGC is the thousands of parents, siblings, volunteers, and individuals with Down syndrome I met who I now consider family. Together, we work to make our community a place where EVERYONE is embraced, supported, accepted, and empowered.”

Fun Fact: I have won two hula hoop contests.

National Down Syndrome Adoption Network

Stephanie Thompson, Director

As the Adoption Program Director, Stephanie is responsible for counseling expectant and new families from all over the United States who contact our program, the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN), who are considering making an adoption plan for their child. She helps them process the diagnosis, educates them on Down syndrome and parenting, and connects them to their local DS community. Because of this process, close to half of the families who contact us decide to parent their child. For those who decide to make an adoption plan, she provides support throughout the adoption process.

Prior to joining the Adoption Program, Stephanie was our Office Coordinator and Early Matters Coordinator for 11 years. Stephanie and her husband JT live in Anderson Township and have 2 adult sons – Chris, who rocks the extra chromosome, and Cody, who rocks at being a little brother to Chris. Email Stephanie

“My favorite part of my job is seeing all of the adults in the community who I made hospital visits to when they were born!”

Fun fact: I trained and raced for NASCAR for a summer and was featured on a TV show about my experience!