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Board of Directors

Christa Ventura

Christa Ventura
President

Christa lives in Thornton with her husband Matt, daughter, Antonella, and 2 sons, Dominic and Vincenzo. She joined DSIG while pregnant with her daughter in 2013. Since joining DSIG, Christa has helped with new member outreach through Beautiful Beginnings, and helped with planning events for the younger members. Her favorite thing about DSIG is making connections and memories with the members. When Christa is not volunteering with DSIG, she is a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher in Penn-Delco School District at Northley Middle School. She also enjoys taking pictures, crafting, and reading.

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Kelsey Mango
Vice President

Kelsey lives in Garnet Valley with her husband Joe and three children; Anthony, Sophia and Theodore. Kelsey joined DSIG when Anthony was born in 2013. Shortly after Anthony was born, she started welcoming new families into the interest group through Beautiful Beginnings, helps plan events and gatherings for the younger members, and is active on the board. She cherishes the friendships and community that DSIG has allowed her to build throughout the years. Outside of DSIG, Kelsey is a special education teacher and Job Coach through Tutoring for Adult Life Learners (TALL). In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, and being in the sun!

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Yuhanna Bishar - Seceratary

Yuhanna Bishar
Treasurer

Yuhanna is the father to three children, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. He has been treasurer of DSIG since August of 2013 and loves being able to help the members thrive. Prior to joining DSIG, Yuhanna attended Columbia University and later became an architect. Now retired, he enjoys a couple part time jobs for fun including working at a farm and driving hayrides. Yuhanna’s hobbies include gardening, carpentry, photography, fishing, and cooking

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Lauren DiPasquale Photo

Lauren DiPasquale
Secretary

Lauren lives in Wallingford, PA with her husband Jon and their three wonderful children, Scarlett, Everly, and Carson. Lauren has a legal background, having worked as an attorney for the past 12 years with the past 8 lending her skills to project management while working as a consultant to Veteran’s Affair on their electronic health records program as a program lead to their acquisitions team. She received her BA in Economics from Bucknell University and her J.D. from Villanova University. Her favorite thing about DSIG has been meeting all the wonderful families and cultivating new friendships and sources of support. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and doing all things outdoors.

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Patty White - President

Patty White
Board Member

Patty lives in Springfield, PA with her husband, Dan, and daughter, Lauren. As one of the founding members of DSIG in 1990, she also helped to start the annual Walk-a-thon. Patty’s favorite part about DSIG is all of the friendships and relationships that she has built with families and professionals throughout the years. Outside of volunteering for DSIG, Patty attended Thomas Jefferson University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is now a pediatric telephone triage nurse for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In her free time, Patty enjoys riding bikes with her daughter and husband in Ocean City, NJ, traveling, and crafting.

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Megan Califano

Megan Califano
Board Member

Megan is from Springfield, PA where she lives with her husband, Anthony and three children; AJ, Vincent, and Morgan. Megan joined DSIG in 2006 when her daughter, Morgan, was born. Her favorite thing about DSIG is the relationships that she has built throughout the years. Outside of being the event coordinator for DSIG, Megan attended Peirce College in Philadelphia and obtained her associate degree in medical practice management. She is now the Director of Offering Management at IQVIA. In her free time, Megan enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities including boating, fishing, snorkeling and crabbing with her family.

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Shirley Bishar - Board Member

Shirley Bishar
Board Member

Shirley lives in Rose Valley where she has raised her three children, Natalie, Rima, and Paul alongside her husband, Yuhanna. Shirley has been a Board Member since 2005. Her favorite part about DSIG has been the friendships she has developed with members as well as watching the children grow up. Outside of DSIG, Shirley obtained her Bachelor of Science in art from New York University. In her free time she loves creating art, keeping up with her kids, and going to museums.

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Little baby with Down syndrome hid under blanket

New/Expecting Parents

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Get Involved!

We are always looking for new DSIG Board Members, so if you feel that you have the time to commit to this great organization, please contact us for more information.

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