Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley

randi-and-maddee

Randi McAleese

President

Randi McAleese was born and raised in Bryan/College Station. I am married to Jeremy McAleese and have three amazing children. Madee, her sixteen-year-old daughter has Down syndrome. She also has an eight-year-old boy, Jaxson, and a two-year-old daughter, Blakely. After living in Fort Worth for almost 10 years, they moved back to B/CS in 2016. They love being back home with family and friends. She is thankful to be part of the wonderful Down syndrome community and brings the needed parent perspective to our board conversations.

Amanda Bennett

Vice President

 Amanda is a happily married, stay at home mom of four – Rylee 16, Luke 11, Eli 5, and Abel 2 years old. Abel is their DSABV member. She has a degree in sonography, but after knowing Abel would be arriving, she dedicated herself to being a full-time mommy. Besides being at home with her precious family, she enjoys coffee, lunch dates, and everything in between. 

Jorge Borrego

Treasurer

Jorge Borrego is an education policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is a former employee of the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley. He was served in various different capacities, working with organizational data, events, and administrational duties. He received a Master of Public Administration from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M in 2021. Additionally, he served as a legislative director to Representative Lozano, Vice-Chair of Public Education during the 87th Texas Legislature. This is his first opportunity serving on the board of directors for DSABV and he looks forward to serving DSABV members and families.

Ryder Robinson

Secretary

Ryder Robinson joined the Board of Directors in 2021. A 2016 graduate of Texas A&M University, he previously worked at a camp for individuals with special needs for 6 years, and has been an advocate in all capacities since. After moving back to Bryan/College Station in 2020, this opportunity was the perfect avenue to continue serving a community he holds dearly. Having worked for the B/CS Chamber of Commerce for two years, and now with Bryan Broadcasting, Ryder hopes to bring his knowledge of, and his connections within, the Brazos Valley in order to broaden the horizons and outlook of the Down Syndrome Association.

Wendy Erdman

Self Advocate

Hey everybody! My name is Wendy Calhoun Erdman. I was born right here in Bryan, Texas in 1975. Ben and I got married on July 19, 2003. We will have our 20th anniversary on July 19! We bought our own home in 2005. I have been involved in Special Olympics since I was eight years old. I still participate in basketball, tennis, swimming and cycling. Ben and I also play baseball on the Crusaders baseball team. I work at Chick Fil A. I’ve been there for 27 years now. I used to work at the one in the mall but now I am at the one in Bryan by Wal Mart. Chick Fil A is a great place to work! Ben and I go to Central Baptist Church. We were one of the first to be in the adult special needs Sunday school class. In my free time, I like to go out with friends, and go on dates with my husband, Ben. I enjoy spending time with my big family, too. I love being on the board of DSABV. It helps bring friends and family together. I hope I can help!

Darla Dyke

Director of Operations

Hi my name is Darla Dyke. I am the Director of Operations but also a Mom of a young man with Down Syndrome. I have been a part of this organization since the beginning. I am always looking for new adventures for our members along with ways to grow the organization. If you have attended one of our events you know the love that we share between the families. Everything we do is centered around independence and inclusion. As a parent the DSABV has helped me prepare for today, tomorrow and the future. No one should feel alone we are here to help conquer the journey.

My son Dillon has helped our family in ways I can’t describe the love, patience, struggles are all done with a smile and a HUG!

Heather Bankston

Member at Large

Hello, my name is Heather Bankston. I have two handsome sons whom I adore. My oldest, Bode, is 20 years old and has Down Syndrome. I am told he is the life of every party! My family has been in the Brazos Valley since its beginning, and we love giving back to the community. I have been involved with DSBVA for the last 20 years and my parents Doug and Connie Weedon are actively involved as well. I enjoy being able to help enrich the lives of people born with Down Syndrome through love, inclusion, family and friendship.

Amanda Harris

Member at Large

I am from College Station and a Mama of 4. I started working for CSISD in 2015 in a life skills class room and grew so much more love for my peeps. I worked in the district for 5 years but had to move one to other things. After being away from everyone for so long I missed it and started helping with Pride Assist Baseball and then decided I wanted to serve on the board for DSABV. Other than working and being a Mama I love to fish and just be outdoors.

Roman Trant

Member at Large

My name is Roman Trant. I’ve been a part of the DSABV Family since 2012. I got involved when Nancy Jackson asked the company I worked for to purchase a table for the DSABV Gala. Little did I know how much I would fall in love with the organization and families. At the Gala, my eyes and heart were opened to a whole new world of unconditional love. A world of individuals with the ability to see the world through the eyes of pure love and innocence. Donating my time, efforts, and donations when I could – I wanted to be more involved with the organization. I have gotten to know so many of the families and have become really close to them. I also coach Pride Assist: a special needs team, in which many of the players are also involved with DSABV.