Outreach
The DSA of Delaware Outreach Coordinators offer support and resources to expectant and new families of babies with Down syndrome in our area. We also help families of children with Down syndrome that are moving or have moved into Delaware and the region.
Our Outreach Coordinators are focused on spreading support and awareness with the most up to date literature and educational materials on Down syndrome. The team achieves this goal through a number of ways — supporting local medical clinics, visiting new families, and providing local social events are just a few.
Please reach out to us so we can help support your family.
Outreach Staff
Susan Blessington, Outreach Coordinator
Susan Blessington has been involved with the DSADE since 2000 when her son, Conor, was born with Down syndrome. Before coming on part time as the DSADE Outreach Coordinator, Susan volunteered with the outreach committee for many years. She and her husband are also proud parents of Clare and Sean. Susan loves connecting with new families and providing them resources to help at any stage of their journey. Beyond her work with the DSADE, she volunteers with various organizations such as Waggies by Maggie and Friends, a dog treat company that employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Susan and her family love traveling and spending time at the beach. If you visit the Down Syndrome Clinic at Nemours, you will likely meet her!
Ari Avila, Spanish Outreach Coordinator
Ari Avila was born in Mexico but raised in her home state of DE since the early age of six is a proud and busy wife and mother to four wonderful children; one whom happens to have Down syndrome. Ari is fully bilingual in both English and Spanish.
She graduated with high honors and received her national certification as a Medical Assistant back in 2013, even though she has chosen not to be employed in the medical field she has volunteered at the Down syndrome clinic at Nemours. She has also volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association of DE as an outreach parent for Spanish speaking families welcoming them and providing resources, as well as translating important information. Her love for her son Eric and her own experiences has opened a passion to help other families experiencing the diagnosis of Down syndrome specially within the Spanish Speaking community. She wants to engage more with influential decision makers and thought leaders within the Down syndrome community to bring respect and awareness. She’s open to challenges, conversations, and an exchange of ideas from Down syndrome associations, hospitals, clinics and most importantly families.
Ari resides in New Castle County with her husband Jesus, and their four children Eric 22, Thais Karina 16, Giovanni 9, Alfonzo 5 and two fur babies Jalapeño and Princess.
