Who We Are

Melissa Burgos, MD

President

President since 2015 Spearheaded the development of Club DREAMS.

Family Physician and residency faculty with a fellowship in Faculty Development and Cultural Competency. Mother of 4 children : Clara , Juliet, my son with Down Syndrome, Lee, and Octavia. Passionate advocate, creative thinker, dreamer, and “want to be”event planner. I love being a part of DSACNJ and the Executive Director of Club DREAMS. In addition to the wonderful and meaningful family support we personally provide, I strive to advocate in the medical community to improve patient experiences and support in the prenatal and postnatal period. I spearheaded the NJ First Call program offered by DSACNJ. I feel this component of our advocacy is critical for new parents.

Joellen Boyd

Treasurer

  • Board member since 2010
  • Mother of 3: Daughter with Down syndrome, Rebecca and 2 sons Ryan and Brayden
  • Accountant Nexus Properties
  • Has been a devoted board member to bringing forth Club DREAMS

Shakira Fox

Site Director

Mona Patel

Ashley Conklin

Yvette Griffen

Members at Large

 

Amy Jones-Johns

Member at Large

  • Member at Large since 2012
  • Vice President 2016
  • Mother of 2 children: Daughter with DS, Emelia Son Edward
  • Strong advocate for
    individuals with DS.
  • Devoted to ‘paying forward’ the love
    & support I felt from Emelia’s
    1 st day of life to today

Rachelle Jennings

Member at Large since 2012

  • Mother of 3 children: Daughter Kaydence (10), Son with DS Isaac (8), and daughter Emily (7)
  • Former Elementary School teacher with experience in general and special education.

Honor Griffin

Self Advocate Part Time Employee

Self-Advocate since 2018. The job is very interesting and very fascinating. the board asks for my suggestions. I welcome and greet new families. I put together folder handout packages for the doctors outreach program. I set up and cleanup at picnics/gatherings and fundraisers. I learn a lot and meet a lot of different people.