Get to know the passionate individuals who drive our mission forward. Our diverse board brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to support and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in our community. Learn more about the faces behind our organization and their commitment to making a difference.
Board of Directors 2024
Chair: Kendra Mantha
Vice Chair: VACANT
Secretary: Crystal Barrette-Leonard
Treasurer: Pat Hassim-White
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC, NCDSB): Andrea Pede
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC, DSBN): Louise Middleton
Down Syndrome Association of Ontario: Crystal Barrette-Leonard
Memberships: Rita Fragnito
Parent Connections: Bonnie Jankowski
Hey, my name is Kendra, I live in the Niagara Region with my husband Rheal, and our 4 crazy kiddos Amelia, Spencer, Weston and Lincoln. Lincoln was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. He spent the next 2 weeks at McMaster, and made it home just in time for Christmas. The following month I attended my first Down Syndrome Niagara AGM, and loved it. I knew Down Syndrome was now a huge part of our life and wanted to be as involved as I could, not only for my self as I navigated our new “normal” but for my other kids, to learn, grow and play with siblings who got what they were also dealing with. I was welcomed by some pretty amazing people I am lucky enough to call friends now, it I signed up to be a member at large that night. The following year I took on the roll of Vice Chair, and this year was elected Chair of Down Syndrome Niagara.
I live in the Fort Erie area with my husband Scott and our 6 children, Liam is our 3rd and was born in 2009. I have been a member of Down Syndrome Niagara for several years, I began by attending board meetings as a general member, attending coffee playdates and the Christmas parties. Now, I have held the position of Secretary for a number of years, and recently also moved into the DSAO Representative role for DSN! My goal is to bring as much information and resources to our families as possible. I could not have helped Liam be who he is today without the help and encouragement from families I have met along the way with DSN. Similarly, I would not be who I am today without the help from Liam and the amazing people I have met thanks to Down Syndrome Niagara
Hello! My name is Pat Hassim, and I sit on the board for Down Syndrome Niagara, where I hold the Treasurers position.
I live in St. Catharines with my spouse, Kevin White, and my youngest son Kurtis. I have three children, Matt, Nicki and Kurtis, and a family dog, Niko. My youngest son Kurtis has Down Syndrome, which is what brought me to this amazing group. Our family loves to camp, go to the beach, ride bikes, listen to music, dance, and play board games.
I have been a member of Down Syndrome Niagara since 2009, attending events and meeting new families along the way. I have been actively involved with the group since 2019, when I began as a Member at Large, and have been in the Treasurers position since 2022.
I am generally at most of our events, running around doing something, so if you see me, please stop and say hello. If you are new to our group, I’d love to meet you or if you’ve been here awhile, I’d love to see a familiar face again!
My name is Andrea Pede. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have three beautiful daughters. I work full-time as an elementary school teacher with a strong interest in Special Education. Our youngest daughter, Lucy, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, which came as a significant surprise to us. Lucy was born with duodenal atresia, requiring surgery when she was just one day old. She also has two unrepaired congenital heart defects and respiratory issues. Lucy spent 79 days in the NICU at McMaster Children’s Hospital. During a large portion of that time, our family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where we spent Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day while commuting our older daughters to school and daycare. This experience profoundly reshaped our perspective on life’s priorities as we navigated the next steps of our family’s journey during the COVID lockdown.
We were referred to Down Syndrome Niagara and immediately felt welcomed into a supportive community of families who share the challenges and triumphs of having a family member with Down syndrome. Additionally, thanks to DSN’s guidance, encouragement, and advocacy, our family has gained access to information about resources offered by local networks and agencies dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities. I look forward to meeting and networking with families and community members as we continue to focus on educating individuals with Down syndrome and their families about resources and future opportunities available in the Niagara region.
Hi everyone! I’m Louise and this is my husband Rob, and our sons Spencer and Lincoln.
Lincoln was diagnosed at birth and makes us proud everyday. He loves music and sports, has a great sense of humour and we love being apart of the DSN community.
Rita Fragnito is a committed volunteer in her community, a single parent of two and an avid traveler. She was born in Italy and moved to Canada when 8 years old. She completed her degree in Social Work at Ryerson University and after graduation settled in Vancouver where she worked for Vancouver Tourism and the Hospitality Industry.
Years later Rita moved to Niagara Falls with her daughter Amanda and son Dante to pursue her carrier. She worked in management at the Niagara Casinos in the Marketing Department for 25 years. Community service is dear to Rita Fragnito’s heart as it has been inspired by her family members. She is on the Executive of Down Syndrome Niagara, Executive Board of Club Italia, and Club Italia Ladies Auxiliary where she chaired the Miss Club Italia Ambassador Program for 5 years and mentored several young women. She served on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of Niagara Casinos. Rita Fragnito was awarded the Niagara Falls Volunteer Recognition Award and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award and Brilliant Minded Women Award. She is also featured on the ‘Living Legacy Brilliant Minds in Canada’ documentary album.
Rita has been passionately involved with Down Syndrome Niagara for over 20 years, being an advocate for her son Dante who has Down Syndrome. As Membership Coordinator Rita is dedicated to maintaining the membership database and communicating with DSN members. She is dedicated to using her experiences to broaden access for the DSN community by supporting innovation, reducing barriers, and building strong communities.
Hello! My name is Bonnie Jankowski and I am the Parent Liaison. I have been the Parent Liaison for the last 5 years! I have 5 children and 2 who have Down Syndrome! Maddie and Austin We have 1 dog named Keyke!! In our spare time we love being at the trailer when the season opens enjoying the great outdoors and swimming!!!
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