Who We Are

TBODS is a nonprofit 501(C) 3 corporation established in the State of California in 2008 dedicated to making the future brighter for individuals with Down syndrome. Our organization is managed by a Board consisting of parents and/or friends of those with Down syndrome. The fiscal year of TBODS is from January 1^st through December 31^st. The treasurer manages our bookkeeping, and our annual income tax returns are prepared by a licensed and reputable Certified Public Accountant. TBODS is financed through private donations, memorials, and an annual Buddy Walk. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and can be mailed to the address below.

                                    TBODS
                                    P.O.Box 32252
                                    Stockton, CA 95213-2252

TBODS usually meets at least once a month to encourage and strengthen each other, by striving to increase our knowledge, understanding, and hope about Down syndrome. We share new information, ideas, and advice to become better advocates for our children. We often have speakers on specific subject matter, or enjoy planned social events.

Our History

TBODS was founded in 2006 by two proud moms to children with Down syndrome. These two moms had first hand experience with the joys and the hardships of raising a child with individual special needs. They understood the importance of connecting with other families and how much families could rely on these relationships when they encounter inevitable challenges. These moms also knew the joy of celebrating each other’s victories, making the journey with their child so much richer.

TBODS was formed to provide support and connection for families in all of San Joaquin County, and at that time no other group in the area was dedicated to advocate specifically for persons with Down syndrome. Within months, TBODS applied for and received its non-profit number from the state. A constitution and bylaws were developed, and in 2009 TBODS was finally incorporated. Elected officers serve at least a 2-year term.

About Us

Board Members

Jean Wiltz, Founder and President
Mom to Aaron

In 2006, another parent and I co-founded TBODS. My son, Aaron, was born in 1976 and was diagnosed with Down syndrome. So, I have years of first-hand knowledge and experiences to share with other parents. In 2009, I retired after 33 years of teaching. Almost 30 of those years were enjoyed as an Infant Development Specialist working with families who has an infant birth to three years of age with a special needs diagnosis. Currently, I have a private practice and am a vendored IDS for our local Regional Center. My vision is for TBODS to provide a comfortable and relaxed environment for parents to share, brag, learn, encourage, develop friendships and gain information from each other.

I truly believe my family has been blessed by having Aaron. He definitely changed who I was becoming, and has made huge impacts on his father, two brothers and all other close friends and relatives. Aaron is God's gift to our family!

Nina Ward, Vice President
Mom to Micah

My name is Nina Ward and I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Robert, for 21 years. We have been blessed with four children: Macie, 18; Mason, 13; Merrick, 10 and our little angel with Down syndrome, Micah, 2. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 13 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Having a baby at 40 was a big surprise to us, and an even bigger surprise when we found out he had Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect on the day he was born. Although it was difficult, I wouldn't change a thing. God created Micah just the way he is, and Micah has brought nothing but job and a new appreciation for the small things in life. After Micah was born, I joined TBODS and immediately got involved. I have met wonderful people, gained more knowledge and my family has received an abundance of support from other parents. We as a family embrace the journey that God has led us on, and we look forward to the bright future of Micah and others with Down syndrome.

Carrie Norris, Treasurer
Mom to Sara

My name is Carrie Norris and I am the treasurer for The Brighterside of Down Syndrome (TBODS). I have been an active member of TBODS since the group was established. I have a twenty-one year old daughter with Down syndrome. My daughter, Sara Norris, is the sunshine of my life. Initially, I joined TBODS to provide support to new parents after their babies were diagnosed with the chromosome defect. I figured that I survived the heartbreak of the initial diagnosis, the heart defect, the respiratory illnesses and the educational disappointments. Because we made it pass all these hurdles, I thought that I could provide new parents with the support I didn’t have. However, I found that TBODS gave me much more than I expected. Now, I understand that everyone going through life with a Down syndrome person needs a place to share their life experiences. TBODS is that place for supportive family and friends who are looking to connect with others during challenging times. I thank TBODS for providing that place for me and my child.

Robin Brown, Historian

My name is Robin Brown. I am married and a mother to 2 children, 17 and 21 years old. I have worked with Stockton Unified School District for 14 years. I have spent 13 years of that working at Walton Special Center in the Early Intervention Program. The Early Intervention Program provides services to infants, birth to three years old who have special needs. At Walton, I have worked in the classroom and in the homes of many children who have many different challenges. This is where I found my love of working with children who have Down syndrome. I was lucky enough to work with Jean Wiltz and be taught not only how to be a teacher, but what it means to be a parent of a child with Down syndrome. Although I do not have a child with special needs, I enjoy being a board member with TBODS in the hopes that I can continue enriching the lives of the children and families that I work with.

Barbara Patton, Member at Large
Mom to Angelina

Hi my name is Barbara and this is Angelina. She is 5 years old and the joy of my life. A little about us; I adopted Angelina when she was two years old but she has lived with me all her life. I am a foster parent, a mom. and a trainer for new adoptive and foster parents. I joined TBODS before I adopted Angelina and it was a good place to find information and to share feelings about our special children. I enjoy all of our activities and get-togethers.

Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.
- Orison Swett Marden