Down syndrome support group honors Super Stars — PHOTOS

Naomi Cockburn is Gavin‘s daycare teacher at KinderCare. Naomi helped us push to get Gavin into the correct class for his age, so he could stay with his typical peers. She (and other members of the KinderCare staff) supported our family by joining us at the 2015 Buddy Walk. She helped raise money for the walk by coordinating and working a bake sale at the daycare, which she did on her own time. She let Gavin work at the bake sale with her (and ga

Jessica Zeilman is Noah‘s special education teacher at Jydstrup Elementary School. She is Noah‘s biggest cheerleader when it comes to him being included into the general education setting. She believes in him and knows he is capable and sees all of his abilitie. She goes above and beyond to modify his first-grade curriculum so he can learn among his peers. Noah loves her, and we cannot thank her enough for her support in Noah‘s education.

Miss Pecjak (left) has been Myah‘s teacher every since she started school. She has always been there to help us. She has been helping us with potty training and when something is out of the ordinary with Myah she makes sure to call us. Even with Myah‘s limited speech, she is now teaching her Spanish. Mrs. Cabada (right) joined us this year, and she handles Myah with so much care and can also be firm with her since she mastered how to manipulate t

Dr. Ciccolo has operated on Chloe two times. I know I can speak for many moms in the group, but there are really no words to express our gratitude. He is someone who takes his job seriously and really cares about the people who he helps. He operates not only on the children of our community and the west coast, but he goes to other countries and operates on under-privileged children on his vacation!

Sarah is a little girl with a heart bigger than her body can contain.¬’€ For the last year and a half, she has been HenryþÄôs cheerleader, protector, classroom helper, hand holder, and motivator. She completes school work quickly so that she can assist Henry with his work. She beams with pride when she gets to report his successes of the day to his family. Henry says she is his best friend.¬’€ She is patient and understanding

I couldn‘t ask for a better friend for Kian! Serenity is loving and accepting while still challenging Kian to be independent. She is proactive in including him in activities but fiercely protects his alone time when he needs it. They seem to speak a language that only they know, and they love spending time together. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, Serenity!

Michelle was Zachary‘s preschool teacher for two years and still reaches out to make sure he is reaching his potential. She has always expected Zachary to do his best while allowing him to be himself. She guides with a gentle hand and has the patience of a saint on those days when all he ever said was, "NO!" Here‘s a shout out to Michelle for being one of Zachary‘s biggest supporters!

Mrs. Staudinger was Ryann‘s fourth pre-k teacher in the school district. At a time when my hopes of giving Ryann every opportunity school had to offer her were very low, Mrs. S came along and showed me that amazing people are out there and are willing to convince and help my daughter do anything she sets her mind to. In the one year Ryann was with Mrs. S, she, by far, outdid any of our already high expectations of her. Not only does Mrs. S contin

Words do not exist that can describe how we feel about Ms. Emily, lead therapist for Music Therapy at Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, and what she does. She not only gives 100 percent of herself but is also willing and able to give more when necessary. She is able to keep the attention of kiddos who can barely sit still for five minutes for an hour and a half! She hardly ever misses a session, even when the group is down to zero! S