Lauren Camp Gates
Executive Director
executivedirector@dsadelaware.org | (302) 995-1004
Lauren has dedicated over a decade to advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and supporting families within the community. Her journey with the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSA of DE) began in 2010 as a volunteer. In 2012, she took on a more significant role by launching the Days of Summer Camp Program, which continues to serve over 100 children annually, offering meaningful experiences to those with Down syndrome throughout DE.
Lauren’s commitment to the cause earned her the prestigious Down Syndrome Advocacy Award in 2013 for her outstanding volunteer work. Her dedication was further recognized in 2017 when she became the Executive Director of DSA of DE, a position she holds today. Prior to this, she served as Program Coordinator in 2014 for DSA of DE.
A tireless advocate, Lauren also served as President of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action from 2018-2022 and worked with the National Down Syndrome Congress from 2013-2022. She is also a co-founder of Down to Box, a national non-profit organization teaching boxing techniques to individuals with Down syndrome, empowering them to gain confidence and physical fitness.
Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy with a minor in Disabilities Studies from the University of Delaware, and a Master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management.
Lauren lives in New Castle County with her husband and children. She remains passionate about creating a world of inclusion and opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome.
Douglas Gerdts
Chief Financial Officer
doug@dsadelaware.org | (302) 995-1004
Douglas Gerdts, Chief Financial Officer, formally joined the Down Syndrome Association of DE in February of 2025. He was formerly an Account Specialist with Breakwater Accounting and Advisory since January of 2018 during which time he served as the association’s bookkeeper and provided financial reporting and analysis.
During college and after graduation, Doug enjoyed a career with a start-up hotel management and development company based in Santa Barbara, CA, first as a hotel controller and later charged with corporate responsibility for renovation or construction of a dozen hotels ranging from exclusive coastal resorts to large convention hotels in Arizona and Colorado.
In 1997 he was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served churches in Kentucky, Delaware, and New Jersey prior to his retirement in 2022. Throughout his ministry career, Doug served as Treasurer for New Castle Presbytery and the ACLU of Delaware, as well as appointments to the Delaware Council of Faith-based Partnership (chair), New Castle County Diversity Commission (chair), Alzheimer’s Association (president), and Board of Trustees of Christiana Care.
Doug received a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a Masters of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY; and a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA. Doug now resides in Wilmington, DE.
Sandra Searle
Director of Development
sandra@dsadelaware.org | 302-685-7650
Sandra Searle, CFRE joins DSA Delaware as the Director of Development. A recent transplant to Delaware, she brings her 25+ years of experience working with both large and small nonprofit organizations. Sandra’s leadership has helped raised more than $50 million at some of Arizona’s most well-known organizations. As a hands-on fundraiser, AFP Master Trainer, AFP Mentor, and experienced volunteer community Board Member, Sandra has seen all facets of the fundraising world.
A recipient of numerous personal and professional accolades—she is most proud of being her 8th grade Spelling Bee Champion and has the trophy to prove it! Sandra and her husband George enjoy spending time with family—either on the water or on the road in classic boats and trucks. As an avid gardener in her spare time, Sandra keeps family and friends fully stocked with heirloom vegetables from her organic salsa garden. This last has become more difficult since her llama, Tallulah Olive, has discovered a taste for the leaves of tomato and pepper plants!
Jess Walls
Community Liaison
jess@dsadelaware.org | (302) 528-1734
Jess has been involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware since 2014, when she began volunteering at Days of Summer Camp as a counselor. She has since volunteered for various events through the years and was hired full-time in May of 2024.
Jess’s passion for helping others and advocating for children & adults with exceptionalities led her to a career change from a Neurodiagnostic Technologist to working as a Community Liaison for DSA of DE. You can find Jess managing our Milton office in Sussex County, directing our summer camps, coordinating our Rock Your Socks program, and more!
Jess lives in Harrington with her wife, Brooke, two dogs, Bow & Chloe and their cat, Pua.
Nancy Bennett
Office Manager
office@dsadelaware.org | (302) 577-0005
Nancy Bennett is a lifelong Delawarean. She was raised near Bethany Beach, lived in Wilmington for nine years and settled in Middletown. She and her husband Dan, a Wilmington attorney, have three amazing daughters, Bethany, Julie and Caroline who are all grown up and making their mark on the world.
Nancy is a 1987 graduate of University of Delaware with a degree in elementary education, and taught up and down the state for thirty-five years. The last twenty-one years were spent as a third grade teacher and a middle school math teacher and advisor. She is also an active member at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church.
Having the opportunity to work with such an active community of advocates and supporters as the Office Manager is a wonderful life-shift after retiring from teaching and Nancy enjoys getting to assist the Down syndrome community.
Outreach Staff
Susan Blessington
Outreach Coordinator
outreach@dsadelaware.org | (302) 464-6276
Susan 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
spanish@dsadelaware.org | (302) 455-8705
Ari 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.
Ari resides in New Castle County with her husband Jesus, and their four children Eric (Ds), Thais Karina, Giovanni, Alfonzo, and fur babies: Jalapeño, Princess, and Chapo.