NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. Their pioneering efforts have made it easier for later generations of individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted by their families and communities, to develop their capabilities, and to work towards independence.

National Association Against Down Syndrome Linda Smarto Interview

Dr. Eric Maisel is the author of more than 40 books. His interests include creativity, the creative life, and the field of creativity coaching, which he founded; and the areas of meaning, life purpose, mental health, and mental health reform.
Dr. Maisel’s recent books include The Future of Mental Health: Deconstructing the Mental Disorder Paradigm (Transaction Publishers, 2015), Life Purpose Boot Camp (New World Library, 2014), Settled (Motivational Press, 2014), Secrets of a Creativity Coach (Motivational Press, 2014), Why Smart People Hurt (Conari Press, 2013), Making Your Creative Mark (New World Library, 2013), Rethinking Depression (New World Library, 2012), Mastering Creative Anxiety (New World Library, 2011), and (with his wife Ann Maisel) Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Productive Obsessions (New World Library, 2010).

Dr. Eric Maisel : Life Coach & Author

Christine Hassler left her successful job as a Hollywood agent at 25 to pursue a life she could be passionate about . . . but it did not come easily. After being inspired by her own unexpected challenges and experiences, she realized her journey was indeed her destination. In 2005, she wrote the first guidebook written exclusively for young women, entitled 20 Something 20 Everything. Christine’s second book, The 20 Something Manifesto written for men and women stems from her experience coaching twenty-something’s.  Her newest book Expectation Hangover: Overcoming Disappointment in Work, Love and Life is the guidebook for how to treat disappointment on the emotional, mental, behavioral and spiritual levels.

Christine Hassler: Author & Life Coach

Dr. Siegel, who prefers to be called Bernie, not Dr. Siegel, was born in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College. He holds membership in two scholastic honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated with honors. His surgical training took place at Yale New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veteran’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He retired from practice as an assistant clinical professor of surgery at Yale of general and pediatric surgery in 1989 to speak to patients and their caregivers.

Ashley Milani