Executive Director

Alecia became the executive director of DSAMT in 2012, after spending several years as an active member and volunteer in our organization and in the disability community. She received her BA & MA from Western Kentucky University, taught at Nashville State and Volunteer State Community Colleges, directed marketing at Passport Health Communications, Inc. and was a freelance marketing professional before joining DSAMT.

Ms. Talbott is a strong advocate for inclusion and acceptance for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities in the community and schools. Her passion lies in helping those with Down syndrome show the world that those with “something extra” bring extraordinary gifts to our communities, which should be recognized and valued.

During her 10+ year tenure at DSAMT she has served on the Disability Coalition for Education, Vanderbilt's Disability Pathfinder Advisory Committee, the Tennessee Disability Coalition Board of Directors, Davidson County Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, the Wilson County Family Support Advisory Board and currently is on the Board at the Tennessee Disability Coalition and Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. She was named Best Buddies TN Champion of the Year in 2011 and in 2016 received the Nashville Business Journal’s Woman of the Year Award. Under her leadership, DSAMT received the National Down Syndrome Congress Affiliate of the Year Award in 2020 and the Arc of TN Agency of Distinction Award in 2023. She is an active National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition Member.

Alecia is currently on leave and not responding to emails.

Interim Executive Director

Tanya Chavez is a recognized leader and advocate in the Down syndrome community with extensive experience in program development, healthcare collaboration, and disability advocacy. Tanya stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director in September, from the role of Program Director with DSAMT, which she held since 2017. This followed five years as Program Coordinator for the Down Syndrome Clinic at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Her leadership experience includes service with the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group, the Vanderbilt Down Syndrome Journal Club, and as a liaison to the Down Syndrome Family Advisory Council. She has also served on the Tennessee Department of Health Vulnerable Populations Subcommittee and as a partner member of Tennessee’s Maternal and Child Health (Title V) Program team for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. 

Tanya holds a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and is an Elevatus-trained Sexuality Educator and Trainer for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She is an Affiliated Regional Trainer for the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia Practices (NTG). Her background includes four years investigating child abuse and neglect, as well as clinical experience as a domestic violence counselor for adults and children. Tanya brings more than 18 years of volunteer experience supporting children and young adults with disabilities through organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Alliance for Recreational Empowerment. She previously served five years on DSAMT’s Board of Directors. 

Currently, Tanya serves as a board member of the Hand-In-Hand Program and is an active participant in Tennessee’s Employment First Task Force. She is also a member of the TN Governor’s Employment First Task Force, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA), the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), the Tennessee Department of Health Functional and Access Needs Support Workgroup (FANS), and the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC).

Policy & Advocacy Director

Erin Richardson is a parent of three children, including an 18-year-old son with autism and a chromosomal abnormality. She is a graduate of American University (1988) and The University of Florida College of Law (1992). Formerly a practicing attorney, Erin’s journey with her own son eventually led her away from the practice of law, and into helping and advocating for other students with disabilities. Erin served as the Director of Legal Advocacy at The Arc Davidson County from 2007 to 2009, and volunteered for Mental Disabilities Rights International from 2009 to 2010 (in Belgrade, Serbia). During her time at The Arc of Davidson County, she was instrumental in creating what is now the Volunteer Advocacy Program, currently housed at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Erin co-founded the Special Education Advocacy Center (SEAC) in 2011, and served as that organization's Executive Director until 2017. She recently has served as a special needs trust officer at Cumberland Trust. She is a member of COPAA and a frequent speaker/lecturer on special education topics. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, reading and knitting.

Public Relations Specialist

Olivia DeCaria graduated from Benton Hall Academy in 2007 and has since become an outspoken advocate and public speaker for individuals with Down syndrome, captivating her audiences with her own unique “diva” style and grace. Ms. DeCaria has worked for The Hermitage Steakhouse, Publix, DSAMT and Best Buddies TN, sometimes working multiple jobs simultaneously, exhibiting a strong work ethic.

Olivia is an active member of Best Buddies, where she earned the Champion of the Year Award in 2016. Her hobbies include making art, horseback riding, singing karaoke, and she loves spending time with her family and friends, including her dog, Maxi.

DSAMT is grateful to have her experience, passion and can-do attitude at work to help us achieve our outreach and public relations goals.

Outreach Manager

April is a native of Trenton Tennessee and moved to Murfreesboro in 1999 to begin her college career at Middle Tennessee State University. There she earned Bachelor of Science degree with honors. In 2006, she graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with a master’s degree in physical therapy.

For the past 15 years, April has worked at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in the rehab services department where she has worked with both adults and with children in the NICU. She is married to husband, Brandon, and together they have a 13 year old son, Bennett, who has something extra. April has served DSAMT over the years as a first call representative and just finished her second term on the board of directors. In 2019, she received the DSAMT Founder’s award.

Office Manager

Ms. Chandler grew up in Knoxville, TN, where she attended the University of Tennessee. She moved to Nashville in 2009 and soon started a family. She has two beautiful daughters, one of whom has Down syndrome. Abby has been actively involved in DSAMT since receiving a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for her first daughter, Emma. She was very excited to join DSAMT in 2022 as office manager and parent representative.