The Spotlight
Hannah Humes
Hannah is a funny, caring 23-year-old. She completed William Mason High School in 2020 and graduated from Vanderbilt University Next Steps in May, 2024. She is currently employed at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. Hannah has always been a trailblazer. Hannah participated in a TEDX event discussing the importance of inclusion at the high school level, was a first- time presenter at the National Down Syndrome Congress, and highlighted in the June 2020 issue of People magazine. At Vanderbilt, Hannah was a Think College Policy Advocate as well as the 2022 self- advocate of the year for the DSAMT. She served as a guest DJ on WSM radio on 3/21/2024, and has a poem published in the book: Creating Our Own Lives. On September 7, 2024 Hannah was part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square Video presentation in NYC. Hannah will again serve as guest DJ on WSM Radio to promote Down syndrome awareness month on October 15, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Do You Know Someone Who Should be in the DSAMT Spotlight?
Do you know someone who should to be our Spotlight of the Month? Email a photo and a short explanation why to April@somethingextra.org
Delaney Heflin
In January 2023, Delaney Heflin competed in the TN State Winter Games in Gatlinburg, TN for skiing. While there, she received 1st place in Alpine Slalom and 4th place in Alpine Downhill. This is especially extraordinary since Delaney only started participating in Special Olympics in spring, 2022 and this was a brand-new sport for her.
Nathan Oliver
Over the course of just three months of working, BIG changes were seen in Nathan – and not just at work! Rather than needing lots of encouragement at Circle of Friends, Nathan willingly joined other participants in activities, fully participating in kickboxing, following all instructor directions. We even caught him smiling several times.
Josh Putman
Josh Putman has worked at the Madison Aaron’s for the last 12 months. Josh says he loves his job! He has met new people, has made friends, learns something new every day, and has even sold a washer and dryer!
Cailyn Wheaton
LittleBIG Dog Treats is pretty much a one woman show, and Cailyn literally does it all from following the recipes, coming up with new treats, cutting and laying out treats for baking, bagging, labeling, setting up for sales, passing out information cards, meeting customers and their dogs and collecting the money for sales. It seems the only thing she does not do is taste test the treats - that is her dog Briley’s job.
Meghan Maynard
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee is proud to present 2016 Self-Advocate of the Year Meghan Maynard!
Claire Davis
Claire, who is about 18 months old, has Down syndrome, and has been in the hospital more than most people will in their entire lives.