First Steps Group

Do you have a youngster with Down syndrome between the ages of 0-5 years? If so, come join us at our monthly meetups! This is an opportunity for moms and/or dads to network and chat in an informal environment with other parents in the presence of their kiddo. Meetings typically occur on a Friday, every month at the Mckee Building at The Ranch. The Friday of the month varies due to meeting room availability so check the website!

Lauren Gray is one of our co-leaders of First Steps. Lauren and her husband, Skylar, moved back to Colorado in 2023 after Fletcher was born to be close to family and additional resources for Fletcher. Lauren currently works for a B2B company that supports individuals and families in navigating Federal and State benefits, something very near and dear to many of us. As a member of NCDSA since Fletcher was 6 months old, it has been so special to build community with so many other families. We look forward to meeting at our next event!

Questions?
Email Lauren at: laurenaudreygray@gmail.com

Tena Green is excited to be volunteering with First Steps and supporting new families in the Northern Colorado Down syndrome community. Tena and her husband, Steve, are the parents of three amazing humans, including their oldest son, Brady, who has Down syndrome.

When Brady was born, Tena remembers how meaningful it was to connect with other families who understood the questions, hopes, and emotions that can come with welcoming a new baby and finding your way into a community you may not have known much about before.

Now, more than 20 years later, Tena is grateful for the opportunity to be that connection for other families as they get to know and celebrate their child, ask questions, find resources, and discover the Down syndrome community around them.

Tena is also an educational advocate and the founder of Inclusion Dynamics Educational Advocacy (IDEA), where she supports families navigating special education, IEPs, 504 plans, and inclusive education. She has spent many years involved in disability advocacy and the Northern Colorado community, but some of her greatest learning has simply come from being Brady’s mom.

Tena is passionate about helping families feel welcomed, connected, and supported, and she is honored to be part of First Steps and to walk alongside families as they find connection and community.

Questions?

Email Tena at: tenamgreen@gmail.com