Mother of three, including Tyler (DS 1997); Active since 1999
Buddywalk Chairperson
Teens & Tweens Halloween Party Chair
Angie Mayer Fech, President of the board, is the wife of 10 yrs to Kevin, mom to Tyler (ds & autism spectrum disorder), 9 yrs, Madisyn, 7 yrs, and Spencer, 5 yrs. She Graduated in June, '95 from Stratton College Summa cum Laude w/A.A. in Business Management. She was previously a campaign coordinator for fundraising at Milwaukee Jewish Federation, real estate agent, and a dance instructor. Angie has been an active member of DSAW for 11 years. She has worked on the 10 yr Anniversary Conference Committee, helped to coordinate the statewide DSAW conference in 2000,and has held positions on the DSAW Board including Vice President as well as, numerous committees including work as the Buddy Walk Chair for the past 6 yrs.
Angie is currently working part time as DSAW's Interim Executive Director. She played a key part in getting an elementary CD program and curriculum implemented in the Cudahy School District 2 yrs ago in order to service children with special needs. Angie introduced a creative arts program from the VSA arts of WI to her school & assisted in securing funding for programs which allow children with special needs to participate in creative projects along side their typical peers. Angie is working on a Special Needs Religious Education (SPRED) program at her church & works as a Tastefully Simple Consultant.She is honored to have served DSAW in the many volunteer positions she's held over the years and appreciates the challenge presented in her new role as Interim Executive Director.
Heidi Dauer, Interim President hdauer@aol.com (414) 744-0203
Mother of two, Natalie (DS 2002); Active since 2002
Community Outreach Committee Chair
Heidi Dauer is a former Board Secretary for DSAW and currently serves as DSAW's Interim President. She lives in Cudahy with her husband Mike, and daughters Natalie (5-1/2 years), and Clara (9 months). Natalie was born with Down syndrome, and was later diagnosed with having Epilepsy. Heidi is currently a stay at home mom with a B.A. in Business Management and Communications. She is the chair for DSAW's Community Outreach Committee, and is also a Buddy Walk volunteer. As part of her community outreach efforts and in conjunction with the Down Syndrome Clinic of Wisconsin, Heidi has developed the "Compassionate Care Training" program, designed to educate health care professionals on how to give a proper and compassionate pre- or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome. The Dauer family has been a member of DSAW since 2002.
In addition, Heidi is a volunteer support parent for Parent to Parent of Wisconsin, is on the Family Advisory Committee for the Down Syndrome Clinic of Wisconsin, and she and her husband host pediatric interns from Children's Hospital in their home to educate them on what it is like to have a child with special needs, and what the family looks for in a pediatrician. Also, Heidi is in the process of assisting with the development and implementation of a program at her church that will give children with special needs the opportunity to participate with their typical peers in Sunday school and Children's Church.
Michael McNally, Board Treasurer, is a native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. After he graduated from Marquette University High School, he obtained a BA in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After a couple of years living in Austin, Texas, Michael returned to Milwaukee and earned his MS in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While in graduate school, he spent three semesters as a Teaching Assistant in the accounting program, gaining honors for his work. Michael resides in Downtown Milwaukee and is a private equity accountant at Stark Investments in St. Francis. He enjoys local pub trivia, cycling, traveling, dogs, cats, good food and good laughs.
Andrew Gerbitz is from the town of Mukwonago. He is the first self advocate to hold a position on the DSAW board. Andrew graduated from high school twice, once from home-school in 2002 and again from Mukwonago High School in 2004. While at MHS he was a member of the swim team.
He is a certified child - care teacher and active in Special Olympics basketball and swimming. Andrew is a voting member of my church and serves as an usher. Andrew has worked as a self advocate in the past for other groups and the DSAW board is thrilled to count him as our own! His insight is priceless.
Sue Stellhorn (262) 549-6822
Grant Committee Chair
Sue Stellhorn, Grant Chairperson, lives in Waukesha with husband, Keith, and daughters Alex (15) and Taylor (12). She has been teaching in the field of special education for 23 years and loves it! Sue is certified in the areas of cognitive disabilities, emotional behavioral disabilities, and early childhood. She has a master's degree in early childhood.
Sue has taught early childhood in the Hartland/Lakeside School District for the past 20 years. She has also taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at her church and has provided support to children with special needs so that they can fully participate in these programs. She recently completed training with the National Individualizing Preschool Inclusion Project and is currently working to implement strategies in her district to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to learn with their peers. Sue feels it is a privilege to serve on the DSAW board and looks forward to doing all that she can to support its mission.
Tom O'Day is a native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and now lives in Milwaukee's North Shore. Tom is an attorney with Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. specializing in labor and employment law as well as education law. Tom currently holds the position of DSAW's Interim Vice President.
In addition to his J.D., Tom holds a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin. His studies and current practice include analysis of state and federal education law, including the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and state and federal education finance policies. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001, with distinction and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Tom also has experience in state government in legal, policy and campaign roles. Tom has worked in every branch of state government in various capacities for the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the Wisconsin legislature, and the Governor's Office.
Nicole Cook, Interim Secretary
Nicole Cook lives in Mequon , Wisconsin with her husband Jack, who also a DSAW board member. Nicole is a tax manager at Deloitte in the Private Client Advisor Group. Nicole graduated from Central Michigan University in May of 2000 with a Bachelor Degree in accounting and moved to Milwaukee shortly after graduation.
Nicole has participated in events for various organizations through Deloitte, such as Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also helped lead a volunteer visit to the One Step at a Time Summer Camp for children with cancer. She is looking forward to helping DSAW as a member of the finance committee and will also assist with the planning of several events.
Nicole enjoys traveling and running in her free time.
Jack Cook
Jack Cook lives in Mequon , Wisconsin with his wife Nicole, who also a DSAW board member. Jack is an attorney at Quarles & Brady, LLP specializing in assisting clients concerning a broad range of intellectual property issues. In particular, his practice is focused on the areas of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution and counseling. As a result, Jack relies heavily on his BS in electrical engineering, which he received from Michigan Technological University .
During his time at Michigan Tech, Jack worked for and then served as president of the organization charged by the University with the task of organizing and overseeing all aspects of Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival. During his tenure, the annual Winter Carnival grew to a record size and was calculated to bring in approximately $1.5 million into the local community surrounding Michigan Tech during the week-long festival. Beyond his experience with Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival, Jack has worked with other non-profit organizations.
Jack and Nicole enjoy traveling, particularly, to locations that provide the opportunity to scuba dive, enjoy exotic food, and learn about history and culture. Jack is honored to serve on the DSAW board and looks forward to helping to continuing DSAW's important mission.
Angie Fech, Interim Executive Director
Heidi Dauer, Interim President 
Mike McNally, Treasurer 
Andrew Gerbitz, Self Advocate
Sue Stellhorn (262) 549-6822 
Thomas O'Day, Interim Vice President 
Nicole Cook, Interim Secretary 
Jack Cook