BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Flower City Down Syndrome Network is guided by a Board of Directors that is responsible for developing policies related to all aspects of the organization. Our Board currently comprises of community representatives, family members and self-advocates who serve based on their personal experience, passion and expertise.
CHERYL CARLETON PRESIDENT & PARENT
Cheryl joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2006, shortly after her son Matthew was born with Down syndrome. She is the mother of two children – Christina (born in 2005) and Matthew. Cheryl began serving on the Board of FCDSN in 2008 as President and served in that capacity for 4 years. She has remained on the Board and served as Vice President until July of 2023 when she became President again. She enjoys meeting amazing families with similar circumstances and participating and planning social events and fundraisers on behalf of FCDSN.
Cheryl also serves as President of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) supporting families in the Rochester City School District since SEPAC’s inception in 2017.
Cheryl works as a paralegal in downtown Rochester, and has for over 30 years. She enjoys camping with her family and friends, outdoor activities and spending time with her children, friends and large supportive family.
DEBRA PIEDICI SECRETARY & AUNT
Debbie lives in Henrietta with her husband Pat. She has two grown married sons, and five beautiful grandchildren. Debbie is a retired Administrative Assistant for Continuing Developmental Services where she worked for over 15 years. She joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2006 when her nephew, Matthew, was born, to learn more about Down syndrome and to become a support to her sister Cheryl Carleton. She joined the Board of FCDSN in 2009 and currently serves as the organization’s Secretary. She enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with her family, and going to her family camp in the summertime.
CHARLES CALLAHAN TREASURER & GRANDPARENT
Chuck joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2016 after working 44 years as a financial executive in the Rochester area. Chuck grew up in East Irondequoit and now resides in Webster with his wife Joan. They have 4 grown children and 15 grandchildren, the youngest of whom, Seamus, has Down Syndrome. Chuck also had a younger sister who had a severe case of Down syndrome and passed away when she was only 8 years old. Looking to utilize his experience as a volunteer, FCDSN allows him to be involved with a worthwhile cause that has close personal relevance.
NANCY CONSOL BOARD MEMBER
Nancy has been a member of Flower City Down Syndrome for over 20 years. She grew up in Rochester with 5 sisters, including her sister, Jacqueline, who had Down syndrome. Jacqueline inspired Nancy to become a special education teacher. Nancy has worked in Monroe County for 29 years, first, at Mary Cariola Children’s Center and, later, at Rochester Childfirst Network . She recently retired from a position at the Monroe County Department of Public Health as a coordinator of the Special Children’s Services program providing early intervention and preschool special education services to a generation of students including many of the FCDSN members. Nancy lives in Rochester with her husband and enjoys it greatly when her 3 adult children return for visits. In retirement, Nancy continues to focus on Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education advocacy efforts at the State and Federal levels through the Monroe County Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) and the Council for Exceptional Children.
AARON PASCUCCI BOARD MEMBER & PARENT
Aaron joined FCDSN in 2015 as a member, when his daughter Juliana was born and became a board member in 2023. Aaron got his Bachelor's degree in science education at Calvin University, and his Master's degree in Instructional technology from San Francisco State University. He has been a K-12 science and technology teacher for almost 20 years, and is starting a new role as the maker teacher at Norman Howard school in the fall of 2023. When not in the classroom Aaron enjoys coffee, hiking and snowboarding. He and his wife Hannah live in Penfield with their two children, Caden and Juliana.
JENNA NERI BOARD MEMBER & PARENT
Jenna joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2019. She is the mother of 4, soon to be 6, daughters-Brianna (born in 2003), Chiara (born in 2005), Savanna (born in 2012), Stella (born in 2016 with Down Syndrome, adopted from China in 2018), Amelia (born in 2017 with Down Syndrome, and adopted from Bulgaria in spring of 2023), and Rebecca (born 2015 with Down Syndrome, waiting to come home from China). Jenna has worked with adults and children with developmental disabilites for 25 years and currently works as a Fiscal Intermediary for Lifetime Assistance, Inc. She loves spending time with her girls, her very large extended family, reading and camping.
JOSEPH NERI BOARD MEMBER & PARENT
Joe joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2019 shortly after coming home from the adoption of their daughter Stella(with Down Syndrome) from China. While having 3 biological daughters (Brianna 19, Chiara 17, Savanna 10) Joe and his wife Jenna felt led to adopt Stella in 2018, and are currently in the process of 2 concurrent adoptions. Rebecca (6) and Amelia(5), both with Down Syndrome. Joe works as an Operations Manager for a local landscape and also works as a Youth Pastor for Hilton United Methodist Church. Joe loves being in the woods either hunting or fishing and being with his family and friends camping.
CRISTINA ROTHFUSS BOARD MEMBER & PARENT
Cristina joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2014 after a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and joined the Board in 2016. Cristina and her husband, Kenny, have four children- Emma, Nolan, Harper, and Avery, who has Down syndrome and reside in Farmington, NY. Cristina is also a travel agent, and her family enjoys vacationing at Disney World. Cristina enjoys connecting with new families who are navigating a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their baby and giving back to the community.
SALVATORE TUTTOBENE BOARD MEMBER & PARENT
Sal joined Flower City Down Syndrome Network in 2012 after relocating back to New York after his military service. Sal and his wife April have four children - Talan (Down Syndrome), Tyler (Autism), Tanner and Teigan and reside in Hilton, NY. Sal works in healthcare management and was instrumental in opening a pediatric audiology office that serves ALL children. He enjoys meeting new families and offering support to this that are new in navigating the “system.” In his free time he enjoys camping with his family and attending his children’s sporting events.