Resources
Welcome to Our Resource Center
We have compiled a comprehensive collection of resources to support families and individuals with Down syndrome. Connect with trusted professionals who specialize in Down syndrome care, and explore resources covering medical care, education, local services, and more.
Featured Professionals
We are proud to recommend these trusted professionals who specialize in supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Melissa Rasmussen, PT, DPT
Pediatric Physical Therapist & Down Syndrome Specialist
My family has lived on the central coast for 4 generations. My grandparents, parents, aunts, and brother all attended Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. I was the one to move away and attend California State University of Long Beach for a degree in Kinesiology and Childhood Development. Growing up I enjoyed babysitting, helping my mom at her preschool, and teaching dance classes. In college I observed at a pediatric Occupational Therapy office in Templeton which felt close to what I wanted to do with my career. About a year later I volunteered at the Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, and everything clicked! I attended the Physical Therapy program at Fresno State in part due to the Pediatric courses that they offered and now I have been working as a Pediatric Physical Therapist for close to three years! I am fortunate to call San Luis Obispo my home along with my boyfriend, Kevin, and our dog, Trey. My family remains in the area, which keeps me busy, but in my free time I enjoy backpacking, crocheting, running a book club, and playing tennis. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! I look forward to meeting you and your family.
I first started the Down Syndrome play group in 2024 for families to meet, support one another, and feel connected. That group evolved into a big dream of an Awareness Walk on the Central Coast, which we successfully put on in 2025! Simultaneously the Down Syndrome Awareness Group was created and made official with a website (thanks to Kevin). Find all of our events, resources, and updates here so you can stay connected.
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Heather Vukelich, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist
Heather is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Feeding Specialist who is deeply passionate about working with the Down syndrome community. She grew up volunteering and working inside the doors of the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (Danville, CA). Presently she works from offices in Paso Robles and Danville, California.
Heather's passion for parent-empowered therapy translates directly into her oral sensory-motor work for speech clarity, oral motor and feeding development. She teaches large scale virtual parent-training classes in both speech clarity and feeding development. Heather is a certified TalkTools Instructor and supports hundreds of children each year.
Heather's specialty in working with children with Down syndrome also includes in-depth knowledge regarding PROMPT, sign language, orthodontics, airway, sleep apnea, myofunctional therapy, diet, communication/educational/reading programs, and medical considerations.
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Medical Resources
- •Healthcare providers specializing in Down syndrome
- •Medical guidelines and best practices
- •Health monitoring checklists
Educational Resources
- •Early intervention programs
- •IEP (Individualized Education Program) guides
- •Learning materials and activities
Local Services
- •Therapy services (speech, occupational, physical)
- •Support groups in the Central Coast area
- •Recreational programs
Legal & Financial
- •Social Security and benefits information
- •Estate planning resources
- •Legal advocacy services
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