Meet the Team

Our team of volunteer board members are here to serve you and your family.  Contact us any time to learn more about our programs, available resources, general information about Down syndrome, volunteering, joining our board, or whatever else is on your heart. Welcome to our community!

Joe Brown, President

Joe is from Dillon County and has lived in the surrounding area for the majority of his life. After high school, he attended Coastal Carolina University as a history and secondary education major. Even though he loves history, he quickly learned after classroom observations that not everyone can be a teacher! Life took him on another path. Joe was born with the gift of gab so he has made a career in retail and sales. He is currently a Sales Manager for Harbor Freight Tools. Joe and his family quickly joined the GSDSS family after the birth of his son Jack who has Down syndrome, and twin brother Evan. The boys were just 4 months old at their first Buddy Walk.

Joe has had a connection with Down Syndrome for as long as he can remember. He grew up with an older cousin who has Down Syndrome.

Joe is married to Denise and they have three children Evan, Jack the Great, and Sadie. They currently live in the Marion area.

Joe can be reached at gsdownsyndromesociety@gmail.com

Tim Branch, Vice President

Tim dedicated his life to being a youth pastor up until the birth of his grandson. He has been involved with the Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society ever since. Tim says his grandson Elijah’s extra chromosome makes him extra special. They love to celebrate him and all his buddies every year at the Buddy Walk. They feel blessed to have such an amazing child in their family. Tim looks forward to connecting with and building relationships with the Down Syndrome Community.

Tim lives in Bennettsville with his wife Kerry and grandson Elijah.

jackie green, Secretary

Jackie has lived in Myrtle Beach since 2005. Prior to moving to SC, she worked for the Allegany County ARC, in a residential group home. She helped to take care of 14 different individuals with various forms of developmental abilities, 3 of which had Down syndrome. Since joining GSDSS, Jackie has become a dedicated board member. She volunteers her time at our events as well as taking on leading the siblings group. Jackie also is the chairperson for the fundraising committee. 

Jackie has an Associate’s degree in business marketing, as well as a cosmetology license.

Jackie lives in Myrtle Beach with her partner, Chris and their children Giovanni and Raelea

For questions about the siblings group or fundraising opportunities, Jackie can be reached at jackie.gsdss@gmail.com

Erin Perry, Board Member

Erin received her undergraduate degree from UNC-Greensboro and then master’s in education from the University of South Carolina. She works for the SC Department of Social Services in the Early Care and Education Department for the States Quality Rating and Improvement System. Her daughter Sydney has Down syndrome. The family joined the Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society when she was an infant and have been involved with the groups workshops, social events and Buddy Walks ever since. Erin also says "This group has afforded our family a network of opportunities with a wealth of information, support and opportunity to build meaningful relationships among parents, siblings and individuals with Down syndrome. We are so thankful we found this group as early as we did. It is definitely the coolest club we never knew we wanted to be a part of and wouldn’t trade it for the world." 

Originally from North Carolina the Perry family made the move south in 2003. Erin is married to Steve Perry and they have 3 kids, Jordan, Sydney, and Luke.

Erin is also the leader of our Homies social group. This social group meets monthly and is for teens and young adults. To get involved contact Erin at stevenerinp@yahoo.com

Mercedes Stevens, board member

Mercedes Stevens is wife to Sean and mom to 2 teenage boys, including 16 year old Daniel who has Down Syndrome.  She also has a step daughter and 3 month old grandson who live in PA. The family moved permanently to Conway, SC in August, 2020 from New Jersey.  In NJ, Mercedes was employed as a Speech Pathologist for the Paterson School System for 29 years.  She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her Master's degree from Kean University.  She holds national certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling having visited 44 US states, over a dozen Caribbean islands, several countries in South America, Europe and Africa.  She volunteered with the American Red Cross for many years in disaster services and in fire safety education to children.  She is an avid reader, considers herself a "foodie" and is a lifelong learner, frequently taking courses at local community colleges currently at Coastal Carolina University.  

Bryan Baker, Board Member

Bryan is rejoining the board. He has been a member of  GSDSS since 08/01/09. Before joining he ran a cleaning business, lawn care business, and a vending machine business. He also did two enlistments in the Navy. Where he ran the Aviation Boatswain mate and fuel dept. as the leading petty officer. He earned a Navy achievement medal for the job he did as a leading petty officer. Bryan was born in Jamestown N.Y.  and moved to Greensboro N.C. at age 9. He has traveled and moved around a lot but has lived in Myrtle Beach longer than any other place, over 20 years. He has been married for 17 years to Tisha Baker. They have had 3 children. Two boys, Avery and Landon, who have earned their wings home, and a 10-year-old daughter Isla. Bryan would like to continue the work his son Landon inspired him to do.

Bryan will be the Buddy Walk Chair as of 2024. All Buddy Walk questions and contacts can be sent to him at grandstrandbuddywalk@yahoo.com

bRIAN sTEELE, bOARD mEMBER

Brian is originally from Texas, and is an alumnus of Texas A&M. He moved to South Carolina in 2020 after his son, Shelby, was born. Shelby was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome. Brian has spent over 10 years in the banking and consulting industry, currently working in business intelligence for Veritex. He is married to Liz, his wife of 7 years, and has 2 children- his daughter Amelia, and his son, Shelby. Brian recently attained his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and plays jazz guitar in his spare time.

WANDA tRIBBLE

Wanda Tribble is the wife of Stanley Tribble and mother of Ezra Nehemiah Tribble. He has three older sisters whom he adores. Ezra loves music. He has taught himself to play musical instruments. Ezra can play the keyboard, the drums, and the bass guitar. He plays by ear and is on the church's bandstand. The Tribble family has been a part of the GSDSS for most of Ezra’s life.

Wanda’s husband is a painter and she retired from the Horry County School District, almost five years ago. Wanda worked in the Special Needs classroom for about 15 1/2 years. She enjoyed working with the children. She says her passion was with the elementary school students.

Laurel Rhodes, Board member

Bookkeeping has been Laurel’s passion for 30-plus years. She was taught by her mom before the computer age. Growing up, she played competitive volleyball – indoors and on the beach beach. Brittany is the oldest of 4 children. She is 36 with Down syndrome. Her siblings are Robin – 30, Elliah – 26, and Tristen – 24. Elliah and Tristen were adopted 23 years ago and are Laurel’s maternal great-niece and nephew. Laurel is excited to be a part of something that is special and brings joy to our children while supporting each other and their parents.

Jennifer Torrez, BOARD MEMBER

Jennifer Torrez moved to South Carolina almost 3 years ago from Florida. Her daughter Tiffany, who has Down syndrome is a 2x cancer survivor and is one of her main motivators to join the board. During her time living in Florida, she worked as a Disability/Mental Health Coordinator. Her experience as a special needs parent helped guide me in many ways during her career. She would love to continue being a voice to provide guidance and support to individuals and families with special needs.