Executive Director
Brian Lopez
Brian started as Executive Director of the DSASTX in February 2020 after fifteen years of experience working with individuals challenged with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in the San Antonio area. Brian has worked with local direct service providers and the Alamo Local Authority/AACOG, served as Regional Director of Service Coordination for Hill Country MHDD Center in Kerrville, and was the Associate Director of Adult Day Services and Child Care Services at The Arc of San Antonio.
Brian is a strong advocate for inclusion and acceptance for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities in schools and our communities. He believes that when you judge someone based on a diagnosis you will then miss out on their abilities, joy, and love.
Brian has a love for sharks, all things Star Wars, the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys, and of course Dr. Pepper!
Program Director
Michelle Naeder
Michelle has spent the last 32 years serving the disability community. Her current role allows her to follow her passion for helping others while working directly with the individuals in our DSASTX family and the San Antonio community. Michelle is also a member of the Executive Committee of the San Antonio Volunteer Administrators and is always working to connect with other organizations in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Michelle is an avid gardener with a specialty for water plants and is a failed Covid foster parent which resulted in 5 kittens being added to her home zoo!
Education Director
Magaly Diaz
Magaly studied fashion merchandising at the University of the Incarnate Word, but after having a child with Down syndrome, became interested in serving the disability community by learning how to advocate for them. She spent 2 1/2 years as the Regional Coordinator for Partner's Resource Network, a non-profit organization supporting parents of children with disabilities. The DSASTX has made a significant impact on her family's life and introduced her daughter, Audrey, to lifelong friendships.
In her spare time, Magaly enjoys home projects, brunch, and spending time with her family.
Development & communications
JESSICA PASTRANO
Jessica Pastrano brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit development, public relations, communications, marketing, and community engagement. Before joining DSASTX, she served as Communications & PR Director for a nonprofit charter school for more than eight years, where she developed a passion for educating communities and advocating for families.
A graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word, Jessica also owns Pastrano Communications, where she helps businesses and organizations grow through strategic communications and marketing. She is passionate about building meaningful partnerships, telling impactful stories, and creating positive change for families and the community. Jessica is also a proud mom to two beautiful daughters.
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Michelle (El) Toudouze
El was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She has long been involved with the DSASTX through her older brother with Down syndrome and has been an advocate for those with disabilities for as long as she could talk. In 2020, she graduated from the University of Texas in San Antonio with a BA in Communication and moved to Seattle, working in social services with the most vulnerable communities in supportive housing, until moving back to San Antonio in 2022. With a passion for helping people and experience working in community care, El is happy to be back at the DSASTX as part of the team.
Outside of work, you can find El enjoying new and old movies, obsessing over plants, making art, or playing guitar.
Office Assistant/Bookkeeper
Mary Longoria
Mary has spent the last 35 years in the non-profit community as a bookkeeper for The Salvation Army. Went on to work 17 years with The Arc of San Antonio as a finance assistant/HR Generalist to the VP/Finance Director. She has a passion for helping others and is excited to be working as a bookkeeper for DSASTX!
In her spare time, Mary enjoys arts and crafts, brunch and spending time with her family. She loves watching football, basketball and baseball. Her favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys and your San Antonio Spurs!