Meet Team Iron Will

Meet Team Iron Will

ANDREW DAUB

Co-founder and Executive Director

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    Andrew Daub is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Team Iron Will, which he launched alongside his wife, Catherine. A husband and father of eight, Andrew brings both deep personal conviction and decades of leadership experience to the organization’s mission of championing the dignity, worth, and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. Andrew served nearly 27 years in the Department of Defense as both a U.S. Army Officer and senior civilian leader, specializing in security, protection, crisis response, preparedness, and organizational resilience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Saint Louis University and a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University.

CATHERINE DAUB

Co-founder and Director of Family Support and Advocacy

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    Catherine is the Co-Founder of Team Iron Will, a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with Down syndrome fulfill God's purpose for their lives. She is a wife and the mother of eight children, including her youngest son, Will, who has Down syndrome and is the motivation behind Team Iron Will. Catherine received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing from George Mason University, and has worked in Youth Ministry, Crisis Pregnancy Counseling, Pro-Life Family Advocacy and Educational Resource Development. After Will was born, Catherine redirected her passion for advocacy to focus on ensuring those with Down syndrome would be empowered and valued at every stage of life.

CHELSEA SHEPPARD, MD

Chief Medical Advisor

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    Dr. Sheppard received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Drury College (University). She earned her Medical Degree from Saint Louis University. She then completed her internship and residency in Clinical Pathology from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She also completed her fellowship in Transfusion Medicine from Emory University. She has served as the Medical Director for the American Red Cross, Virginia Blood Services, and was an Associate Professor at University of Virginia in the Department of Pathology. She also served as the Facility Director of the Apheresis Stem Cell Collection Facility at UVA. Currently, she is a Medical Director for LifeShare Blood Services in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Michael Daub

Communications and Digital Media Manager

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    Michael helps shape Team Iron Will's online presence through website management, video production, social media strategies and content development. Michael also guides branding and outreach initiatives that help share stories of hope, inclusion, and impact for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a focus on Digital Marketing Strategies, from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Susan ciancio

Senior Editor

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    Susan Ciancio has a BA in psychology and a BA in sociology from the University of Notre Dame and an MLS from Indiana University. After working for several years in the mental health field, Susan returned home to follow her greatest passion—being a mom and teaching her three incredible children. As they grew, Susan realized it was time for a professional change, and she began editing for a university in Texas. This later led her to Catholic organizations, where she joyfully shares her passion for the sanctity of life. For more than 20 years, Susan has written and edited for both Catholic and secular organizations. She has authored hundreds of articles and has edited over two dozen books.

JOHN DAUB

Graphic Design and Merchandise Coordinator

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    John is a Business Administration student at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. At Team Iron Will, he produces original graphic designs and manages the creation of branded merchandise — from apparel and hats to promotional materials. His work helps visually tell the story of resilience, hope, and inclusion that defines Team Iron Will.

Board of directors

Andrew Daub

President

Catherine Daub

Secretary

Steve Purgahn, CPA

Treasurer

Elizabeth Purgahn

Board Member

Jeff Schmitz

Board Member

we're a family of 10

We love God, our family and life. And we're striving to make the world a better place. We all play a part in helping Iron Will live his best life and discover his God-given purpose. And we all play a part in Team Iron Will.


Join us!

WE'RE A FAMILY OF 10

We love God, our family and life. And we're striving to make the world a better place. We all play a part in helping Iron Will live his best life and discover his God-given purpose. And we all play a part in Team Iron Will.


Join us!