About
About Our Founder
As president and founder of Down to Defend, Alicia Mathieu has put her heart and soul into ensuring that those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with the proper resources to live a safer and more fulfilling life.
Alicia is the mother to three children, one living with Down syndrome. When she received her son Levi’s diagnosis, she was empowered to change the gut-wrenching statistics that she unveiled during her research. She found that people living with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times more than those without disabilities.
As her motherly instincts kicked in, Alicia knew something needed to be done. Her ambition and drive are a force to be reckoned with, she will not stop until the statistics are changed.
Meet Jim
Chairman of the Down to Defend Board
Jim is a man of faith, service, and dedication. He currently serves as Co-Pastor at Lifeline Community Church, where he invests deeply in the lives of his congregation and community. Before stepping into ministry, Jim spent his career as a middle school shop teacher, bringing creativity and hands-on learning to the classroom. With a background in special education, he has always carried a heart for students who need extra support and encouragement.
That passion is what drives him today in his role with Down to Defend. Jim has long been an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), believing in their right to live empowered, safe, and fulfilling lives. As Chairman of the Board, he helps guide the organization’s mission and vision, ensuring that every step we take moves us closer to creating a world where individuals with IDD are equipped to stand strong against all forms of victimization.
“I love the vision of D2D,” Jim says. “Our ultimate goal is to prepare individuals with IDD for life—to take a stand for themselves and not become victimized, no matter how that looks, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual victimization.”
Through his leadership, lived experience, and unwavering commitment, Jim continues to be a steady voice of encouragement and wisdom, helping Down to Defend build a safer, stronger future for the IDD community.
Meet Elena DeYoung
Our Board Secretary
Elena DeYoung serves as the Secretary for Down to Defend and brings her compassion and dedication to every aspect of our mission. She works as a Victim Services Advocate at the Grand Rapids Michigan State Police Post, where she provides vital support and resources to victims of crime.
Elena first connected with D2D when she attended our very first gala with her husband. She shares, “I first met Alicia when she was promoting the event. After attending, I truly understood the amazing things Down to Defend is doing in the community. I left knowing I wanted to be involved in some way. It’s an honor to now serve as a board member, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the D2D community.”
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Elena is married and a proud mom to two sons who are active in school and community sports. Together, they love spending their free time outdoors.
Meet Angelique
Our Treasurer
A proud Grand Rapids native, Angelique is the founder of Author Group LLC and a licensed Realtor with a diverse background in health care, data analytics, and family systems training. Beyond her professional expertise, her greatest inspiration is her 6-year-old son, Asher, who has Down Syndrome.
Angelique’s passion for advocacy is deeply personal. She is committed to driving positive change for individuals with Down Syndrome and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As Treasurer on the Down to Defend Board, she combines data-driven insight with heart-led advocacy to help ensure individuals with IDD can lead safer, more fulfilling lives.
Meet Kecia Weller
Our DEI Liaison
With over 30 years as a national disability rights advocate, Kecia Weller brings a wealth of passion, expertise, and heart to her role. She leads the Abuse Prevention Advisory Team at the Board Resource Center, has served on multiple national advisory councils, and co-produced a powerful public service announcement on abuse prevention. Kecia is also a strong champion for peer-led support networks for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“I joined the Down to Defend Board because I deeply believe in its mission to empower individuals with IDD through safety, advocacy, and inclusion rooted in faith and community. I’m honored to bring my passion and experience to help further D2D’s impact.”
Values We Live By
EMPOWERMENT
We are committed to continuous improvement, striving to reach our fullest potential while empowering others to do the same.
ADVOCACY
We stand as champions for individuals with disabilities, recognizing and celebrating the inherent value of all abilities.
EDUCATION
To educate the community and those around us on how to protect themselves incase any unpredicted scenario may arise.
INCLUSION, EQUALITY, AND DIVERSITY
We foster an environment of inclusivity where everyone is welcomed and valued, free from discrimination.
SAFETY
We prioritize creating safe environments, activities, and lifestyle choices for all, ensuring peace of mind and well-being.
HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY
In nurturing a Christian-based environment across all our pursuits, we extend a heartfelt welcome to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our commitment to equality stems from the belief that everyone should have access to the same skill set, irrespective of their personal beliefs. This commitment underscores our honesty and trustworthiness, as we uphold principles of fairness and inclusivity in all interactions.
Testimonials
“The drive that Alicia presents is contagious. Being her son’s #1 advocate, she breaks down boundaries and walls to provide education and other resources for both those with intellectual disabilities and their friends and family. As she continues to push, I see big things happening for her and the community.”
“I have been instructing martial arts classes for over 25 years, working with both children and adults. The “Down to Defend” group is by far one of my favorites. The joy I receive from merely seeing the smiles when the walk in the door is immeasurable. It is priceless to see the confidence they display when they accomplish a task, and they are unbelievable in the way they encourage one another. It is a pleasure to work with this group.”