Growing up with a best friend who has Down syndrome shaped Colleen Hatcher’s understanding of inclusion long before she realized it would influence the direction of her career. Although her friend did not attend the same elementary or middle school, their community knew her and embraced her. At the time, she did not think much about inclusion or what it meant. When she chose a high school, it was not something she consciously considered. Looking back, however, Holy Cross’s commitment to inclusion had a profound influence on the path her life would take.

When Colleen began as a freshman, she remembered noticing seniors with disabilities walking through the halls, attending classes, and fully participating in everyday school life. These students were part of the Moreau Options Program at The Academy of the Holy Cross. It was the first time she saw inclusion practiced in such a natural and integrated way. Nothing about it felt separate or extraordinary; it simply demonstrated that students with disabilities belonged in every aspect of the school community.

By her sophomore year, Colleen wanted to play an active role in fostering that sense of belonging. As part of a service requirement to work with individuals with disabilities, she helped start “Girls’ Night Out” with three classmates—Bridget Callahan, Vicky Gutridge, and Nicole Krawczewicz—along with her friend Gina, who has Down syndrome, and two of Gina’s friends. Together they spent time doing the kinds of activities many teenagers enjoy: gossiping, getting their nails done, going to the movies, bowling, and more. Girls’ Night Out gave Colleen the opportunity to form genuine friendships and to understand inclusion on a deeper and more personal level. One memory that stands out is a gathering in her parents’ backyard, roasting marshmallows with the group. It was a simple moment, but it helped her realize that she wanted to dedicate her career to supporting people with disabilities.

Her experience leading Girls’ Night Out inspired her to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary special education with a focus on severe disability studies from the University of Maryland. She even wrote about her friend Gina and Girls’ Night Out in her college application essay. After completing her studies, she spent a year teaching kindergarten special education. While she loved working with children, she eventually realized that she wanted to make her impact beyond the classroom.

That realization led Colleen to the National Down Syndrome Society, where she has now worked for more than nine years and currently serves as Chief of Staff. In this role, she focuses on ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome and their families have access to resources, support, and community at both the local and national levels. Each day, her work is grounded in what she learned during her time at Holy Cross: that people with disabilities deserve not only acceptance, but meaningful inclusion, opportunities to belong, and the ability to advocate for themselves. Colleen remains deeply grateful to The Academy for demonstrating that inclusion is possible and for inspiring her lifelong commitment to making it universal.