Charlotte

Charlotte is a 17 year-old martial artist with her brown belt in karate. The New Jerseyan has numerous other skills, and can often be found in the rock gym climbing, outdoors on hikes, runs, and bicycle rides, and skiing in Vermont. She also loves practicing yoga and dancing.

Music is very important to Charlotte, so we thought we'd include the full list of her favorite artists here. Many may not know that people with Down syndrome listen to the same artists the neurotypical world does. Leave a comment if you have some of these in common!

Charlotte loves ACDC, Cardi B, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, Selena Gomez, Sia, Jennifer Lopez, Bebe Rexha, Justin Bieber, Ricky Martin, Flo Rida, Nelly, Maroon 5, Florida Georgia Line, Bruno Mars, Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, LunchMoney Lewis, Patty Smyth, and Survivor.

When not dancing in her room, Charlotte can be found video chatting with friends, creating abstract paintings, cooking, and photographing the food she makes. Favorite movies include "Star Wars," "Harry Potter," "all Selena Gomez movies," and Disney's "Descendants." Charlotte's favorite books are "Because of Winn Dixie," the "Capital Mystery" series and "Goosebumps."

Among Charlotte's career aspirations are becoming a veterinarian and a model and actress, and to help with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

She has the full support of her mother Caroline, who adds, "When met with adversity and judgement, my daughter remains positive and confident in who she is— an amazing young lady!"

As far as advice she'd give to expectant parents of children with Down syndrome, she says, "You were lucky to be chosen as a parent to your amazing child; ALWAYS advocate, especially when others—doctors, teachers, family, friends—resist." We feel the same! Keep climbing, Charlotte.