Meet Team Iron Will

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 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.

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.  

Dr. Schwent received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University with honors. He earned his Medical Degree with honors from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He then completed his internship and residency in Ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine. During his last year of residency, he was selected to serve as Chief Resident. He remained at the Emory Eye Center to complete a two-year fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery and Diseases. Upon completing his training, Dr. Schwent joined the faculty at Emory as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Schwent is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. His areas of expertise include retinal detachments, retinal vascular diseases, macular degeneration, macular surgery, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and uveitis.

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.

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.