Laura Chapnek – President
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Prior to being elected as president of DSNetwork in 2007, Laura Chapnek served as the organization’s vice president for three years. Since 1999, Laura has worked as a sales consultant with Waxie Sanitary Supply. She received her Bachelors degree in Marketing from Bowling Green State University in 1991. After college, Laura gained experience as a project manager while working at Flagstar Bank and Bank of America. She is married and has a son with Down syndrome.
Steve Rivers -Treasurer
Rivers has served as the Treasurer for DSN since 2004. He is a principal owner of Rivers & Moorehead PLLC, a licensed accounting and consulting firm founded in 2004 who provides assistance to over 30 public company clients. He is a Certified Public Accountant and received a Bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Accounting from Indiana University. Rivers is the father of three boys, the middle of which was born with Down syndrome.
Krystal Corey
Krystal has been involved with DSNetwork over the since 2005. She prides herself in creating awareness in others on Down syndrome. Along with all her responsibilities, she works at her father’s dental practice where she has been employed for 15 years. Krystal is a wife and a mother of four children with the second youngest having Down syndrome. Krystal is extremely active both with community events and school functions.
Stephanie Best – Secretary
Stephanie Best has a Bachelor’s degree in special education and a Master’s degree in elementary education. Before choosing to stay home to raise her family, she taught for three years as a resource teacher and three years as a sixth grade teacher. Stephanie is currently the board secretary for DSNetwork. She is the parent of three children, the oldest hasing Down syndrome\
Jason Turner, MD – Medical Director
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Dr. Turner is a family practice physician with the Steingard Medical Group in central Phoenix. He is married and has three children. His youngest child has Down syndrome. Dr. Turner grew up in southern California and completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Davis. He completed medical school at Wake Forest University in North Carolina and did his residency in family practice at Scottsdale Healthcare in Arizona. Professionally, as well as his work at the Steingard Medical group, Dr. Turner volunteers as the Team Physician for Cortez High School in Phoenix. He is also very active with TOPS Program which offers free physicals for student athletes. Dr. Turner has a special interest in medical care for individuals with Down syndrome and is an active advocate for their special needs.
Karen Szilagyi – New Parent Support Coordinator
Karen Szilagyi earned her Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University and worked in sales and marketing for 15 years prior to having 2 children and deciding to work as a full-time mom for a few years. Karen moved to Scottsdale with her husband and daughter in 2006. After her son was born with Down syndrome, Karen became involved with DSNetwork and other organizations in Arizona who support individuals with disabilities and their families. She also organizes clothing and toy drives for families in the Valley who have children with special needs. Karen enjoys staying fit, making new friends in the Valley and spreading the word about what a blessing her son is.
Jeni Maijala – Legislative Liaison
Jeni Maijala has been working with individuals with disabilities for about three years now. She especially has a passion for working with young children. Her educational background includes graduating from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Psychology and from Arizona State University with a MEd in Educational Psychology. Due to the recent budget cuts, Jeni has become even more involved with the legislative piece. She enjoys helping others achieve their hopes and dreams. Jeni also enjoys spending time with her newlywed husband and two dogs.
Rick Sughroue – Self-Advocate Board Member
Rick Sughroue is a self-advocate for DSNetwork. He is a 1981 graduate from Winnebago High School in Pecatonica, IL. Rick is an actor and the recipiant of the 2005-2006 AriZoni award for his role as Tom in the play The Jelly Bean Consipiracy at the Fountain Hills Community Theater. Rick was a dedicated Eagle Scout who earned the 21 merit badges necessary for his Eagle Palms. His final project was clearing two feet of brush, creating a clear pathway for a trail for people who are handicapped. Rick aspires to be a speaker on the topic of Down syndrome. He loves children with Down syndrome and wants to help them in anyway he can. Rick would love to meet a nice lady and get married.
