Meet Our Staff and Leadership
Cindy Scurlock
President and CEO
In 1997 my daughter, Brooke, was born with TS, and TSSUS was our lifeline. After countless weeks of searching for information on TS, I knew I had to help make the process easier for the next person. I discovered TS information was important yet connecting with others was priceless. Who else really understands what it feels like to spend all day at doctors' visits and leave without answers or information you don't understand? In 2007, I graciously accepted the opportunity to work for TSSUS and closed my counseling practice. I have a master's degree in community counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology. I love spending time outdoors with my husband, Billy (he's the informal comic relief at TSSUS events), our daughters, Brooke and Ally, and dogs Cookie and Slinky. We also have chickens. :)
Deborah Rios
National Director of Member Services
I began working over 15 years ago as a part-time employee for TSSUS. In 2008 I attended my first conference and met so many with TS, their families, and their friends. My passion to help others began in my early years as I found myself compassionate and a friend to everyone. I spend much of my workday helping those with TS navigate the many resources TSSUS offers, connecting people to others and TS experts, and often just there to listen when someone needs that individual support. Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, thrift shopping and fishing with my husband, Jimmy, and cuddling with my dogs, Paisley, and Lily. I attended Alvin Community College and was involved in alliances/clubs such as ACC Student Ambassadors and Active Minds where I found my “fit” for helping others.
Becky Brown
Nat'l Director of Development
& Communications
In my role as the National Director of Development and Communications for TSSUS, fundraising efforts
and communications strategies, as well as social media presence are my responsibilities. As a child, my parents instilled in me the notion that just one friend could change someone’s life and that, whenever possible, I should be that friend. I think this is what led me to a life-long career in the nonprofit sector, and in service to the people they help. I have worked in a senior leadership role in development and communications for national and regional nonprofits for more than 24 years. Before that,
I had a successful career as the national sales manager for nationwide Spanish-language and general market radio groups and the owner/publisher of a regional children’s magazine. I studied nonprofit management
and communications at Le Tourneau Christian
University in Houston, Texas.
Bobby Marsh
Consultant, Bookeeper & IT
I’ve consulted with TSSUS for 8 years as their part-time bookkeeper and IT specialist. I am a full-time staff accountant at another company in Houston. When I’m not working, which my family would say is rare, I volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo special children’s committee. For fun, I enjoy camping with my family.
Meet our Board of Directors
The TSSUS Board of Directors consists of 10 volunteer members from across the United States. The Board meets via teleconference once per month and holds one in-person meeting annually. All paid TSSUS members in good standing are eligible to apply to serve and vote on the national TSSUS Board of Directors.
Brittani Laski
Board Chair
I am woman with Turner syndrome, and I grew up and live in Orange County, California. After my first conference in 2011 I got more involved with TSSUS, and in 2018 I joined the TSSUS board. My sweetheart, Jon, and I married in 2021 and we have a puppy, Romey, who is full of energy. I’m a Family Nurse Practitioner and have been practicing since 2019. I always love an opportunity to use my experiences with TS and medical knowledge to help others by spreading awareness about Turner syndrome and encouraging others with TS.
Jeanna Lee
Board Chair Elect
A Florida native, I moved to the D.C. metro area in 2012 after graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology and a minor in Spanish and Statistics. I then earned my J.D./LL.M. from American University Washington College of Law. I was diagnosed with mosaic Turner syndrome right before my 14th birthday but never met a fellow TS sister until my late twenties. I joined TSSUS in 2019 and have become an active member since then. I hope to further TSSUS in its mission to support and empower the TS community through education and engagement.
Daniel Tompkins
Treasurer
I am a professor of finance from Niagara University in Lewiston, NY. My wife Ann and I have been married for 32 years; Ann has TS. A native of Ohio, I earned a BA in Economics from Ohio State University, an MBA from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Kentucky. Prior to Niagara University I worked at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and the University of Findlay. Professionally I have taught courses in economics, finance, and strategy for undergraduate, masters, and Niagara University’s Ph.D. in Leadership programs. I have published over 30 articles or proceedings in professional journals. In addition, I have an active life in many community service roles.
TBD
Secretary
Sarah Bauer
Director
My husband, Adam, and I live in Wisconsin and have one son and a daughter who was diagnosed with mosaic ring Turner syndrome at age 2. TSSUS was instrumental in helping my family navigate new challenges and inspired me to give back to the TSSUS community, especially parents of a child with a new diagnosis. I graduated from St. Norbert College in 2006 with a BA in Business Administration and have 17 years of experience working in Outside Sales
Christine Haley
Director
I live in Chicago with my husband, Peter, and three children Cecilia (16), August (5) and Julian (2). Our daughter Cecilia was diagnosed with TS when she was 12 years old. In my work life I am an administrative social worker, focusing on housing and health care. I work for the Illinois Department of Human Services as the State Homelessness Chief, leading efforts in preventing and ending homelessness. Previously, I was Director of Housing for Cook County Health, serving Chicago and suburban Cook County. I worked as an administrator in the housing sector with the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Housing Opportunities for Women and Heartland Alliance and served as the founding Executive Director of the Chicago Torture Justice Center. My Bachelor of Arts is from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Social Administration is from Case Western Reserve University. I love to go to museums and cook with my family.
Kristen McKenney
Director
I am married and have two children, Foster (11) and Anna (9). We are also the proud parents to a three legged dog named Rahllie. Anna was diagnosed with classic Turner syndrome in utero. Watching her grow and overcome has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I have been a nurse for 18 years specializing in Oncology and Case management. Currently, I work with the elderly and disabled population in Tennessee. I have always prided myself on being a strong advocate for my patients and I hope to extend that passion into this new role with TSSUS.
Janine Reyes
Director at Large
Mel and I have been married for over 20 years. We have 5 children, Joshua (19), Melody (17), Madyson (14), Julien (9), and Josslyn (15) who was diagnosed with Turner syndrome at 2 years old. I have been involved with TSSUS since 2008 and served as liaison between parents and the Oklahoma City Turner Syndrome Clinic. Josslyn and I have been interviewed on radio, and television for newscasts and also for newspaper articles educating others about TS in both English and Spanish speaking communities. Josslyn is now a sophomore who plays saxophone in the high school marching and jazz bands and enjoys playing sports. I was involved in pre-med and counseling programs before taking a medical leave of absence to take care of my children. I enjoy researching Turner syndrome, spreading awareness, and helping others connect with the resources they need. I hope to continue to support parents, and connect with newly diagnosed families to help them find resources in their area. My family and I reside in the Houston, Texas area.
Jennifer Steele
Director
I am an Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science at The University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I received my Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama in 2017, and my research focuses on intellectual freedom and information access. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome at eight years old. As a university faculty member working in higher education, I have a passion for supporting people with TS in pursuing their educational goals. I am an advocate for the work of TSSUS in promoting the advancement of Turner syndrome research and serving as a support system for anyone touched by TS.
Kimberly Walker-Vanover
Director
I am a woman with Turner syndrome, diagnosed with classic TS at 14. I began my affiliation with TSSUS at the TS Days event in Oklahoma City in 2017. This was my first opportunity to meet other people with TS. Following the event, several other women with TS and I began to meet monthly to chat and talk about life. After several months of meetings, the idea to bring a TSSUS Support Group to the Oklahoma City area was born. In November of 2019, the TSSUS OKC Support Group became official, with me as the lead. I organized the first TSSUS Chasing Butterflies Walk in OKC and got our governor to recognize the day as TS Awareness Day.
Laura Wuertele
Director at Large
Director at Large
I was diagnosed with TS at about 18 months, and first met another person with Turner syndrome at age 12. But my life changed in 1997, when I joined TSSUS and attended my first conference--I’ll never forget walking into a room with 200 other people just like me! I haven’t missed a conference since. I received a BA in History from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991 and a Master’s in Library Science from San Jose State University in 1993. I currently work as a Program Analyst with the Ventura County, CA Human Services Agency, providing policy, support and training for our social services staff. In my spare time, I love to travel, read, and volunteer with the local food bank. I believe that no matter who you are, or where you come from, you can do and be anything you want, and I’m so grateful for my TS sisters of the heart.