The Turner Syndrome Society of the United States: Advancing knowledge, facilitating research, and supporting all those touched by Turner syndrome.
TSSUS is the largest organization – worldwide – supporting the Turner syndrome community.
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 for helping others began in my early years as I found myself compassionate and a friend to everyone. I spend much of my workday helping people navigate the many resources TSSUS offers, connecting people to peers and TS experts, and often just listening when someone needs individual support. Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, thrift shopping, 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
I am responsible for fundraising, communications strategies, and the TSSUS social media presence. As a child, my parents instilled in me the notion that just one friend could change someone’s life and, whenever possible, I should be that friend. I think this led me to a life-long career in the nonprofit sector, and providing services 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 speak fluent Spanish. I studied nonprofit management and communications at Le Tourneau Christian University in Houston, Texas.
Bobby Marsh
Director of Finance & Administration
Before becoming a full-time employee, I contracted with TSSUS for many years as a bookkeeper and IT specialist. I previously worked as a staff accountant at a for-profit company and other nonprofit organizations 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.
Our Board of Directors governs our organization to ensure TSSUS programs and activities support our mission and help us achieve our vision. We are always seeking passionate volunteers interested in serving as a board member.
New board member opportunities will be announced through the newsletter as applicable.
Meet our Board of Directors
The TSSUS Board of Directors consists of 11 volunteer TSSUS members from across the United States.
Jeanna Lee
Board Chair
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.
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Sarah Bauer
Chair-Elect
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
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Mary Greenberg
Treasurer
I’m a 58 year old woman who was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at birth. I am also a foster child and International Adoptee. I currently reside in the Dallas Metroplex area, I have been in banking for 36 years holding various positions in leadership, retail banking, commercial banking, International On-Boarding, management, and project management. I am VP in Transaction Management Quality. My degree is in Finance and Accounting. I have been married for 35 years was born in Canada grew up in Massachusetts.
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Dawn Aye
Secretary
I am a cattle rancher in Montana, a mom of 5 (ages 15-39) and grandma to 7 (ages 6-19). My daughter was diagnosed with Turner syndrome in utero in 2006 and she and I attended our first conference in 2007. Since then, my family and I have attended multiple conferences in order to educate myself and be an advocate for my daughter, as well as educate our local doctors. Living in a small town makes Turner syndrome knowledgeable doctors hard to find. After all the support we have been given from TSSUS, I am wanting to give back to the TS community and become part of an organization that has supported not only us, but thousands of other women and children with Turner syndrome across the world. I understand the responsibilities of nonprofit board work, have been on multiple boards and held leadership positions of youth clubs. I look forward to serving this community that has become part of our lives.
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Elizabeth Dabrowski, MD
Director
Dr. Dabrowski is board certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. She has a special interest in the care and management of girls with Turner syndrome, transgender youth, obesity management, and thyroid disorders but enjoys working with all endocrine conditions. Dr. Dabrowski loves caring for patients and the long-term relationships she is able to build with them. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children, baking, reading and cycling.
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Bria Kelly
Director
I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome at birth and currently reside in Erie, Pennsylvania. Since graduating from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in classics and dance, I have been working for a commercial roofing company and am currently the Department Head of Human Resources and Payroll. In my free time I love to take dance classes, read, go backpacking, and volunteer at my church. I attended my first TSSUS conference when I was 10 years old, and it was life changing. I am so looking forward to giving back to this organization that has meant so much to me and my family by serving on the board!
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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.
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Danielle Smith
Director
As a registered nurse, patient advocate, and mother of a daughter (Isabella, 24) diagnosed with Turner syndrome at two months, I know firsthand how frightening and overwhelming a medical diagnosis can be. TSSUS has been a wonderful, trusted resource for us through the years. With almost 30 years of healthcare administration and 24 inspiring years with Bella, I’m hoping to pay it forward by advancing awareness, advocacy, and research for TS. I have a B.A. in Psychology from Louisiana State University, a B.S. in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University, and a Master of Science in Nursing in Healthcare Systems Management from Loyola University. My husband, Matt and I live in Houston but visit our adult children Bella and Adrian and our extended families often in our home state of Louisiana.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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