LevelUp! Webinar Series - Understanding Sleep Health for People with Down Syndrome
2023-11-15 18:30 - 19:30 UTC
Understanding Sleep Health for people with Down syndrome
Online Live Webinar
Join Dr. Combs for an interactive dialogue on the latest research on sleep health for individuals with Down syndrome. There will be a particular focus on obstructive sleep apnea with a discussion of current and emerging treatments beyond CPAP.

Daniel Combs, MD is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he directs the clinical pediatric sleep medicine program. Dr. Combs conducts NIH-funded research on obstructive sleep apnea in children with special healthcare needs, particularly children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. He also has related research on understanding research decision-making in people with Down syndrome. Outside of work, he enjoys playing board games with his son and doing science fair projects and 5Ks with his daughter.

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Level Up Webinar: Housing
2024-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix) | Zoom
Join Us – Live Webinar on Housing
Tue, Jan 30, 2024 @ 6:00pm
Navigating the path to suitable housing for your loved ones with Down syndrome can be an intricate journey, filled with questions, uncertainties, and the desire for the best possible future. At our upcoming Housing Webinar, we recognize the confusion parents and caregivers often face while seeking the right solutions.

Join us on January 30th at 6pm for an enlightening discussion as we unravel the complexities of housing options. Our panel of experts, including Jen Murphree from Rainbow Acres, Donald Harrington in social work, Coley Schaan Amaro from Luna Azul, and Megan Akens from DDD will share insights to demystify the process.
We understand the importance of your questions and encourage active participation from family members and the community. Together, we will explore the optimal age to embark on this journey, providing a roadmap for what to expect throughout the housing process.
Let’s come together to transform confusion into clarity, creating a foundation for informed decisions and a brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome. Get involved in the conversation, submit your questions and join us in shaping the discussion on housing solutions. Your voice matters in building a community that supports every individual’s unique journey. Save the date!! #HousingWebinar #DownSyndromeJourney #InformedDecisions

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MEET THE PANELISTS

Donald Harrington
With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of social work and human services, Donald Harrington is a seasoned professional with a passion for empowering individuals and families. Currently serving as a Licensing Worker at Fostering Hope LLC, he plays a pivotal role in conducting interviews, completing home studies, and managing initial licensing paperwork to ensure families are well-prepared for the fostering journey.

In his previous role at My Home LLC, Donald excelled as a Licensing Worker, overseeing the compliance of 12 families with stringent DDD and AHCCCS regulations. He demonstrated exceptional skills in report submission, behavioral treatment planning, and providing critical training to families.
As a Case Manager at Working Alternatives Inc, Donald supervised a caseload of over 26 inmates, offering invaluable support during their transition back into society. This experience honed his ability to navigate complex situations and provide essential resources for successful reintegration.
Donald’s educational background includes a degree in Sociology and Criminology from Missouri State University, showcasing his commitment to understanding the social dynamics that shape our communities.
Beyond professional endeavors, Donald is an active member of the community, serving on boards such as the Page Regional Domestic Violence Center and volunteering with various committees, including the DDD IOC Board for Northern Arizona.
With a wealth of experience, a genuine passion for advocacy, and a proven track record of making a positive impact, Donald brings a unique perspective to the discussion on housing options for individuals with Down syndrome. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1979 to 1983, embodying a spirit of dedication and service.
We are excited to have Donald join us and share his expertise and insights during our upcoming webinar on housing solutions for individuals with Down syndrome.
Donald R Harrington

928 640 7901
Don@fosteringhope.net

Jen Murphree
Director of Admissions, Rainbow Acres

Jen Murphree was raised in the Southwest by two special educators and has had a lifelong commitment to those with special needs. Her passion is helping families realize their dream for their loved ones. Jen has served adults with special needs in a residential setting since 2001. She previously served as a direct support residential staff member as well as Activities Coordinator at Riverview School on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and as a founding staff member and Personal Finance Coordinator at Casa de Amma in San Juan Capistrano, California.
Jen joined Rainbow Acres in 2013 and served as an Admissions Counselor before becoming Director of Admissions. Jen believes that God has called her to a life of service to individuals with developmental disabilities. Jen received her Bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Spanish from Northern Arizona University and her Master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Jen has two sons and a devoted husband who loves to hike in the woods and play games in their spare time.
Jen Murphree
928-567-5231
jen@rainbowacres.org

About Rainbow Acres
Rainbow Acres is a Christian residential community located in the heart of Arizona. As a nonprofit organization founded in 1974, Rainbow Acres is celebrating 50 years of service to neurodiverse adults. The residents are 18+ with a primary diagnosis of a developmental disability. Rainbow Acres is a private-pay organization offering individualized living and health plans. This starts with helping the residents set appropriate goals to stretch and grow in physical and emotional health, education, vocational skills, money management, and semi-independent living. Residents most commonly have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, developmental delay, ADHD, birth hypoxia, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s, anxiety, depression, and other rare disorders.
The milieu needs daily support but is ready to grow in their relationships, self-care, meaningful work, and hobbies like animals, greenhouse gardening, painting, weaving, fine arts, music, and all types of educational opportunities on a ranch-style campus. The residents volunteer within the local community and attend a myriad of events. Residents are coached in the executive functioning, emotional wellness, and life skills they need to succeed in adulthood. Rainbow Acres advocates for people throughout their lifespans within an assisted living license. The program includes medical and vocational support both on and off-site.
It’s a place where friends become family, and Rainbow Acres becomes home.
Now accepting applicants for 2024. Rainbowacres.com
Megan Akens
Megan Akens has been at the forefront of affordable housing initiatives as the Affordable Housing Supervisor for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) since the program’s inception in 2017. Her journey within DDD began in the Central Office, where she contributed significantly as part of the Deputy Assistant Director’s team. Prior to that, Megan played a pivotal role in Quality Assurance, monitoring Developmental Homes and Group Homes while meticulously reviewing incident reports from Qualified Vendor Agencies.
In the last year, the DDD Affordable Housing unit, Megan assisted in successfully securing $1,640,714 in subsidies from various organizations on behalf of 101 DDD members. This accomplishment underscores Megan’s commitment to ensuring accessible housing for individuals within the program.
Megan is equipped with a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Western International University, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Spanish from Charter Oak State University. Her educational background speaks to her holistic approach in addressing organizational and community needs.
Megan brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for her work. Her strategic role in the Affordable Housing unit reflects her dedication to empowering individuals and families within the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Megan’s unique perspective and proven track record make her an invaluable asset in the ongoing discussion on housing solutions for individuals with diverse needs.
We look forward to Megan’s continued contributions and insights as we navigate the complex landscape of affordable housing, ensuring that individuals like those within the DDD community have the support they need.
Megan Akens
ddhousinggeneralinfo@azdes.gov
DDDCustomerServiceCenter@azdes.gov
Call Toll free: 1 (844) 770-9500
TTY/TDD: 711
Fax: (602) 542-6870

Coley Schaan Amaro
Coley Schaan Amaro is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals at Luna Azul’s residential community for adults with disabilities. As the Executive Director at Luna Azul since May 2023, Coley has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s vision and mission for the past 9 months. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Coley oversees on-site operations, demonstrating a hands-on approach to leadership.
Prior to Luna Azul, Coley served as the Resident Experience and Operations Officer at Treasure House Phoenix for an impressive 6 years and 3 months from April 2017 to June 2023. In this role, Coley played a crucial part in creating a positive and enriching environment for residents. The experience honed Coley’s skills in customer experience, leadership, and other valuable attributes.
With a background as a Director of Operations, Coley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Coley’s passion for enhancing resident experiences and optimizing operational efficiency is evident throughout her career. Coley’s commitment to excellence and dedication to the well-being of individuals in residential settings make them a valuable panelist, contributing a unique perspective to discussions on housing and operational strategies.

Coley Schaan Amaro
coley@lunaphx.com
cell: 602-303-4440

Level Up Webinar: Transition Planning
2024-02-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Phoenix)
Transition Planning: From IEPs to Graduation (or Not) – What are the District’s Obligations and Parent’s/Student’s Rights
This event requires pre-registration and all registrants must be approved to attend. You must be either a parent of a child with an IEP or an Advocate/Attorney supporting children with IEPs.
Special Education Attorneys Susan Marks and Amy Langerman will review the transition provisions of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), summarizing the key elements of transition planning. They will review exemplar transition plan provisions and show participants what types of services, activities, and community participation should be included in a comprehensive transition plan. The presentation will review the coordination between school districts, families and adult agencies (e.g. Division on Developmental Disabilities and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation) and how such coordination is best achieved. Finally, Amy and Susan will discuss the all-important issue of graduation for students with disabilities – when a student is eligible and when he or she is not, and how to ensure that a district is not pushing a student out before it is appropriate.
Amy Langerman has tried more due process cases in the State of Arizona on behalf of parents than any other attorney. Her undefeated record speaks volumes. Amy helped to create a program in her own district in San Diego to bring kids back from segregated settings and onto their home school comprehensive campus that her own son attended. The vast majority of families with whom she consults in California seek her out to obtain an inclusion placement and she collaborates with the two districts in which she works to train staff, provide resources, and help inclusion succeed. Amy is a national trainer on inclusion and has done trainings for three districts in Maricopa County. Amy has also successfully transitioned numerous students, including her son, to college, vocational training programs, and district transition programs. She has stopped more graduations in the State of Arizona than any other parent-attorney, obtaining years of additional education and training for scores of students.
Susan Marks is the principal at the Law Office of Susan Marks. Susan is a Professor Emeritus of Special Education at Northern Arizona University where she taught in the Special Education teacher preparation program and coordinated the graduate certificate in Autism. While at NAU, she prepared inclusion facilitators and Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She is a board member of the Arizona TASH, a state-wide advocacy group that promotes inclusive and quality lives for individuals with significant support needs. Susan is an Autism Specialist and was previously a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). Susan has presented on inclusive practices at numerous conferences in Arizona and the Partners in Leadership trainings.

Register for the Discussion *No Recording Available*

Webinar Lennar Home
2024-10-22 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Zoom

Empowered Navigation Webinar Series: Coordination of Benefits: AHCCCS/ALTCS with Private Insurance
2025-07-22 18:30 - 19:30 UTC
We’re excited to showcase our Empowered Navigation webinar series, a three-part journey to help families better understand the latest updates about insurance, benefits, and essential services for individuals with Down syndrome. Join us online on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–7:30 pm!
Cynthia Macluskie is a licensed health insurance agent and nationally recognized disability advocate with over 20 years of experience navigating Medicaid (AHCCCS/ALTCS), Medicare, and private insurance systems. She has played a key role in passing impactful legislation for the developmental disability community and serves on numerous state and healthcare advisory committees. Passionate about improving access to care and systems navigation, Cynthia brings her expertise to DSNetwork’s webinar series supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the lifespan.
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Empowered Navigation Webinar Series: Transition to Adulthood
2025-08-26 18:30 - 19:30 UTC

Empowered Navigation Webinar Series: Disabled Adult Child Program. How to qualify and benefits
2025-09-23 18:30 - 19:30 UTC

Financial Planning Webinar with Karen Starbowski: Life Care Plans
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
We’re excited to showcase a new individual, Karen Starbowski, in our Level-Up Webinar series. This webinar will discuss what a Life Care Plan is and the steps recommended to create one for a loved one with special needs. Join us online on Tuesday evening from 6 – 7 pm!
Karen L. Starbowski practices Financial Planning with MassMutual. Providing financial advice has become Karen’s passion because she enjoys helping people and their families. Karen has completed her SpecialCare Planning designation, ChSNC which allows her to use her financial planning passion to assist families who have loved ones with special needs. MassMutual SpecialCare’s mission is to help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with special needs, their caregivers and other family members. For the past 15 years Karen has been developing a unique network of professionals within the Special Needs community to assist families with their financial planning and provide a wide range of expertise to fit the diverse concerns of Special Needs families. Karen Starbowski was born and raised in Michigan and has been living in Arizona since 1999. She received her BS in Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. Karen was on the board of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix for many years and is currently on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for SARRC and the Board for First Place.
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Down to Earth Nutrition
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Zoom
We’re honored to begin a Down to Earth Nutrition Series with Karla, a mom and nutrition professional whose journey began with her son, Leeon, who was born with Down syndrome. From the very beginning, Karla paid close attention to his health, immunity, and long-term well-being, searching for ways to truly support his body and prevent future challenges. Through years of observation, research, and lived experience, she learned how powerful nutrition and food quality can be. What began with supplements evolved into a family-wide shift toward organic, whole foods – a decision that led to noticeable improvements in her son’s immunity, thyroid health, digestion, and overall strength, as well as her own. Karla’s story is rooted in listening to her child, trusting what she saw, and understanding that real wellness is not a short-term diet, but a long-term lifestyle. For her full story, please visit: https://karlacubilla.wpcomstaging.com/journey/
Join us on February 23 from 6–7 PM for the first webinar in this series as Karla shares her story, the nutritional changes they made and why, and what you can start doing today to support your own family’s wellness.
RSVP to join us online. Here’s the zoom sign up link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mmhlUoKRQGSXbuuk8-KLrA
