Angela West, Vice President
I currently serve as the Vice President of DSAW-Fox Cities and have been a dedicated board member for the past six years. My decision to join the Advisory Board stemmed from a desire to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of children with Down syndrome. I draw daily inspiration from my daughter, Sophia, who has Down syndrome and never ceases to amaze me with her resilience and joy.
One initiative I am particularly proud of is facilitating the purchase of a 12-passenger van, which has significantly enhanced the outings and opportunities we can provide to our participants. Recently, I also joined our new Housing Committee, where we are working to expand housing options for individuals with Down syndrome in the Fox Cities area.
Through my efforts, I strive to make our community a better place for children with Down syndrome, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
I currently serve as the Vice President of DSAW-Fox Cities and have been a dedicated board member for the past six years. My decision to join the Advisory Board stemmed from a desire to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of children with Down syndrome. I draw daily inspiration from my daughter, Sophia, who has Down syndrome and never ceases to amaze me with her resilience and joy.
One initiative I am particularly proud of is facilitating the purchase of a 12-passenger van, which has significantly enhanced the outings and opportunities we can provide to our participants. Recently, I also joined our new Housing Committee, where we are working to expand housing options for individuals with Down syndrome in the Fox Cities area.
Through my efforts, I strive to make our community a better place for children with Down syndrome, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Erin Countney, Treasurer
I was introduced to DSAW-Fox Cities when my youngest son was born with Down syndrome in 2009. I had a pre-natal diagnosis so I was able to prepare early on. After I got through the initial shock and grief period, I felt more comfortable talking about the diagnosis. After my son was born and after his open heart surgery at 6 months of age and was well enough to socialize, our family got to spend more time in public getting to know the group and other families. Over time, I found comfort in connecting with other families and leaning on moms who had walked this path before me. Their shared experiences were invaluable for both my son’s growth and my own.
After years of volunteering, participating in events, and benefiting from this supportive community, I was honored to join the board in November 2022. It’s deeply rewarding to help our chapter grow and provide resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Advocacy remains essential to ensure our kids are valued and have opportunities to succeed, now and in the future. I continue to learn every day and love sharing knowledge to make a difference.
I’m a stay-at-home mom living in Greenville with my husband and two sons. You’ll often find us at Fox Cities events or treasure hunting at local flea markets. Our family loves road trips, exploring new places, and traveling—especially to our favorite destination, the Carolinas.
I was introduced to DSAW-Fox Cities when my youngest son was born with Down syndrome in 2009. I had a pre-natal diagnosis so I was able to prepare early on. After I got through the initial shock and grief period, I felt more comfortable talking about the diagnosis. After my son was born and after his open heart surgery at 6 months of age and was well enough to socialize, our family got to spend more time in public getting to know the group and other families. Over time, I found comfort in connecting with other families and leaning on moms who had walked this path before me. Their shared experiences were invaluable for both my son’s growth and my own.
After years of volunteering, participating in events, and benefiting from this supportive community, I was honored to join the board in November 2022. It’s deeply rewarding to help our chapter grow and provide resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Advocacy remains essential to ensure our kids are valued and have opportunities to succeed, now and in the future. I continue to learn every day and love sharing knowledge to make a difference.
I’m a stay-at-home mom living in Greenville with my husband and two sons. You’ll often find us at Fox Cities events or treasure hunting at local flea markets. Our family loves road trips, exploring new places, and traveling—especially to our favorite destination, the Carolinas.
Courtney Velpel, Secretary
Courtney has a son with Down syndrome, which spurred her interest in joining the DSAW community. She started by attending Mom’s Nights Out, continued by joining the walk committee, and still continues to be involved in this community by serving as a board member for DSAW-Fox Cities. For over twenty years, Courtney has been a teacher in the Appleton community. She enjoys time outdoors and as a family with her husband and three sons. Courtney looks forward to connecting with others that are involved in the Down syndrome community.
Courtney has a son with Down syndrome, which spurred her interest in joining the DSAW community. She started by attending Mom’s Nights Out, continued by joining the walk committee, and still continues to be involved in this community by serving as a board member for DSAW-Fox Cities. For over twenty years, Courtney has been a teacher in the Appleton community. She enjoys time outdoors and as a family with her husband and three sons. Courtney looks forward to connecting with others that are involved in the Down syndrome community.
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Glenda Luebke, Member
As of 2024, my association with DSAW spans 36 years of various experiences with our son, Daniel, who was born in 1988. Currently, I‘m in my second year on the board of DSAW of the Fox Cities promoting their vision with a special interest in housing and employment for our adult citizens with down syndrome and their families as we navigate those transitions throughout our lives together. Email Me |
Jennifer Torgrude, Member
My connection to the Down syndrome community began in middle school when I befriended a classmate with Down syndrome. Times were different in the 1980s, and I often wonder what became of her.
After two decades running nursing homes and caring for individuals with disabilities, my personal journey deepened in 2007 when my son Noah was born with Down syndrome. Living in Los Angeles at the time, I had the privilege of engaging with multiple organizations, including DSALA, DSAOC, Club 21, and co-founding the South Bay Down Syndrome Association with other local families.
When we moved to Appleton in 2010, I immediately became involved with our local group, now DSAW-Fox Cities. I’ve been part of the walk committee and a volunteer since our first walk in 2010. Alongside other families, we advocated for inclusive practices within the AASD, though progress slowed during COVID.
With Noah’s co-occurring Autism diagnosis, I’m also involved with the Autism Society Fox Valley and participate in various disability-related Facebook groups to share resources and support.
Professionally, I transitioned from long-term care to starting my own financial planning practice in 2017. In 2020, I earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation and am passionate about helping families like mine plan for the future.
I aim to continue the work I began in Los Angeles—supporting families at all stages, advocating for inclusion, and encouraging access to resources and programming. Many families still need our outreach and support, and I’m committed to helping schools and communities embrace inclusive practices.
🩵💛🩵
Jennifer Torgrude
Aka Noah’s Mom
Email Me
My connection to the Down syndrome community began in middle school when I befriended a classmate with Down syndrome. Times were different in the 1980s, and I often wonder what became of her.
After two decades running nursing homes and caring for individuals with disabilities, my personal journey deepened in 2007 when my son Noah was born with Down syndrome. Living in Los Angeles at the time, I had the privilege of engaging with multiple organizations, including DSALA, DSAOC, Club 21, and co-founding the South Bay Down Syndrome Association with other local families.
When we moved to Appleton in 2010, I immediately became involved with our local group, now DSAW-Fox Cities. I’ve been part of the walk committee and a volunteer since our first walk in 2010. Alongside other families, we advocated for inclusive practices within the AASD, though progress slowed during COVID.
With Noah’s co-occurring Autism diagnosis, I’m also involved with the Autism Society Fox Valley and participate in various disability-related Facebook groups to share resources and support.
Professionally, I transitioned from long-term care to starting my own financial planning practice in 2017. In 2020, I earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation and am passionate about helping families like mine plan for the future.
I aim to continue the work I began in Los Angeles—supporting families at all stages, advocating for inclusion, and encouraging access to resources and programming. Many families still need our outreach and support, and I’m committed to helping schools and communities embrace inclusive practices.
🩵💛🩵
Jennifer Torgrude
Aka Noah’s Mom
Email Me
