Board of Directors
Our volunteer board members bring diverse professional backgrounds and personal connections to the IDD community, guiding The Arc PPR\u2019s mission.
Officers
Karen Egan
Board President
Karen has 5 children and two grandchildren. She is a native of Colorado and tenacious advocate for individuals with IDD, not only for her son but for individuals of varying abilities, particularly young adults seeking a place of purpose after completing their formal education.
Karen has served the Colorado Springs community through the hospitality industry, Palmer High School, District 11, and Special Olympics Colorado. Her involvement with Special Olympics and interaction with persons with IDD allows her to better understand individual needs and offer support through The Arc PPR.
April O’Neil
Treasurer
April has 31 years of experience in the Financial Services and Customer Service industry. Her dedication to supporting those living with disabilities is inspired by her son, Jadyn, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. She has volunteered with the Cerebral Palsy Association, Pikes Peak Challenge, Alzheimer’s Association, and many others.
Board Members
Stefany Patriarca
Stefany is a mother of three who moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 for better healthcare for their child with special needs. She is Co-Owner of Slice420 Pizzeria, providing a space for inclusion and accessibility for all in the community. Stefany is an active member of the disability community through Challenger Baseball and the Cool C.A.T.S. Club.
Jonathan Walker
Jonathan is a retired Attorney and former County Court Judge in Colorado Springs. He received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, he joined the Arc board in 2000 and has served for 20 of the past 24 years, including 13 years as Board President.
Aubrey Carlson
Aubrey is a Colorado native and mother of two children with special needs. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in English Education from Colorado State University. Through The Arc’s Advocacy and School and Life programs, she was able to successfully navigate educational challenges for her family.
Aubrey is passionate about ensuring that parents with special needs children never feel alone, and never go without help or a supportive village.
Temeka Brom
Temeka has dedicated her life to advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her advocacy deepened when her daughter, born with a cerebellum brain injury and autism, inspired her to become a strong voice for special education, IEP reform, and disability rights. She has stood before Congress to advocate for legislative change, contributing to the passage of two laws.
Robert C. Kent
As the parent of a child with IDD, Robert understands the vital role community plays in fostering inclusion and opportunity. He and his family relocated to Colorado Springs in 2019. He will retire from Active Duty Military Service in December 2025 and is already an active Colorado Real Estate Advisor.
Robert serves on the Board of Adam’s Camp, acts as an Ainsley’s Angels Ambassador, contributes to the D20 Special Education Advisory Committee, and supports numerous organizations working to help children and young adults with disabilities.
Dylan Osouna
Dylan transitioned from serving as a full-time Army soldier to becoming a father of three—a neurotypical son, as well as a daughter and son both on the autism spectrum. He has worked as a behavioral therapist and is pursuing a Master of Social Work to advocate for people with IDD.
Andrew Salazar
Andrew is an attorney with Caplan & Earnest Litigation team, passionate about public service and advancing justice. He served as a research fellow and judicial advocate for The Arc PPR, ensuring that the rights of marginalized individuals are upheld in court. He earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Self-Advocate Members
Our board proudly includes self-advocate members who bring lived experience and leadership to our governance.
Raymond Smith
Self-Advocate
Raymond has spent nearly 20 years involved with The Arc. He’s served as Past President of Include USA and currently serves as Treasurer. “When I was younger, people told me I’d never get married, never drive, and never live a full life. Well, they were wrong.” Raymond has been happily married for many years and believes in leading by example.
Arthur Wirth
Self-Advocate
Arthur is one of the two self-advocate members on the Board of Directors. He also serves on the CFC Council, is a member of Include U.S.A. (Unique Self Advocates) and is the vice president of the statewide self-advocacy organization, Speaking For Ourselves.
Meet Our Staff
Learn about the dedicated team that carries out our mission every day.