NEWEST MEMBERS
WELCOME TERESA CRAFTON
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Joined: March 2024
Sponsor: R. C. Crompton
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My name is Teresa Crafton, and I am the Director of Development at Spectrios Institute for Low Vision in Wheaton, IL. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their communities. I have been involved in non-profits for over 20 years ranging from blood donation, disability advocacy, diversity & inclusion, and vision loss rehabilitation. I have a true servant leader’s heart and find true joy from helping others with my time, talents, and advocacy.
My background encompasses a wide range of development initiatives, from successful fundraising campaigns to strategic donor relations. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to enhance the resources available to support our mission at Spectrios and the individuals it serves. I am truly inspired by the important work being conducted at the Low Vision Clinic, and I am eager to collaborate with our community of supporters to continue expanding our reach and impact.
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I am a graduate of Aurora University with an educational background of a BA in Business, MBA, and an upcoming Ed.D., as I am currently in my proposal stage of my dissertation.
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My son is 16 years old and involved in ABA, OT, Speech, Special Stars dance, and Special Olympics to help support his non-verbal autism diagnosis. We love being involved in our communities and enjoy having inclusive experiences that empower and encourage his independence. This aligns with the mission at Spectrios, where Dr. Williams and his amazing team work together in a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to give individuals with severe vision conditions hope, and help them achieve independence in their lives, despite their limitations. This opportunity to be part of the Wheaton Lions, where the pillars of service are devoted to serving the needs of others, where kindness is promoted through mutual understanding and respect is also in alignment with my ethics and upbringing.
WELCOME MIKE TENERELLI
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Joined: March 2024
Sponsor: Vickie Austin
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I was born and raised in Glen Ellyn, I attended Glenbard South High School, and North Central College where I graduated with a degree in business management in 2006. I was an avid football and baseball player through college.
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From college I joined my families plumbing business and enjoyed 17 years there as the companies Vice President. During this time I also owned a CrossFit gym (CrossFit Alpha Dog). I recently shut it down, but had a fantastic run from 2013 to 2024!
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My wife Katelyn and I just welcomed our first baby girl into the world on 11-21-23! Baby Stella is our pride and joy!
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I’ve been a real estate professional for the last two years now, which is my primary focus. I’m an agent with Exit Real Estate Partners out of Downers Grove. I’m also an investor, I have rental properties and also do fix and flips!
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Katelyn, Stella and I currently live in Warrenville.
WELCOME MARK COMBS
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Joined: March 2024
Sponsor: R. C. Crompton
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Mark and his wife, Cindy, moved to Wheaton at the beginning of 2019 to join their daughter, Susan Varcak, and her family here. We love the Wheaton community, and we especially love living a short walk from our three grandchildren!
Mark was born and grew up in Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma. During college, he took a night job as a computer operator with a small software company just as the independent software industry was emerging, in 1973. That job led him to pursue what turned out to be a lengthy career in software. Mark and Cindy relocated first to Dallas, Texas, then, in 1981, to Long Island, New York, where they lived for almost 40 years before coming to Wheaton. Most of Mark’s career was spent as an engineering and business executive with Computer Associates, a leading IT infrastructure management software company. After leaving CA, he worked at several other technology companies including Kaseya and Progress Software before retiring in 2018. He is currently a part-time advisor to VirtualZ Computing, a startup. Mark was a founding board member of the Long Island Software Technology Network and was active in his church community on Long Island, and now here in Wheaton. Mark loves tennis (not golf!) and plays as often as time, and his knees, allow.
Mark is excited to join the Wheaton Lions and for the opportunity to work with all of you, and his daughter, in serving our community.
WELCOME SUSAN VARCAK
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Joined: March 2024
Sponsor: R. C. Crompton
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Susan Varcak and her husband, Brian, settled in Wheaton in 2017 and love raising their three young children in this community.
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Susan grew up in New York on Long Island. From there she went to Williams College and became a strategy professional at the Parthenon Group in Boston and then Northern Trust in Chicago. Susan then changed careers and pursued her Masters degree to become a certified Physician Assistant (PA). Susan started staying home as a mom upon the arrival of their first child, and has been grateful for this opportunity.
Susan volunteers on the Cosley Foundation Board for the Wheaton Park District, and as a Cub Scout Assistant Den Leader. She is excited about serving the community as a Wheaton Lion and taking on this endeavor with her father, Mark Combs. Susan’s parents moved to Wheaton in 2019 and the Varcak-Combs crew is fortunate to walk frequently between their homes in north Wheaton. Susan enjoys singing in choir (and truly most any venue), being active outside (andin), spending time with family and friends and connecting with people.
WELCOME MICHELLE CLEGG
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Joined: February 2024
Sponsor: Betsy Adamowski
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Michelle B. Clegg serves as Vice President of Advancement at People’s Resource Center, overseeing the fundraising and marketing programs. A development and external relations professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector, Michelle is a creative and efficient leader skilled in relationship building, imaginative problem solving, communicating to diverse audiences, strategic planning and budgeting, and adept staff and volunteer management.
Michelle has served in various Vice President and Director roles in prominent Arts and Culture and Education institutions in the western suburbs since moving from Chicago over 20 years ago, and has been working in Wheaton since 2017. She has had the privilege of working at institutions where she not only believed in the missions, but was also proud to represent and support them – like PRC.
She received Bachelor’s from Miami University in Ohio, and her J.D. from DePaul University School of Law. Michelle enjoys reading, traveling, live music concerts, is an avid gardener, and her happy place is at her family lake home in Michigan.
Michelle lives in the Cress Creek area of Naperville, with her husband, two daughters who are currently attending college, and two rescue dogs.
WELCOME JOE SOTO
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Joined: January 2024
Sponsor: Marty Keller
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Joe Soto is a dedicated resident of Wheaton/Winfield with a lifelong connection to the community. In 2018, he married his lovely wife, Nicole, and together they have three wonderful daughters named Gigi, Vivi, and Jovi. Currently residing in Winfield, Joe is deeply committed to his family and community.
Professionally, Joe is a vital member of the number one real estate team in Wheaton, The Lance Kammes Team, affiliated with the REMAX office on Main Street in Wheaton. His contributions and expertise in the real estate industry have made him an integral part of the team's success.
In addition to his real estate ventures, Joe is the owner of storage facilities in Elburn and Sugar Grove, known as Soto & Mayn. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing storage solutions contribute to the local business landscape.
Joe also serves as a Milton Township Trustee, demonstrating his passion for public service and his commitment to the betterment of his community.
Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Joe enjoys pursuing his personal passions. He is an avid pianist and finds joy in playing the piano. On sunny days, you can often find him on the golf course, where he takes pleasure in a challenging game.
Joe holds a double major from Aurora University in Marketing and Business Commerce, which has equipped him with a strong educational foundation for his diverse professional pursuits.
With a heart firmly rooted in his community and a multifaceted background, Joe Soto is a dynamic individual who continues to make a positive impact in Wheaton/Winfield and beyond.
WELCOME MATT LAFOND
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Joined: November 2023
Sponsor: R. C. Compton
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Welcome new Wheaton Lions Club member Matt LaFond! Matt is the Executive Director of Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. His career with Cantigny spans more than 35 years, with experience at all levels of the organization from starting as a Tour Guide for the Robert R. McCormick House while attending college to numerous other positions, including Director of Security, Director of Visitor Services, and currently Executive Director since 2008. He holds a master’s degree from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale,