Penny Desatnik, President and Co-Founder of MSYLN, joined the group in support of a family friend with MS. An Account Supervisor for Blattel Communications, Penny works with professional services companies on their media relations and marketing initiatives. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, and with a Journalism degree from Ohio University, Penny is a true Midwestern at heart. In her spare time, she can often be spotted trying a new restaurant, adding to her extensive book collection or supporting her Cleveland teams.
Beth Benas, Co-Education Chair, joined MSYLN in 2014 to support her good friend who was diagnosed with MS. She is a proud member of Team Chapin and has participated in multiple Walk MS events. Beth is a technical support scientist specializing in biotechnology at Fluidigm. She received her Masters in Molecular Biotechnology from George Washington University and enjoys chocolate chip cookies and traveling the world.
Chapin Cole, Co-Education Chair, was diagnosed with MS in 2010. Chapin is a strong advocate for the young adult community's involvement with MS-related causes, especially the MS Society. She (along with her team, Team Chapin) is proud to be part of the Elite 100, the 100 top fundraisers for all Walk MS sites in Northern California. Professionally, Chapin serves as the Associate Director of Individual Giving at California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes). She received her Masters in Nonprofit Administration from University of San Francisco in December 2013. In her free time, Chapin enjoys volunteering, meditating, and spending time with friends and family. She greatly values the support and guidance she has gained from the MS Society during her journey with the disease, and is so thankful to the other members of MSYLN for their work to create awareness and fundraise for the MS Society.
Bailey Hagen, Events Chair, joined the MSYLN in July of 2014 in order to continue to support her aunt and multiple family friends living with MS. After graduating from Colgate University in 2013, Bailey moved to San Francisco to join the Environmental Risk Assessment and Management Team at Aon Risk Solutions. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.
Sarab Khurana, Member Development Chair, works as a Principal Software Design and Development Engineer. He received a post graduate degree in Advanced Computing and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. Sarab enjoys an active lifestyle and enjoys reading, travelling, learning to play new musical instruments, soccer, volleyball, biking and fitness.
Allyce Morino, Social Media Chair, joined MSYLN in continuing support of the MS Society following her mother's diagnosis with MS in 2009. Allyce volunteers in support of a number of events including Walk MS: Modesto and Bike MS: Waves to Wine. She moved to the Bay Area after receiving a degree in English from California State University, Stanislaus and currently works as a Marketing Assistant at an engineering firm in the Tri-Valley. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and playing soccer.
Kate Konieczny, Co-Founder, became involved with the MS Society when her mother was diagnosed with MS over 15 years ago. Kate is a Senior Marketing Coordinator for the global law firm Baker & McKenzie with a focus on business development for their North America Employment Law Practice.
Mary Thornhill, Co-Founder, became involved with the group in support of her grandfather who was diagnosed with MS late in life. His daily struggle motivates her to spread awareness and help others who face similar challenges. Mary currently works for Deloitte Consulting in their Marketing Department. She's originally from San Diego, but went to Santa Clara University for her undergraduate degree and ended up staying in the Bay Area. During her free time, Mary enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with friends and family.