By diabetics,
for diabetics

Our mission

The Diabetes Network of Arizona is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by diabetes by providing education, empowerment, and fostering connections within the community.

Our mission is to redefine the experience of living with chronic illness, ensuring that every person impacted by diabetes receives the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to lead a fulfilling and empowered life.

Through our comprehensive programs and initiatives, we strive to create a society that is well-informed about diabetes, where individuals are equipped with the tools to effectively manage their condition, and where a strong network of support exists to uplift and inspire one another.

Meet the board

Tara Krajnak

BSN, CPEN

PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 30 years, married to another diabetic met through the community, mother of three. Pediatric nurse for over 15 years, youth diabetes camp director for 6 years.

Becky McMillian

LMSW

DIRECTOR, VICE PRESIDENT

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 33 years, mom to 2 boys, one with Type 1. Lead Social Worker for Youth Diabetes Camp with a Masters in Social Work, Bachelors in Family Studies, Human Development, and Psychology.

John Krajnak

TREASURER

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, married to another diabetic met through the community, father of three. Youth diabetes camp medical staff director, over 8 years. Active Firefighter/Paramedic, over 15 years.

Edward Perrin

MD

BOARD MEMBER

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 50 years, father to 2 sons, both living with Type 1. Has worked with diabetes-related organizations for over 35 years, medical director at Camp AZDA for 15 years. Primary care physician for many patients with Type 1.

Bailee Perreault

BSN, RN

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Passionate about creating a community that offers unwavering support to individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes Camp MedStaff for 4 years, RN for 9 years, pediatric ER Nurse for 8 years, wife and mother.

Bruna Presz

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Brings over a decade of experience as a Special Education Teacher and Instructional Coach, with a Master of Education from National Louis University. As both an educator and a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, Bruna is deeply committed to helping families and schools develop meaningful 504 plans.

Beth Douthitt

BOARD MEMBER

Beth has 20 years as a parent of a Type 1 diabetic.  She is a retired public school educator and now a volunteer advocate for parents requesting 504 plans for their own Type 1 students.  Beth also mentors new teachers for the Arizona K12 Center.  She has been married for 35 years and has 2 adult children.

Michelle Hunter

FNP, BSN/RN

PUBLIC HELATH DIRECTOR

Driven to foster environments where everyone feels empowered, understood, and never alone on their diabetic health journey. Diabetes Camp Medstaff for 6 years, Nurse practitioner for 5 years, Pediatric ER/ICU NP/RN for the last 18 years, a wife, mother and grandmother.

Isabella Small

YOUTH CONNECT EVENT DIRECTOR

Isabella is the Youth Connect Event Director and a student at Arizona State University studying psychology and organizational leadership. After founding T1D Youth Connect in 2023, she’s continued her passion for building community through fun, inclusive events inspired by her and her sister’s shared journey with type 1 diabetes.

Zach Meeker-Hackett

CAMP DIRECTOR

Living with Type 1 diabetes for 20 years and have been attending diabetes camp for 20 of those years since 2005. Aviation facilities maintenance and car enthusiast.

Josh Silverman

TECHNOLOGY

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 15 years, diabetic camp counselor for 10 years, and diabetes tech enthusiast.

Caroline Cvitkovic

PUBLIC HEALTH INTERN

Caroline has lived with type 1 diabetes for 19 years and is passionate about advocacy, shaped by her experiences at JDRF camps and events. She recently earned a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Arizona and is now pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner to support others on their health journeys.

Values

🫂

Community

We prioritize building a supportive and inclusive community where individuals with Type 1 diabetes, their families, caregivers, and medical professionals come together for mutual support and understanding.

📈

Impact Driven

We are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by Type 1 diabetes. Our programs and initiatives are designed to address real needs, providing tangible support, resources, and measurable outcomes.

🌱

Continuous Learning

We embrace a culture of continuous learning, recognizing that knowledge evolves and that every individual's journey with Type 1 diabetes is unique. We stay informed about the latest advancements in diabetes management while valuing the wisdom gained from personal experiences.

🤝

Respect

We foster an environment built on respect for each individual's journey, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that come with living with Type 1 diabetes. Mutual respect forms the foundation of our supportive community.

💪

Empowerment

We empower individuals at all stages of their Type 1 diabetes journey, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and resilience. Through shared experiences and resources, we inspire confidence and the ability to overcome challenges.

🙌

Collaboration

We believe in the strength of collaboration, forging partnerships with medical professionals, local organizations, and the broader community to enhance the quality of support and resources we provide.

🫶

Inclusivity

We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, welcoming everyone affected by diabetes regardless of age, background, or experience. Our community thrives on the richness of varied perspectives and shared stories.

✨

Joyful Living

We promote a spirit of joy and celebration, emphasizing that life with Type 1 diabetes is not just about managing challenges but also finding moments of happiness, connection, and fulfillment.

FAQs

  • The Diabetes Network of Arizona is a community-driven non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. Our mission is to create a year-round support network crafted by diabetics, for diabetics, offering empowerment, resources, and a sense of community.

  • The Diabetes Network of Arizona welcomes individuals of all ages, including kids, adults, and teens, as well as their families, caregivers, and medical professionals. Our community is open to anyone affected by diabetes.

  • We host a variety of events and meetups, including monthly gatherings tailored for kids, families, caregivers, adults (21+), and teens (13-17). Additionally, we organize special activities such as yoga, golfing, and biking for charity throughout the year, creating opportunities for social connection and support.

  • While our primary focus is on Type 1 diabetes, we warmly welcome and support anyone affected by diabetes. Our community is built on inclusivity, understanding, and shared experiences.

  • Stay updated on all our events and activities by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, and regularly checking our website. We keep our community informed through these channels to ensure everyone has access to the latest information.

  • The Diabetes Network of Arizona offers educational resources, support networks, and a collaborative environment to help individuals manage and navigate life with Type 1 diabetes. Explore our website for valuable information and connect with our community for personalized support.

  • Supporting our mission is easy! Visit the "Donate" section on our website to make a financial contribution. Your donations help sustain and grow our organization, enabling us to provide ongoing support and resources to the diabetes community.

  • Currently, there are no membership fees to join the Diabetes Network of Arizona's community. We believe in making our support and resources accessible to everyone in need.

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