Meet Taryn Lopez Norley | President & CEO ALS Arizona

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taryn Lopez Norley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taryn, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Kansas but grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Throughout my life, I have always valued helping others. Growing up, I attended Girls Club (before it merged with Boys Club) and was given the opportunity to volunteer at a senior living residence. The program was called, Adopt a Grandparent. We would get matched with a senior every week during the summer camp. We would talk with them, make crafts and share stories. It was such a great experience, I was hooked from the first day. Throughout high school I would volunteer at the hospital, through church and in various elementary schools throughout Phoenix. During college, I volunteered with Camp Fire USA and taught kids the importance of the outdoors and camping. As I was graduating from college and trying to figure out what I want to do for a career, I realized the non profit sector was the place for me. All of the things I loved about my volunteer experiences could be combined by working at a nonprofit. I can make a living by giving back and helping individuals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ALS Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and their families. As the President & CEO for the past 13 years, I’ve led our efforts to offer a wide range of programs and services, all free of charge to individuals diagnosed with ALS and their families.

What truly distinguishes ALS Arizona is our unwavering focus on enhancing the quality of life for those affected by ALS. We strive to empower individuals with ALS, helping them maintain their independence while providing crucial support. Our approach is holistic, addressing not just medical needs but also the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with ALS.

We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:
• Provision of durable medical equipment
• Transportation to medical appointments and ALS events
• Care consultations with multidisciplinary experts (MSW, RN, Speech Therapist, Respiratory Therapist)
• Support groups for people with ALS, caregivers and our grief support group
• Home visits for environment assessment and modification recommendations

Our journey and challenges: Having worked in the nonprofit sector for 27 years, I’ve brought extensive experience to ALS Arizona. While I have not had a family member diagnosed with ALS, my years of working closely with those affected by the disease have given me deep insights into the challenges faced by our families. Running a nonprofit that provides such comprehensive services free of charge comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of funding and resource allocation. However, our commitment to our mission has helped us overcome these obstacles.

Proud achievements: I’m most proud of our ability to consistently provide high-quality, personalized care to our clients without any cost to them. We’ve created a support system that addresses multiple aspects of living with ALS, from medical equipment needs to emotional support and practical home modifications recommendations.

Lessons learned: One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. ALS affects each person differently, and our services need to be flexible enough to meet diverse needs. I’ve also learned the immense value of a multidisciplinary approach in providing comprehensive care.

Our message to the world: At ALS Arizona, we believe that a diagnosis of ALS shouldn’t mean giving up on quality of life. We want the world to know that with the right support, individuals with ALS can maintain their dignity, independence, and joy in life. Our organization stands as a testament to the power of community support and specialized care in making a real difference in the lives of those affected by ALS.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an Arizona resident, I love showcasing our state’s diverse beauty to visiting friends. Here’s my curated tour of some of Arizona’s finest spots:

Phoenix Metro Area:
Accommodations: I always recommend the Montelucia, one of my favorite resorts and spas, for a luxurious stay.
Dining: FnB in Scottsdale is a must-visit for an exceptional culinary experience.
Shopping: Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter offer great shopping experiences.
Gilbert (my current hometown): Don’t miss Joe’s BBQ and Humble Bistro for delicious local flavors.

Sedona, this breathtaking place holds a special place in my heart – it’s where my husband and I got married!
Stay: The Enchantment Resort offers a truly magical experience.
Dining: Mariposa is one of my favorite restaurants here, offering incredible views with your meal.
Activities: A Pink Jeep Tour is a fun way to explore, and there are numerous beautiful hiking trails.

Tucson:
We’ll revisit my alma mater, the University of Arizona.
Dining: El Charro serves up some of the best traditional Mexican cuisine.
Accommodations: The Westin La Paloma is our go-to for overnight stays.

What makes Arizona truly special is its varied landscape. From the Sonoran Desert in the south to the pine forests and red rocks in the north, there’s an incredible diversity to experience. It’s a joy to share these contrasts with visitors and watch them fall in love with our beautiful state.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I would like to thank for helping me get to the place I am in life. My parents who brought me to Arizona and gave me a great place to grow up. My Scottsdale School District teachers who challenged my thinking and supported me in my growth as an individual. The University of Arizona where I made life-long friends and was led to spend a semester abroad in Spain. The best life experience that truly helped me mature and to think more globally. My professional mentors; Vikki Scarafiotti, Gerald Wissink with BHHS Legacy Foundation, the board members and staff who supported my vision and sometimes crazy ideas. Finally, I want to thank my husband and son. Working for a nonprofit requires a lot of work on nights and weekends. This means that I may miss time with them at home. I am thankful that they understand my personal commitment to the ALS Community and that the work I do helps make a difference.

Website: https://alsaz.org

Instagram: alsarizona

Linkedin: ALS Arizona

Twitter: @ALSAZ

Facebook: ALS Arizona

Youtube: @ALSArizona

Image Credits
Katy Brown, Arizona Diamondbacks, Niccole Radhe (Celesteal Photography)