Stephanie Champlin poses for a photo with her son, William Champlin, 17, at the beach. William Champlin has Down syndrome and is Stephanie Champlin’s inspiration for being an advocate for those with developmental disabilities. (Submitted photo)

SALEM – Stephanie Champlin, 43, has been advocating for those struggling with developmental disabilities since her son, William Champlin, was born 17 years ago with Down syndrome.

“He is a gift to the world and my inspiration for everything I do,” she said. “It’s a gift to be his mom and his greatest supporter. William sees all the beauty in the world and the good in people. It’s a life changing experience to see the world through William’s eyes. You learn not to take everything for granted.”

Stephanie, who lives in Salem, has served those with developmental disabilities in many ways, including her current job as executive director of the Fairhaven Foundation, based in Niles. Her job is through the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities where she also works as director of community relations and resource development. She started working for the Fairhaven Foundation in 2021 as the foundation’s executive director, where she provides support for the those in Fairhaven School, which serves children and young adults with developmental disabilities.

The foundation supports the school by purchasing adaptive equipment and clothing, running the backpack program to help reduce food insecurity for high-risk students, covering therapy not covered by insurance, and providing emergency assistance.

As executive director, she also organizes and hosts “community inclusion” events for the students. Some of these events include the ability to walk and roll, developmental disability awareness night at Eastwood Field, winter wonderland and the abilities rock dance party.

“Experiences like Winter Wonderland allow individuals and families to experience all the magic of the season in a safe and supportive setting,” Champlin said. “Visits with Santa, family photos and holiday concerts can be an overwhelming experience for individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as cost prohibitive.”

She worked with advocate groups prior to her current career, including being a member of the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley in 2007. She chaired the first two years of the annual “Buddy Walk,” which celebrates and brings awareness to those with Down syndrome and serves as a fundraiser. It took place last month at Eastwood Field in Niles.

In 2009, she left the Down Syndrome Association and became a parent representative for both the Family and Children First Council of Columbiana County and the Early Childhood Coordinating Committee of Columbiana County.

In 2020, Champlin served on the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a commissioner appointed board member prior to moving to the Trumbull County board.

She worked with the Columbiana Board to help “pilot a program to help educate students about developmental disabilities.” The program used simulation activities to help students understand and have empathy for their peers. This program’s activities simulated things such as trying to button up shirts with gloves on.

“When you have decreased strength in your fingers it makes things like getting dressed and getting ready difficult,” she said. “It takes additional time and effort to complete simple tasks that many people take for granted.”

Down syndrome is caused by every cell in the body having three copies of the 21st chromosome. She said this can cause “delays in speech development, fine motor, gross motor and cognitive thinking.”

Despite his struggles with Down syndrome, this doesn’t stop William from being involved. Champlin said her son, who is now a junior, “has been the pride of the Salem (Senior) High School marching band since his freshman year.” He plays the symbols.

Stephanie Champlin grew up in East Palestine where she had “many fond memories with her siblings and grandparents.” She attended and graduated from East Palestine City School District. While in high school, she played the trombone in the marching band, sang the national anthem at football games and was the school pianist.

Champlin attended the University of Mount Union but obtained her marketing degree from Rhode Island College.

After college, she worked as a marketing assistant for Coastway Credit Union in Rhode Island. She moved back to Ohio in 2005, where she became a director of community relations and practice development for Eye Care Associates prior to the Fairhaven Foundation.

Champlin said that she doesn’t have much spare time but when she does, she exercises, watches movies and attends art performances with her son.