AFTD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- MPA Development Coordinator
Abby joined AFTD in August 2022 as Development Coordinator. She holds a B.S. in Human Services from the University of Delaware, and most recently earned her MPA with a concentration in nonprofit management. Throughout her education, Abby has had experience in development and events, community outreach, and donor cultivation from various nonprofits. As Development Coordinator, she is responsible for supporting AFTD's individual giving programs including recurring donors, matching gift and workplace giving, and major donor prospects. Abby is the direct line of support for individuals and families designating tribute gifts to AFTD.
Abrar Tanveer was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently resides in Austin, Texas. Since graduating from Ohio State in 2017, he has been working in the health tech startup space, his interest sparked by a 2018 fellowship at Venture for America. Outside of work he enjoys running, skiing, going to concerts, and generally spending time with his friends and family. He joined the AFTD Board in 2023. In 2022, Abrar partnered with AFTD to raise funds in honor of his father Shakeel Tanveer by running the Flying Pig half marathon in Cincinnati, a year after he ran the full Flying Pig marathon as part of a different AFTD fundraiser.
Job Titles:
- Research Projects Manager
Amanda Gleixner, Ph.D., joined AFTD as Research Projects Manager in January 2023. She has a B.S. in biochemistry from Saint Vincent College and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Duquesne University. While a research assistant professor and postdoctoral associate at the University of Pittsburgh, Amanda studied cellular biology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration. In her role, she will support AFTD's mission to advance research by managing projects that convene scientific stakeholders and facilitate precompetitive collaboration and consensus-building.
Amanda joined AFTD in November 2018 as Development Manager and assumed her current position in July 2022. She has more than ten years of progressive nonprofit development and fundraising experience, including four years with the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association. As a member of AFTD's Advancement team and lead for our Development department, Amanda oversees all aspects of our individual giving programs and corporate and foundation fundraising, which generate vital funds to support AFTD's mission, as well as the organization's donor databases and metrics, donation processing and acknowledgement, and the ongoing expansion of our digital fundraising strategies
Ann joined AFTD in April 2018. She has over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families access resources and services in mental health and healthcare settings. A licensed social worker, Ann has worked in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities; she has also advocated for older adults and caregivers as a geriatric care manager. Ann actively works to maintain and enhance the quality of resources available for individuals seeking support through the HelpLine. She received her Master's in Social Work from West Chester University and Bachelor's in Social Work from Eastern University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
Ben C. Freeman joined AFTD in February 2015, bringing more than ten years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, and past background in IT and technology systems. For a decade, he served as Development Director for the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, helping to scale its work to improve care for elders and people living with disabilities. Ben works with AFTD's staff, Board, and community to raise FTD awareness and expand AFTD's national and global visibility as the premier organization serving the needs of people and families affected by FTD.
Bridget joined AFTD in October 2015 as the Grassroots Events Coordinator, became Special Events Manager in January 2019, and assumed her current position in July 2022. She holds a B.S. in Speech Communication from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. During her time as Grassroots Events Coordinator and Special Events Manager, Bridget expanded and refined AFTD's national network of Grassroots (Food for Thought, With Love, AFTD-Team Race Season, and Independent Events) and Special Events (Hope Rising and Driving Hope). In her current role, Bridget is the lead for AFTD's Events Department and will continue to manage the Grassroots and Special Events programs, while also supporting other non-fundraising related events such as AFTD's educational conferences and scientific meetings.
Job Titles:
- Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Carrie joined AFTD in October 2022 as the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and counseling, working with children, families, and volunteers in a variety of healthcare settings. Over the past 14 years, Carrie has worked alongside volunteers of all ages within children's hospitals, churches, and, most recently, hospice and palliative care. Her deepest passion is building lasting relationships with AFTD volunteers in all their areas of service, knowing that all volunteers give so freely their time, talents, and treasures.
Chris joined AFTD in July 2017. Chris spent the early portion of her career working for entrepreneurial startups, building teams and systems to enable growth at fast-paced companies. In 2003, she left the for-profit world to begin her own small business in Wayne, PA. In 2008 she joined the nonprofit world as VP Finance for Women Against Abuse. In recognition of her work there she was named the 2013 Philadelphia Business Journal Non-Profit CFO of the year. She holds an M.B.A. from Northeastern University, and a B.A. in Economics from St. Lawrence University. She earned her CPA license working for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Job Titles:
- MSHRD, PHR Director of Human Resources
Cynthia joined AFTD in August 2021 as Director of Human Resources. She holds an M.S. in Human Resource Development from Villanova University and is certified as a Human Resources Professional (PHR). She has more than 18 years of experience in establishing and restructuring HR departments for several organizations. Cynthia's former roles include 20 years of experience in payroll management. She assisted organizations in recognizing their human capital potential while assisting in developing strong teams to achieve strategic goals and mission objectives.
David is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. He is president of Anderson Mason Dale Architects in Denver. David's wife, Cathy, was diagnosed with FTD in 2014 at the age of 47. David placed Cathy in an assisted living facility early in 2016, and she passed away December 2016. Their children were 17, 15 and 13 at the time. A host and collaborator in multiple Denver AFTD events, as well as our Hope Rising Benefit and other national efforts, David brings to AFTD a passion for finding treatments and a cure before FTD can affect another generation. He is dedicated to ensuring that when families face an FTD diagnosis today, they have opportunities to connect to an understanding community, so that no one needs to face this disease alone.
Job Titles:
- Director of Research and Grants
Debra joined the AFTD staff in October 2015. She oversees AFTD's research portfolio, including grant programs supported in partnership with the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and Target ALS. In addition, she coordinates networking, training, and mentorship opportunities that support the FTD research community. Dr. Niehoff holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and has experience in behavioral neuroscience, particularly the neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis of fear, aggression, and violence. Prior to joining AFTD, she developed and served as the coordinator for one of the first two-year neuroscience programs in the U.S. She is the author of The Biology of Violence: How Understanding the Brain, Behavior, and Environment Can Break the Vicious Circle of Aggression and The Language of Life: How Cells Communicate in Health and Disease, serves on the editorial board of the journal Violence and Gender, and has conducted workshops on the neurobiology of violence for the FBI Critical Incident Response Group as well as law enforcement and educational professionals.
Donald E. Newhouse and his brother Samuel I. Newhouse Jr. (known as Si) were senior executives at Advance Publications and Newhouse Broadcasting Co. Donald retired in 2019. He became a member of the Board of the American Newspaper Publishers Association in 1983. The ANPA changed its name to the Newspaper Association of America and Mr. Newhouse served as its Chairman from 1993 to 1994. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Associated Press in 1988, and served as Chairman of the AP's Board from 1997 to 2001. He served on the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, and is an Honorary Trustee. Mr. Newhouse was married to Susan Marley in 1955; she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) in 2003, and died in 2015. Si Newhouse was diagnosed with PPA in 2014 and died in 2017. A generous donor and committed AFTD volunteer, Mr. Newhouse has played a pivotal lead role in AFTD's Hope Rising Benefit since its inception in 2016.
Job Titles:
- Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager
Elizabeth joined AFTD in January 2020. Elizabeth has an M.A. in history from American Military University and a B.S. in biological science from Virginia Tech, where she also worked in a lab researching traumatic brain injury. Her previous experience includes working for cultural and medical history non-profits in education, development, and communications. As Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager, Elizabeth manages corporate and foundation funding and relationships, helping to strengthen existing partnerships while building new connections, to grow philanthropic support for AFTD's mission.
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
Elizabeth joined AFTD as Executive Assistant/Event Coordinator in February 2018. She spent the last 16 years as administrative assistant at several banks, supporting the managing director and other team members in their efforts to assist bank clients at not-for-profit healthcare systems and hospitals throughout the U.S. Prior to that, she was the administrative assistant/meeting planner for a not-for-profit continuing education firm. She holds a B.S. in business management from Penn State University.
Job Titles:
- Support Services Coordinator
- the Support Services Coordinator
Erin joined AFTD as the Support Services Coordinator in July 2021. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, both from Arcadia University. Erin has more than seven years of experience working for several nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area, building and expanding their support programs in areas including higher education, academics, mental health, and resource navigation. In her role as Support Services Coordinator, Erin will work to deepen and expand AFTD's network of support and will work directly with support group volunteers.
Job Titles:
- Its Director of Support & Education
- Support & Education Director
Esther joined AFTD as its Director of Support & Education in November 2020. Previously, Esther served as Director of Wellness at CareOne Management, a company that provides elder-care services throughout the Northeast United States. She brings clinical, educational, managerial, and marketing skills along with a passion for quality care for those who are living with neurological conditions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to the importance of education and training throughout the spectrum of diagnosis and delivery of quality care. In her role, Esther will ensure that AFTD's support services and educational programs advance early diagnosis and improve access to quality care and effective support, as well as ensure that clinical information provided to healthcare professionals and the AFTD community is current and accurate.
Job Titles:
- Recording Secretary / Jacksonville Beach, FL
Gail is retired from Procter & Gamble after a 31-year career. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Innovation. Gail's husband died in 2012 at the age of 56 with bvFTD and ALS. Ms. Andersen brings important experience in strategic planning and project management to the board. She served on AFTD's Task Force for Families with Children, and she and her children have held several fundraisers for AFTD. She is very interested in research. Ms. Andersen served as AFTD's Board Chair from 2016-2020.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Halima is assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Dr. Amjad earned her medical degree from Drexel University, followed by residency in internal medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital and fellowship in geriatric medicine and gerontology at Johns Hopkins University. Her career focuses on the care of people living with dementia, informed by her own father's diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia in 2009. She currently sees patients at the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center. Dr. Amjad's NIH-funded research focuses on improving the care of individuals with dementia; her research interests include understanding outcomes in undiagnosed dementia, optimizing timely diagnosis and care, and improving health services provided to patients and families living with dementia.
Helen-Ann is the founder of AFTD. Her husband, Craig, was diagnosed with FTD at age 44 in 1978 and died seven years later. In order to increase research funding for frontotemporal degeneration and to provide information and support to those coping with FTD, Ms. Comstock formed the AFTD in 2002 and served as its board chair until 2010. Ms. Comstock continues to spearhead the organization's international efforts and serves on the Executive and Governance Committees. The Comstock Respite and Travel Grant Program is named in her honor and the foundation she has laid for the organization.
Job Titles:
- Development Operations Manager
Jackie joined AFTD in August 2022 as Development Operations Manager. She holds an MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University and a BA in Theatre (Acting) with a Minor in Business from Temple University. Previously, Jackie served as the Manager of Individual Giving at Bristol Riverside Theatre. As the Development Operations Manager, she oversees all aspects of AFTD's development and fundraising operations, including individual-targeted fundraising communications, appeals, AFTD's annual report, and donations through AFTD's online giving platforms.
Job Titles:
- Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Jacqueline joined AFTD in October 2022 as Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. She has been active in the volunteer world for 20 years, both in a professional and personal capacity. Previously, she has worked as a volunteer manager at Girl Scouts of America and as a volunteer organizer at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. In her current role, Jacqueline engages with AFTD's national volunteer network, helping to recruit and onboard new volunteers while connecting them with activities that best match their strengths and interests.
Jary is a licensed neuropsychologist and currently is affiliated with the Neuropsychology Service at the University of California, San Francisco/Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (UCSF/ZSFG) and the Cognitive Neuropsychology and Electrophysiology (CNE) Laboratory at VA Northern California, where he has also served as the Chair of the Institutional Review Board (human research ethics board) since 2012. He previously served on the AFTD Board from 2010-2017, and was Board Chair from 2013-2016. Jary's brother, who was diagnosed with FTD in 2006, died in 2013.
Jasmine joined AFTD in November 2022 as Development Writer. She attended Drexel University and graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in politics. At Drexel, she volunteered at the West Philadelphia branch of Mighty Writers, contributed to creative nonfiction and photography anthologies at Drexel's Writer's Room collective, and worked at the Drexel Writing Center. Post-graduation, Jasmine worked as an English teacher and college admissions/essay consultant. As Development Writer, Jasmine is responsible for supporting AFTD staff with annual projects, donor outreach, and other writing-related efforts to further AFTD's mission.
Jeff joined AFTD in January 2018 as Office Manager. Jeff brings close to thirty years of experience in staff accounting, information technology support, and customer relationship management skills from organizations of both global and local scale. He has had experience supporting back office functions in the nonprofit world - most recently in higher education environment, where he worked closely with directors to streamline processes and implement new systems.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator
Jeni joined AFTD in October 2019. She has a strong background in Human Resources, including recruiting, onboarding, managing programs and supporting both remote and on-site employees. After earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 2012, she spent two years volunteering with AmeriCorps, working with FEMA in communities affected by natural disasters and serving as the Volunteer Engagement VISTA at the NH Food Bank. As HR Coordinator, Jeni helps with employee recruitment and onboarding, policy development and maintenance, and other administrative and operations initiatives for all AFTD staff.
Jillian joined AFTD in November 2022. She holds an MS in Museum Leadership and Arts Administration from Drexel University and a BS in History from Hawaii Pacific University. Previously, Jillian served as Main Street Manager at a community development nonprofit, on the Berks County tourism board, and at her local historical society. As Events Manager, she oversees AFTD's fundraising events, including With Love, Food For Thought, AFTD-Team Race Season, and other independent events.
Joseph is a urologist and founder and head of the Department of Urology at a large multispecialty practice in Seattle, WA. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and his M.D. from Northwestern University, and he completed his internship and residency in urology at the University of Minnesota. Joseph has been recognized for pioneering many emergent technologies and techniques for urologic and prostate treatments. FTD has had a significant impact on his life, affecting his beloved aunt, who passed away in 2017. He was grateful to have a medical background that enabled him to shepherd his aunt and his family through the journey of progressive bvFTD, connecting her with and enrolling family members in therapeutic and observational trials at the University of California, San Francisco. He joined AFTD's Board in 2021.
Josephare joined AFTD as HelpLine Advisor in January 2021. In this role, she works to maintain and enhance the quality of resources available for individuals seeking support through the AFTD HelpLine. Josephare holds an MSW from Columbia University and a B.S. in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has previously worked to support low-income, immigrant, and unhoused communities in a variety of settings, including the nonprofit sector and in local government.
Julie is a Private Client Advisor and Managing Director at Logan Capital Management in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. She has more than 20 years of investment experience in the areas of client investment services, portfolio management, business development, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Logan in 2009, Julie held various positions in the financial services industry including BNY Mellon's Private Wealth Management Group, Summit Bancorp and American National Bank in Chicago. She is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Originally from the Chicagoland area, Julie attended high school with her two best friends, identical twin sisters who both eventually died of FTD. In 2021, she joined the AFTD Board's Investment Subcommittee, and became a full-fledged Board member in May 2023.
Kathy has been an elementary school teacher and a teacher of English as a second language. Currently she is chair of the Angel Shine Foundation, which supports dance education. Other interests in the nonprofit world include National Dance Institute, providing dance classes in the New York City public schools; The Paper Bag Players, a children's theater group; and Citizens Committee for Children, a city and state advocacy organization. She is passionate about supporting AFTD because her mother suffered from primary progressive aphasia (PPA) for more than 15 years, and an unrelated uncle passed away from PPA as well.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Genetic Initiatives
Kim joined AFTD in November 2022 as the Manager of Genetic Initiatives. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor working in a variety of settings, including pediatric genetics, commercial genetic laboratory services, and clinical consultation. As the Manager of Genetic Initiatives, Kim will help develop and implement AFTD initiatives related to genetic forms of FTD.
Kimberly is a Supply Chain Professional at Johnson & Johnson with over 15 years of experience in the health care industry. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in Procurement, Planning and Distribution within the J&J Pharmaceutical and Consumer Products segments. Kim's mom, Jackie, was diagnosed with bvFTD in February 2017, just a few days before her 61st birthday. Shortly after Jackie's diagnosis, the Pang Torres Family became an active AFTD grassroots fundraising team through the Philadelphia Marathon and Food for Thought campaigns. With a passion for people and community, Kim hopes that her work on the AFTD Board will help to provide hope for other families facing an FTD diagnosis.
Kristin is a communications professional with more than 10 years of experience as a strategist for high-growth technology companies. In addition to having experience in technology public relations, her expertise includes media and analyst relations, campaign management, strategic and crisis communications, project management and technical content creation. In April 2017, her husband Lee Holloway, a gifted technology pioneer who co-founded the web security and performance company Cloudflare, was diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD. To honor Lee's legacy, Kristin and the Holloway family established The Holloway Fund for Help and Hope at AFTD in 2019. Kristin is passionate about raising funds to help others as they navigate their FTD journey, as well as supporting cutting-edge research to advance treatments.
Mackenzie joined AFTD in September 2023 as Development Assistant. She has an MS in Museum Leadership from Drexel University and a BA in History and Arts Administration from Albright College. Her focus was creating accessible and inclusive experiences at museums and historic sites, for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. She has applied her focus in the nonprofit sector since 2016 through various volunteer and staff roles. Mackenzie brings experience in donor database management, donor cultivation, customer service, and grant writing. As Development Assistant, she processes donor gifts, updates contact records, answers phone lines, and supports the organization's giving campaigns.
Job Titles:
- Content & Media Relations Manager
Matthew joined AFTD in October 2016. He brings more than a decade of experience writing for diverse audiences, including seven years of experience in nonprofit communications as the staff writer/editor for the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute. In collaboration with AFTD's development and communications team, Matthew works in varied contexts to support AFTD's sustainability and public presence. He holds a Bachelor's in journalism from New York University.
Matthew joined AFTD's staff in December 2009. Having earned his Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, he made a career transition to social services from the field of natural sciences. In June 2021 Matt became AFTD Advocacy Manager, responsible for informing AFTD's advocacy strategy and for the coordination and development of all AFTD advocacy activities.
Job Titles:
- Director of Advocacy and Volunteer Engagement
- Its Director of Advocacy & Volunteer Engagement
Meghan joined AFTD as its Director of Advocacy & Volunteer Engagement in October 2023. She holds an MBA from Loyola University Maryland's Sellinger School of Business and Management and a BS in Communications from Towson University. Previously, Meghan served as Executive Director for the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients. She has spent years as an advocate for people with serious diseases and unmet needs and has over 20 years of experience in advocacy relations, strategic partnerships, marketing, and communications. In her role, Meghan will help develop and support AFTD's advocacy strategy, grow a national advocate network, and expand the organization's volunteer base.
Job Titles:
- Volunteer Services Manager
Michael joined AFTD in August 2022 as Volunteer Services Manager. Holding an M.A. degree in philosophy, he has worked in non-profit volunteer management for over 20 years with international experience in Italy, Spain, Germany, Ireland and, most recently, in the greater Philadelphia area. He has worked at all levels of volunteer engagement from international oversight to local and national start-ups born of volunteer initiatives. Knowing that the volunteer spirit is at the very heart of AFTD, he looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to continue to facilitate and grow a robust and energetic volunteer base for the organization at all levels.
Mike joined AFTD in April 2022. He holds a B.A. in political science from Lycoming College and an M.S. in nonprofit management from Northeastern University. He has worked for various nonprofits, mostly ones that support children and families, including completing two years of AmeriCorps. As Fundraising Coordinator, Mike is responsible for AFTD's grassroots events fundraising.
Mike joined AFTD in August 2022 as its Content Writer. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from Villanova University. Previously, Mike worked as a freelance writer producing a variety of content on a wide range of topics, from SEO blog posts to market new products to news articles on stock market trends. As Content Writer, Mike is responsible for the development and creation of written content to be used in expanding AFTD's impact and reach.
Mitch Appleson, CPA, MBA, joined AFTD in March 2022 as Chief Operating Officer. He earned an MBA from St. Joseph's University and a B.S. in Accounting from Yeshiva University. Mitch has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and research administration, building teams and driving growth while serving in leadership roles at Columbia University, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Alliance Cancer Specialists, a multi-site oncology practice serving patients in the Greater Philadelphia area. Mitch began his career in public accounting at Ernst & Young and has a CPA license.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Scientific Initiatives
Penny Dacks, Ph.D., became AFTD's Senior Director of Scientific Initiatives in September 2020. Previously, she worked at the American Epilepsy Society, overseeing all mission-related programs in research, medical education, and clinical activities. Before that she spent five years at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, where she led development of CognitiveVitality.org and the Aging & Alzheimer's Prevention Program to source and evaluate potential therapies. She holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Arizona. As AFTD's Senior Director of Scientific Initiatives, Dr. Dacks leads strategy for AFTD's research programs and serves as President of the FTD Disorders Registry.
Peter joined AFTD in August 2022 as the Director of Information Technology. He has supported and led healthcare IT for over 25 years, with much of his time in leading academic medical centers such as the University of Rochester Medical Center, Penn Medicine, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. More recently, Peter was the Vice President of IT for both the vascular services and cardiovascular business units of Fresenius Medical Care, which operates over 100 ambulatory surgical centers and office based labs in over 26 states. He holds a MBA in Information Systems, E-Commerce, and Competitive Strategy from the University of Rochester Simon School of Business, as well as a BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Communications
PJ joined AFTD in October 2021 as Director of Marketing & Communications. She is a mission-driven communications professional with both PR agency and nonprofit experience in developing media outreach, content development, cause-marketing, social media management, and advocacy engagement. In her current role, PJ is responsible for the development and implementation of AFTD's marketing, communications, and public relations strategies.
Raymond joined AFTD in May 2021. He holds a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics, which has garnered him experience in patient contact, research techniques, and the necessary educational tools needed within the healthcare community. Raymond has a background in office administration, customer relations, and telecommunications. As Education Coordinator, Ray works to help implement initiatives that increase outreach, education, and support to health professionals who serve people impacted by FTD.
Rita is the Director of Caregiving with the AARP Public Policy Institute, where she manages and provides content expertise on family caregiving initiatives, specifically focused on identifying and supporting the needs of multicultural family caregivers. Rita's mother was diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) and passed away in October 2020. Rita understands the balancing act that people with loved ones affected by FTD must take on- having served as her mother's caregiver for several years, while working full time and parenting two young children. She joined AFTD's Board in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, Research
Samantha joined AFTD in May 2021. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and has more than a decade of experience in an administrative role with a strong background in customer service, office management, and organizational support. Samantha is primarily responsible for assisting in the management of AFTD's grant portfolio, which aims at providing opportunities that will advance innovative scientific research.
Sandy joined AFTD in March 2023 as Social Media Coordinator. She holds an MS in Communications & Digital Marketing from Georgian Court University and a BFA in Fashion Design from Centenary University. Previously, Sandy worked as a Marketing Coordinator for a PC gaming company and created a social media strategy that achieved over 1 million followers. At AFTD, she creates content and drives social media and digital engagement strategies to target various audiences. Through these efforts, Sandy hopes to spread brand recognition and awareness.
Job Titles:
- Director of Research Engagement
Shana joined AFTD in May 2021 as Director of Research Engagement. A licensed clinical psychologist, she holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hawaii, an MA in Psychology from the New School, and a BA in Psychology from George Washington University. Shana works to ensure clinical researchers and regulatory bodies understand the needs, priorities, and values of people directly impacted by FTD, and that people with FTD and their loved ones are able to make informed decisions about research participation. Shana has research and clinical experience in cognitive therapy and remediation, early detection of psychiatric conditions, and serious mental illness. Previously, she worked for SAIC, a contractor for the Department of Defense, supporting program evaluation and change management of military health programs.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Programs
Sharon S. Denny, MA, Senior Director of Programs, joined AFTD in September 2008 where she directs strategic development of support, education and advocacy for people with FTD, their care partners and families, and healthcare professionals. Under her leadership, AFTD has expanded its HelpLine and built a national network of support groups facilitated by AFTD trained volunteers. She has created a national volunteer program and led an effort to include people living with FTD in fulfilling AFTD's mission. An advocate for high-quality, responsive services, she has introduced initiatives to address the needs of families facing FTD, particularly those with young children and teens, and directed Partners in FTD Care, an FTD education initiative for healthcare professionals and families. She serves on national committees and workgroups addressing the development and delivery of dementia care and services. Ms. Denny has an MA in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University and a BA in psychology from the College of the Holy Cross.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations at Vizient
Shoshana is a senior vice president of public policy and government relations at Vizient, a healthcare performance improvement company. Prior to joining Vizient, she was director of health and clinical affairs at the University of California's Office of Federal Governmental Relations. She has also worked on Capitol Hill as a health policy advisor to members of Congress, and at Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Smith Barney. Her father, a geriatrician, was diagnosed with FTD in the late 2000s, at age 58, and died in 2018. Shoshana found AFTD early in her father's FTD journey and has served as an advisor for AFTD advocacy initiatives. She joined the AFTD Board in 2023.
Job Titles:
- LSW, CDP HelpLine Manager
Stephanie joined AFTD in March 2022 as HelpLine Manager. Stephanie earned her M.A. in Social Work with a Mental Health and Clinical Concentration from Temple University and a B.S. in Social Work from Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania. She has more than 15 years of experience in social work as a director in skilled nursing facilities and personal care/memory care facilities. As a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Stephanie has made a personal commitment to help with the education and assistance of families, in addition to advocating for older adults and caregivers in various healthcare settings. She has experience working in nonprofits with hospice and an ALS foundation.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Manager
Tom joined AFTD in August 2022. He has over a decade of marketing experience specializing in the digital field. Holding a BFA in Digital Multimedia, Tom has overseen marketing initiatives ranging from local organizations to multinational corporations spanning various industries. At AFTD, he manages the marketing efforts across website optimization, advertising, and cloud marketing strategy and development. Through these efforts Tom hopes to further spread AFTD's message across the web, uniting those affected by promoting our mission.
Wendy Rollins joined AFTD in December 2022 as the Events Coordinator. Prior to that, she graduated with honors from Western Carolina University and worked for 25 years in radio. She has an extensive history within the media that has taken her coast to coast across America as a host, content creator, and branding specialist. She has planned events and festivals for groups from 20 to 25,000. After losing both of her parents within a year, she began to rethink what she was offering to her community. Her father struggled with FTD in his later years, making AFTD's mission very personal to her.
Job Titles:
- Education Program Manager
William joined AFTD in May 2021 as Education Program Manager. He works to expand AFTD's relationships with healthcare providers in order to support early FTD diagnosis and comprehensive person-centered FTD care. He has worked in the dementia field for more than 30 years. In a variety of local and regional settings, he has provided direct support and education to those living with dementia, care partners, and healthcare providers. William previously worked at the Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco as well as the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Most recently, he served as the Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, initiating and strengthening connections to clinicians and regional health systems.