Board of Directors
James Amos was born in the US and grew up in the UK where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business. He has nearly two decades of experience in the sports marketing and sponsorship industry working with leading brands and events delivering a range of global programs across multiple sectors and international markets. Having spent almost 10 years in the Middle East, James and his wife Leila live back in the UK and are proud parents of three children: Joshua, Naomi and Lucas who was diagnosed with HADDS in 2022 and inspires us every single day. James is passionate about helping people realize their full potential and is delighted to support and continue the strong and important work the Foundation has achieved since its inception.
James Amos
Board Member
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Hannah Childers was born and raised in Texas, where she has attained a bachelor's in Sociology, and is currently enrolled in a Master's program focusing on social work while also pursuing a masters of socio degree. She has long experience dealing with various early intervention services both as a parent and as an advocate, and is one of the few adults living with HADDS in the known community. The birth of her son, Brayden, and his and her subsequent diagnoses of HADDS has lead to her involvement with the larger HADDS community and Foundation. When not attending classes or seeing to the special needs of her two children, Hannah is a strong advocate for children's health and services; and has been a guiding light for many of her friends.
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Jon Dirnbeck was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. He earned a BSBA and Masters of Accountancy from St. Louis University, and an MBA from Webster University. Jon is a CPA who began his career in public accounting, working on engagements for clients in various industries, from small, privately held companies to large SEC filers. After 5 years in public accounting, Jon transitioned to a career in healthcare, where he found his true passion. He has held various roles with a large Midwest regional health system, and currently works as the finance manager for the local children’s hospital. There, Jon is able to combine his interests in financial analysis and strategic planning with his passion for helping others to ensure that the hospital has the right resources in the right place at the right time to provide the best care possible for the patients and families that come through the doors. Jon and his wife, Julie, have two kids, Isaac and Rosalie.
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Kristin Barakat is a classically trained soprano and has performed internationally. Over the past 20 years, she has trained singers of all ages and levels, guiding them to successful careers on stages, including Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. With vocal studios in New York City, Irvington, NY, and through online platforms, Kristin balances her time between teaching and family life.
Kristin’s connection to the (HADDS) Foundation is deeply personal, as it was through this foundation that her son, now ten years old, discovered a diagnosis in 2016.
Kristin Barakat is originally from Maryland and lives in Irvington, New York with her husband and two children.
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Chris Headings
Board Member
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Chris, a seasoned technology executive and serial entrepreneur from Pennsylvania, has over 20 years of experience as a Chief Technology Officer and business owner. A Penn State Business graduate, he has built and exited two companies, showcasing his technical expertise and passion for impactful innovation.
As CTO of the PVBLIC Foundation, Chris leverages media, data, and technology to create United Nations partnerships that advance sustainability and social impact globally. Committed to using technology to distribute positive messaging, he inspires change through innovative media campaigns for nonprofits and NGOs worldwide.
In mid-2024, after an 18-month search for answers to their two-year old daughter’s health challenges, Chris and his wife Margot received an EBF3 HADDS diagnosis. This personal journey ignited his deep commitment to the HADDS Foundation. As a board member, he brings professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families affected by HADDS.
With a blend of professional excellence and personal passion, Chris strives to improve lives and foster hope through the HADDS Foundation, inspiring others with his unwavering commitment to make a positive impact.
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Julia Quam has a BA in Biology and Communication of Science & Technology from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Human Nutrition from Johns Hopkins University. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She is passionate about making evidence-based health information understandable and actionable. Julia has experience providing nutrition, communications, and program evaluation expertise in a variety of non-profit and industry settings. She lives just outside of Washington, DC in Maryland with her husband Steve and their son Theo who lives with HADDS.
Julia Quam
Board Member
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Lindsay Marshall was born and raised in Canada and currently resides just outside of Edmonton, Alberta. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alberta. Lindsay brings a passion for marketing and has over 15 years of experience with previous work in the non-profit, retail and financial services industries. In addition to her professional aspirations, Lindsay is an advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and children’s health and wellness. Lindsay and her husband Everett have two daughters, Amaya (who lives with HADDS) and Skylar.
Lindsay Marshall, MBA
President
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Mallory Schindler is originally from North Carolina, spent the majority of her adult life in Washington, DC and now calls San Antonio, TX home. She has a undergraduate degree in Education and a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Mallory has spent her career working for national healthcare associations and for private and public universities in Higher Education. When she isn’t supporting the Foundation, Mallory works as an executive in the EdTech space, specializing in compliance and clinical placement for graduate medical and allied health programs. Mallory and her husband David have two children, Grant (living with HADDS) and Grace.
Mallory Schindler, MHA
Co-Founder & Board Member
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Born and raised in Brazil, Fernanda went to Fashion School, specializing in Business. Worked in Marketing for Fashion Brands, supporting branding strategies, fashion shows, catalogs, and design. A few years later, started providing branding and public relationship consulting for large food and personal care brands. In 2016, moved to the US. After Lucas was born (living with HADDS), she discovered a new world and a different perspective of life. Today, she uses social media to share her experiences and help families, especially in Brazil, demystifying the struggle of a child with disability. Fernanda and her husband Ramiro live in the Boston area with their two kids, Isabela and Lucas, and also their first baby: a beagle called Noah.
Fernanda Touso
Vice President
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2022-2024 Board of Directors
Klaasjan Beentjes, Melissa Slick, Lauren Lynch, Lindsay Marshall, Fernanda Touso, Mallory Schindler, Dave Schindler
Foundation Liaisons
Julie was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in a large family, she had early interactions with extended family members with Neuro-developmental differences, as well as those with adult-onset disabilities. This inspired Julie to pursue a Bachelors of Occupational Science and Masters of Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University. Julie has a passion for promoting equity, inclusion, and is passionate about disability rights. Julie has worked primarily as an OT with adults with neurological impairments. With a desire to broaden her impact improving the health of the community and advocate for patients and healthcare workers, Julie transitioned into a role in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement. Julie enjoys crafting, travel, and spending her time with family and friends. Julie and her husband, Jonathan, have two amazing children, Isaac and Rosie. She is an admin in the 10q26 Facebook community, sharing information from the Chao Lab and HADDS Foundation to the community. Julie is continuing to help 10q26 families know and understand they are recognized as a EBF3-related diagnosis through her role as 10q-Related Liaison.
Prior Board Members
We appreciate the service and dedication of all those who have lead and served the Foundation since its establishment in 2019.