Brenda has served as HACA’s executive director since January 2016, but she’s been part of HACA for more than a decade. She came to work for the chapter in February 2011 as the chapter administrative assistant, leaving briefly for other employment in 2015 but serving during that time as a board member before returning as executive director. Brenda has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Louisiana State University, and is originally from the New Orleans area. She and her husband, Matt, have two daughters in their 20s, and all have served as HACA volunteers in some capacity in the past!

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Robin has been an active member of the HACA community since the birth of her first son in 2015. She joined the HACA Board of Directors in 2018, serving as both Vice President and President before transitioning to her current role as Program Manager in September 2021.
Robin holds an associate degree in veterinary technology and a bachelor’s degree in biology. Prior to joining HACA professionally, she worked for nine years as a veterinary technician, specializing in ophthalmology and internal medicine, before taking time off to focus on raising her family.
Originally from New York, Robin and her husband, Phil, now live in Virginia with their two school-aged children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and beekeeping. One of her proudest achievements at HACA has been revitalizing the annual holiday party—she especially loves coming up with the surprise theme each year.

Connection to the community: Parent of a daughter with von Willebrand disease

Professional information: Deputy Director, Mission Support Division, Office of Program Support, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency

My family and I have been blessed to be part of the HACA family since 2015. We have learned so much about Lauryn’s von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders. I truly believe that we must pass it on and give back to others in the same way that so many people have poured into our lives. I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board and use our family’s unique and personal experience to advocate on behalf of people with bleeding diseases.

Board member since 2025

Connection to the community: Parent of child with hemophilia A

Professional information: Strategic Advisor, Global Health Programs, Policy, and Advocacy (independent consultant)

Since my family and I joined HACA in 2016, I have seen firsthand the critical advocacy, patient and caregiver support, and education services the organization brings to our bleeding disorders community. I am committed to the organization’s mission and have helped it meet its Annual Walk fundraising goals.

Connection to the community: Has von Willebrand disease

Professional information: Executive Assistant, Gallup

I was diagnosed with Von Willebrand’s disease when I was a toddler. It prevented me from playing sports as a kid, from leading a normal life in many ways. It’s only as I got older that I was able to find ways to live with my bleeding disorder. Most recently I began training in martial arts over the last year – something I never thought I could do!

Board member since 2026

Connection to the community: Person living with Hemophilia A 

Professional information: Director, Patient Advocacy at Biotechnology Innovation Organization

I have been actively involved in the bleeding disorders community since 2019 as a volunteer and an employee of various patient advocacy organizations, including Hemophilia Federation of America. My personal experience with hemophilia has inspired me to advocate for the needs of individuals living with rare and chronic conditions. I have been part of several advocacy efforts at the state and federal level to promote patient affordability and access to medications.

Board member since 2025

Connection to the community: Hemophilia B

Professional information:

I am a molecular biologist by training, which has enabled me to understand the physiology of hemophilia, as well as the diagnostic and treatment landscape at the molecular level, and to hold intelligible conversations with scientists in the field. I’m happy to help the HACA community understand the science of the condition as well as I do.

I’m also a professional science writer and public relations specialist, and I’m looking forward to using these tools to raise awareness of bleeding disorders and of HACA, and to educate anyone who is interested about the science of bleeding disorders.

Board member since 2021

Connection to the community: I have served as the Hematology Social Worker at Children’s National Hospital since 2013. One of the populations I work with are children diagnosed with bleeding disorders

Professional information: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s National Hospital since 2013. I love working with patients and their families with hematology diagnoses, to provide support and resources throughout their time at Children’s Hospital.