Our Team
Executive Leadership Team
President
Alana Newhouse
Leads FAST’s overall strategy and direction.
Parent of Elijah, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Chief Science Officer, Co-Director, A-BOM
Dr. Allyson Berent*
Leads FAST’s scientific strategy and drug development efforts across FAST initiatives.
Co-founded GeneTx Biotherapeutics and serves in leadership roles with A-BOM, INSYNC-AS, and AS² Biotherapeutics.
Parent of Quincy, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Chief Financial Officer
Kena Pearson
Oversees financial strategy and operations.
Founding FAST Board member and parent of Ashley, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Fischer
Guides strategic priorities across operations, programs, advocacy, partnerships, and external relations.
Our Team
Our team lead FAST’s day-to-day programs, operations, communications, fundraising, education, and community engagement.
Vice President of Genetic Services and Education
Niki Armstrong, MS, CGC
Family Coordinator
Jena Berndt
Parent of Payslie, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Accounting Specialist
Amber Bridgers
Database Specialist
Bianca Cortez
Legal Advisor
Maiddy Dunigan*
Provides legal and strategic counsel to FAST.
Founding FAST Board member and parent of Jaxson, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Director of Public Engagement
Meghan Edberg, MEd
Parent of William, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Director of Program and Alliance Management
Ana Ferreira, MPH, PMP
Director of Operations
Laura Foglyano
Global Advisor
Ellen Koekoeckx*
Leads FAST’s global strategy and affiliate network, building partnerships and strengthening connections among Angelman syndrome communities around the world.
Parent of Hazel, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
Elizabeth O'Connor
Parent of Ryan, who lives with Angelman syndrome.
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Amy Schamp, MA
Head of Regulatory and Policy, Co-Director, A-BOM
Jennifer Panagoulias*
Leads regulatory and policy efforts and co-directs the Angelman Syndrome Biomarkers and Outcome Measures Consortium (A-BOM)
Her niece lives with Angelman syndrome.
Vice President, Head of Philanthropy Operations
Sarah Traisman
*Independent Contractor/Consultant