Rachel Byrne is an internationally recognized nonprofit executive, therapist and published researcher. She has been instrumental in changing the future of cerebral palsy research and implementation science leading to improved outcomes across the lifespan. Rachel has a background in physical therapy, with a particular interest in neuroplasticity and motor learning leading to her early career as a clinician delivering physical therapy services in schools, hospitals and private practice.

Rachel’s research interest in evidence-based practice, knowledge translation, early detection and interventions across the lifespan has resulted in the development of global networks of change and international impact. Rachel has also championed disability inclusion education in the schools, managed large multisite research projects and been an author on more than 20 research publications. She is a graduate of Griffith University in Australia.

Cynthia Frisina is a global expert on disability advocacy, marketing, and partnerships with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy.

When Cynthia’s youngest daughter was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy she launched a nonprofit education and research foundation and grew it into a leading parent-led CP foundation before merging with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in 2019. Cynthia established National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day in the United States and leads successful advocacy efforts increasing Cerebral Palsy research investment and funding.

Cynthia also previously served as the Executive Director of one of the leading US Paralympic Sport Clubs and was honored multiple times by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee for her transformative adaptive sports programming across the lifespan.

As a result of her impact, Cynthia has been awarded numerous national and international awards including being named a “Champion of Change” by the White House Office of the President of the United States for championing opportunities for marginalized girls, including girls of color and girls with disabilities, as well as leading humanitarian adaptive sports programs in Africa, South America and the Middle East.

Cynthia serves on the External Partners Board for the CDC National Center for Birth Defects & Developmental Disabilities, the Columbia University Weinberg Cerebral Palsy Center Advisory Board, and several other advisory councils. She is the author of numerous articles and presentations, a podcast host, previous Adjunct Instructor for Georgia State University, and holds a BA from University of Illinois with Masters degrees from Northwestern University.

Rebecca Lam is the Vice President of Programs and Operations for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, with over 10 years of international programmatic and operational experience. She plays a key role in managing the Foundation’s signature project, the Early Detection Initiative, the first global network to implement international guidelines
for early detection of high risk babies in the United States and around the
world. Rebecca also leads CPF’s operations management across our growing program portfolio, and is a graduate of Boston University.

Ashley Harris Whaley is the Director of Adult Programs at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Ashley has a lifetime of lived experience as a disabled woman with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist.

Ashley holds a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University. Ashley is a children’s book author, freelance writer, established public speaker, and online educator. She is the founder of Disability Reframed, a collaborative online learning community that works to dismantle antiquated attitudes towards disability and rebuild them by changing perspectives through education and conversation.

Jen Lyman’s passion lies in ensuring that individuals with complex cerebral palsy have the opportunities to actively participate in meaningful experiences that promote self-expression, optimal health, lead to lasting friendships, and that are challenging, fun, inclusive and demonstrate to others that those with disabilities should not be excluded.

She is the parent of teenager, Bower, who has complex, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, including visual and communication impairments. He is a healthy, happy New Orleanean who loves festivals, working out, eating sushi, swimming, school, and so much more.

Prior to the birth of her son, Jen’s academic training and career path were focused on breaking down barriers to participation for those with disabilities. With a career background both in therapeutic recreation and in case management serving children and adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, she has worked in a variety of inpatient, outpatient and community settings, coordinating care and promoting social, recreational and leisure activity participation.

Jen serves as volunteer coordinator of the Cerebral Palsy Collaborative, to advocate for cerebral palsy research funding at national level. She the past Chair of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Community Council and she serves on the board of Camp Dream Street.

Jen holds an M.S. from University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance in Therapeutic Recreation, has a certification in Conductive Education, and is a certified yoga instructor with a specialty in yoga for brain injury.  She lives in New Orleans with her husband, Chris, Bower, and their golden retriever Everest.

Katy brings over a decade of community engagement experience as founder of Cerebral Palsy Strong, a nonprofit organization by and for adults with CP. She knows what it’s like to navigate the murky waters of disability beyond childhood, which inspires her to work toward new levels of community impact and elevate the needs of her community. Katy holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Soka University of America and an MA in Media and Public Engagement from University of Colorado, Boulder with an emphasis on disability studies and online activism. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Joshua and their dog, Beck.

Kandace Poindexter is the administrative assistant at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. She plays a pivotal role in providing operational support to all programs across the Foundation. Kandace has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Greensboro College and has experience in several fields of work including quality assurance for a pharmaceutical company, and administrative work in the finance and non-profit worlds. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two birds and various barn cats. When she isn’t supporting CPF, she is busy helping her husband run their landscape business and running around with her girls on their many adventures.

Sanjid Mustari is the Digital Engagement Specialist at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, where she focuses on enhancing digital communication and outreach. She has a Bachelor’s in English from the City College of New York, and is a certified secondary English teacher, though she is not currently in the classroom. Sanjid has previous experience as an intern at CPF, where she worked on improving website navigation and researching educational disparities.

In her free time, she enjoys long walks, watching Broadway shows, and experimenting with new recipes