Growing Together – Gratitude for our Board of Directors
Behind every step forward in the mission of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation is a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who give their time, expertise, and heart to this community.
Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance, stewardship, and vision that help ensure the G1DF remains strong, transparent, and focused on what matters most: improving the lives of individuals and families affected by GLUT1 Deficiency. We are deeply grateful to our current board members for their ongoing commitment, thoughtful leadership, and countless hours of service supporting our programs, partnerships, and long-term goals.
Current Board Members:
Rob Rapaport – President:
Prior to his role as President of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation, Rob served as Board Secretary for 10 years. In 2012 he retired from Procter and Gamble as a Product Safety and Regulatory Manager. Rob earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota (1985) and BS (1975) and MS (1977) degrees from Rutgers University. After retirement he worked with Secondary school teachers as a Resource Team member of the University of Cincinnati Engineering and Enhanced Math and Science Program (CEEMS). Rob volunteers with environmental organizations including the Citizens Climate Lobby. Rob lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife, Paula, and has a daughter, Sara, and son, JR. JR was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency in 2008 at the age of 18.
Kelly Jones – Vice President:
Kelly holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations from California State University, Chico. She has been employed by the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, as well as both residential and commercial HVAC companies, before concentrating on being a full-time mom. Kelly currently resides in Rancho Cordova, California with husband, Matt, and son, Reece. Reece was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency three days before his 8th birthday in 2015. She has served on the Board of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation since 2017.
Leigh Hopkins – Secretary:
Leigh is a Senior Project Manager with the Center for Economic Development Research (CEDR) at Georgia Tech. Leigh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia, and a Master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in City and Regional Planning. The Hopkins family (Leigh, Jeff, Cameron, and Rohan) live in Decatur, Georgia with their two yellow bellied pond slider turtles, Jaws and Pearl, and their two Nigerian pygmy goats, Marshall and Danzig. Now 12, Cameron was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome at age 8 and is currently thriving with treatment from the Ketogenic Clinic within Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Leigh hopes that through the research and awareness provided by the GLUT1 Foundation, that more families will have the opportunity for earlier recognition and diagnosis and access to proper treatment for the best possible outcome.
Debbie Stoddard – Treasurer:
Debbie holds a BA in Psychology from UCLA, an MS in Accounting and Taxation from SUNY Albany, and a BS in Occupational Therapy from USI. She is a retired CPA who practiced with KPMG as a Tax Accountant specializing in financial institutions prior to becoming a mom. She is also a retired OT who worked with at risk newborns in the NICU. Debbie resides in Evansville, Indiana with her husband, Greg, (past VP and founding board member of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation), and her son, Dalton, who was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency at age 5. Debbie and Greg also have a daughter, Madison, who earned a BS in Biological Engineering from MIT and has conducted research benefitting GLUT1 Deficiency.
April Breen – Director:
April served three terms on Board of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation from 2014–2022. After a one-year hiatus, she re-joined the Board in 2023. Since 2010, the Breen family has led seven successful fundraisers in support of the Foundation’s mission, and she continues to co-lead the Fundraising Committee. April lives in Cambria, New York with her husband, Gary, and daughter, Tessa, who was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency at age 9 in 2010. They also have two other daughters and two grandchildren. April holds a BA in Environmental Studies from the University at Buffalo and works as a Public Health Specialist at the New York State Department of Health, supporting disease surveillance and public health response efforts across Western New York.
Erin Meisner – Director:
Erin is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from Thomas Jefferson University and currently works with children. She is the team captain for the GLUT1DS team in Penn Medicine’s Orphan Disease Center’s annual Million Dollar Bike Ride. Erin lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband, Walter, and daughters Gabriella and Millle. Millie was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency in 2012 at the age of 3.
Board Members-Elect:
As our work continues to grow, we are also excited to welcome several new Board Members-Elect who will begin serving alongside the board as they learn more about the organization and prepare to take on full board responsibilities.
This board-member-elect period allows new leaders to become familiar with the G1DF’s programs, governance, and strategic priorities while bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to our work.
We are honored to welcome these individuals who have generously offered their time, talents, and passion to help move our mission forward, and delighted to welcome Jason back to the Board in a new role.
Julie Dix – Member-Elect:
Julie is currently a full time caregiver to her GLUT1 son Stevie, who is 23 years old. Julie has worked in accounts payable/ receivable for Saturn before becoming a stay at home mom and advocate to Stevie and his younger brother Logan and older sister Megan. Julie currently lives in the Seattle area but will soon relocate to the East Coast to be near many more opportunities for treatment for Stevie since he is an adult. She’s excited about the direction that research is going and hopes for someday soon a cure for GLUT1.
Leslie Holleman – Member-Elect:
Leslie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master’s Degree in Business from LSUS. She has spent her entire career advocating for individuals with disabilities and currently is employed by LEL Home Services as the Deputy Chief Officer of Quality. She lives in Westfield, Indiana with her husband Lloyd (founding GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation Board Member) and their boys, Chris, Ryan, Luke and Sam. Their oldest son Chris, was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency just before his 10th birthday. She is excited to serve on the board and contribute to the continued growth of the foundation.
Rob McClendon – Member-Elect:
Rob holds a Business degree from California State University San Marcos and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Winter Operations at Tahoe Donner Association, where he oversees operational planning, staff leadership, and large-scale seasonal operations. He also serves on the Board of the California Ski Areas Association, contributing to statewide collaboration and governance within the outdoor recreation industry.
His involvement with GLUT1 is deeply personal. In 2021, his daughter, Mia, was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency, an experience that highlighted the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and organizational support for families facing similar challenges. He is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation and is committed to helping guide the organization through thoughtful planning, strategic growth, and strong governance to support its mission and long-term impact.
Jason Meyers – Member-Elect:
Jason served as President of the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation from 2014-2023, and after a one-term hiatus, is looking forward to rejoining the Board of Directors and will serve as Treasurer. Jason holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer. He is a Division Administrator at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality where he works with air quality issues. Jason resides in Denham Springs, Louisiana with his wife, Keri (founding board member of GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation) son Scott, and GLUT1 patient Katie. Katie was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency at 4 years of age.
Michelle Rainey – Member-Elect:
Michelle holds BS degrees in Radiologic Technology and Health Services from the University of Southern Indiana. She worked for 19 years as a CT and XRay technologist before becoming a stay at home mom. She resides in Haubstadt, Indiana with her husband Jason, daughter Leah, and sons Caleb and Eli. Leah was diagnosed with GLUT1 in 2014 when she was 12 days old.
Chantal Sanchez – Member-Elect:
Chantal Sanchez holds a BA in Biology from Columbia University. She works in pediatric clinical research as a Research Manager at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has been actively involved with the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation for several years, leading patient-centered research initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement efforts.
Together, our current board members and incoming leaders represent the strength of this community – families, professionals, advocates, and supporters working hard together to accelerate research, improve care, and build a brighter future for everyone living with Glut1 Deficiency.
We look forward to the impact we will make together in the years ahead. Please join us in thanking our current board members for their service and welcoming our new Board Members-Elect to the GLUT1 Deficiency Foundation family.
