Meet our leadership team.

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.

April Breen 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.

Leigh Hopkins 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.