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About TDP

Education is our mission

The Dysautonomia Project is a non-profit collaborative effort of volunteer healthcare providers, patients, and community leaders working together to bridge the gap between what autonomic specialists know and what community-based providers and patients need to know. 

THE TURNING POINT

In 2011, a visit with Dr. Randy Thompson in Pensacola changed everything. Until that appointment she’d felt completely alone. She describes the feeling as being “the luckiest patient in the world” for finding the information imparted to her that day. She felt it was a travesty that no doctors in our area could diagnose, let alone treat her. Dr. Thompson spent five hours with her in that first appointment where he said, “nothing you say about your symptoms will surprise me.” He taught Kelly about autonomic problems and what could be done to better manage symptoms. She never dreamt such an opportunity was even possible. On the drive home from that appointment all she could think about was how other people needed this experience and how THERE IS HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION. This birthed TDP and its mission.  

HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION

Kelly went on to co-author a book with Dr. Randy Thompson and Dr. David Goldstein the head of autonomic medicine at the NIH while mostly bedridden: “The Dysautonomia Project: Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders for Physicians and Patients.” Her dedication led her to also co-found a grass roots non-profit, The Dysautonomia Project (TDP), in 2014 with family and friends. This mobilized community leaders to serve on the board and partner in the mission. TDP’s work has changed the average time of diagnosis from six years to just several months in Tampa Bay, bringing hope and saving lives. It has also reached around the globe through its book and its on-line presence – from Clearwater to the Czech Republic people have credited TDP for bringing hope through education.

OUR SUCCESS

What began as a grass-roots initiative with a handful of committed community leaders in 2014, is today the global leader in dysautonomia education. TDP has a unique, laser-focused mission of dysautonomia education because we believe education is the number one treatment.

Our programs and initiatives are as unique as our mission. They range from our award-winning book (Get a Book) The Dysautonomia Project, which remains the cornerstone of our mission, to the first ever free, online video library (Autonomic Education) connecting the world’s leading specialists to providers and patients anywhere. The Residents Course mini fellowship, presented in partnership with the American Autonomic Society, is the first program of its kind exponentially increasing the number of doctors able to diagnose and treat dysautonomia.

Our Team

Our team is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals, patients and communities learn about dysautonomia. 

Alexandra Key

Executive Director
Cheryl-Faber
Cheryl Faber

Director of Education
Ashleigh Goforth, MSW

Development and Events Manager

Our Board of Directors

TDP is governed by a dedicated and engaged Board of Directors.  These exceptional community leaders are committed to furthering TDP’s mission.

Hunt Brand

President
Jason-Jenson
Jason Jensen

Vice President
Pamela Davidson Reeder

Treasurer, CPA
Beth Pike

Secretary
Carlton Ward

Past-President
John Heirs

Board Member
Susan-Jinks
Susan Jinks

Board Member
Al Ruechel

Board Member

TDP Founders

Founded by a patient for patients.

Kelly Freeman

Founder
Nate Freeman

Founder
Karen Crown

Founder

TDP Advisory Commitee

Community volunteers that share their professional expertise to benefit TDP’s activities.

Terry Igo

Advisor
Susan Rolston

Advisor
Deana Goldasich

Advisor
Nancy Ridenour

Advisor

TDP Medical Advisors

Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who champion TDP’s mission, build connections within the medical community, present educational programming, and/or consult with TDP as requested.

*TDP Medical Advisors are, at minimum, a member of the American Autonomic Society and/or UCNS Board Certified in Autonomic Medicine and/or meet similar qualifications in their sub-specialty.

Glen Cook

MD, FAAN

Neurologist
Elisabeth Golden

MD

Neurologist
Kelsey Klaas
Kelsey Klaas

MD

Pediatrician
Pace Photo 2
Laura Pace

MD, PhD, FACG

Gastroenterologist
Nate Robbins
Nathanial Robbins

MD

Neurologist
Howard Snapper
Howard Snapper

MD, FACC, FAAS

Cardiologist
Dr Vernino
Steven Vernino

MD, PhD, FAAN, FAAS

Neurologist

TDP Medical Ambassadors

Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who champion TDP’s mission, build connections within the medical community, present educational programming, and/or consult with TDP as requested.

*TDP Medical Ambassadors may specialize in other fields but have interest in dysautonomia and diagnose / treat dysautonomia patients.

Cary Aungst

MD, FAAP

Pediatrician

June-Bryant
June Bryant

DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Asst. Professor, Univ of Tampa Dept. of Nursing

Daniel Cabello

MD

Neurologist

William Frye, Ph.D., Psychology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
Will Frye

PhD, BCB, ABPP

Pediatric Psychologist

Vanessa Lucarella

MD

Cardiologist

Anthony Ottaviani
Anthony Ottaviani

DO, MPH, MACOI, FCCP

Pulmonologist

Umesh Patel

MD, FACC

Cardiologist

Miguel Trevino
Miguel Trevino

MD

Internal Medicine, Dysautonomia Specialist

Jessica Bonner

MSN, APRN, CNM, C-EFM

Maternal Fetal Medicine

cropped-TDP-Site-Icon.png
Crystal Jordan

MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Acute Pain Management

Brooke Mitchell

APRN-FNP

Pediatric Cardiology

Julie Umberger headshot
Julie Umberger

DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Asst. Professor, Univ of Tampa Dept. of Nursing

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Alexandra Key

Executive Director

Alexandra has been an integral part of TDP’s growth and management since its beginning. She is a founding board member, serving as a board officer since TDP’s inception in 2014. Most recently, she was the Board President in 2022. Alexandra has been involved in Tampa Bay nonprofit work since the 1990’s, working with organizations including The Children’s Home Inc., The Florida Orchestra and the Hillsborough Education Foundation. She is an alumna of the University of South Florida and a longtime resident of Tampa Bay where she has volunteered in many capacities lending her public relations and fundraising skills.

Email: ali@dysproject.org

Cheryl Faber

Director of Education

Cheryl joined The Dysautonomia Project in 2015 and has been integral to its growth. She understands first-hand how debilitating dysautonomia symptoms can be by witnessing TDP Founding Director Kelly Freeman’s health decline. Cheryl’s deep passion to help fulfill TDP’s mission to educate healthcare professionals, patients, and communities about dysautonomia pairs perfectly with her long-standing professional experience as an educator.

As TDP’s Director of Education, Cheryl works in all facets of educating communities – from school district nurses to free clinics, national medical conferences to grand rounds – to bring life-changing dysautonomia awareness. Cheryl is an alumna of George Mason University and enjoys participating in outdoor activities, traveling, baking, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family.

Email: cheryl@dysproject.org

Ashleigh Goforth, MSW

Development and Events Associate

Ashleigh received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida in 2017. She then went on to receive her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Social Innovation and Change from the University of Southern California in 2018. As a social worker, Ashleigh believes in being a voice and change agent that helps individuals, organizations and communities thrive. Ashleigh joined TDP as the Development and Events Associate in February 2022. She comes from a local veterans’ nonprofit and brings with her a tremendous passion for nonprofit work, as well as fundraising, grant writing and event planning knowledge. In her free time, Ashleigh enjoys traveling, reading, and watching baseball.

Email: ashleigh@dysproject.org

Hunt Brand

President

Hunt Brand is Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Network People with over 30 years’ experience driving technology roadmaps, developing innovative secure systems, managing security, and streamlining operational processes. Hunt served his local community as Commissioner and Mayor of The City of Belleair Bluffs where he repaired relationships, improved partnerships and was known as the voice of reason. He was honored to join the TDP board of directors to help with online messaging and support systems to support our mission in 2018.

Jason Jensen

Vice President

Jason Jensen, AIA, LEED AP, joined Wannemacher Jensen Architectural Firm in 2002. After gaining experience in New York City, he returned to St. Petersburg with a goal to innovate architecture for this generation in the Tampa Bay area.

Pamela Davidson Reeder

Advisor, CPA

Pamela received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accountancy from the University of Mississippi. She is a licensed CPA in the State of Florida. Pamela has over 30 years’ experience both serving clients in the non-profit sector and being a member of senior staff at two regional nonprofit Organizations. Pamela began her career at KPMG Peat Marwick in Tampa. Her experience includes compliance auditing in accordance with the Federal and Florida Single audit Acts, operations management, internal control design and implementation, mergers, and collaborations as well as 990 form preparation. Pamela has also provided services to numerous nonprofit organizations in the areas of strategic planning, board governance, cash management, budgeting, revenue enhancement, cost allocation and unit cost analysis.

Beth Pike

Secretary

Beth Pike became involved with The Dysautonomia Project when her daughter, at age 25, became acutely ill. Her daughter spent more than 60 days in 2 hospitals trying to figure out what was wrong with her, and why she was so desperately ailing. Her daughter is still currently a research patient at the NIH hoping to shed light on the autonomic nervous system for others. Her professional career as a physical therapist assistant for over 25 years serves her in educating patients about Dysautonomia and what’s happening to their bodies. Patients need safe and manageable exercise protocols to improve their overall health and mental wellbeing . Beth serves as Secretary of TDP and on the board of directors in order to help create hope for dysautonomia patients, and their families, so they won’t have to go through the despair and isolation that her family has suffered

Carlton Ward

Past-President

Mr. Ward received a B.S.A. in 1970 and a J.D. in 1973 from the University of Florida. A native of Tampa, Florida, Mr. Ward has been involved in many professional and community activities since moving to Clearwater, having served on organizations, including the Clearwater Bar Association, the American Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Division, American Bar and Florida Bar Young Lawyers Divisions. Mr. Ward is a former President of the Pinellas Real Estate Law Council and Past Chairman of the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, the Pinellas County United Way and the United Way of Tampa Bay. Mr. Ward has lectured frequently regarding real property and condominium law. His practice includes real estate, corporate, condominium, commercial, banking, wills and trusts and general law.

John Hiers

Board Member

Reverend John Hiers retired as rector for the Church of the Ascension in 2020. He has served his community as an Episcopal priest for over 40 years. John joined the board of TDP in January 2022 to help the organization connect with key supporters in the community to further TDP’s mission.

Susan Jinks

Board Member

Susan Jinks is an Associate at Coldwell Banker Real Estate. She has personal experience with dysautonomia patients in her family and among her close friends. Susan joined TDP’s board in 2017. She has been a tremendous asset to TDP for organizing and hosting events and recruiting volunteers through her vast network of community connections.  

Al Ruechel

Board Member

Al Ruechel, a graduate of Iowa State University, is a retired Television News Anchor from Bay News 9 serving the greater Tampa Bay area. He has been reporting and anchoring for more than 50 years, 34 of those years in the Tampa Bay area, interviewing literally thousands of newsmakers, politicians, subject matter experts, and even 6 presidents, and numerous presidential candidates

He has won dozens of anchoring and reporting awards working in Ames, Iowa, St. Louis, Missouri, Fort Myers, Florida, Albany, New York, and Tampa. He’s been awarded the Florida Medical Communicators Award two years in a row as well as 4 Emmy Awards for investigative and live on-air anchoring. He also volunteers at many of the Bay Area social service agencies as well as being on the Worship Team at his local church. He also hosts a bi-weekly interview segment on WPDS with Pinellas County School officials.

Al became involved with TDP through his friendship with Kelly and Nate Freeman. His background in short and long form interviewing made him a natural choice for leading the video discussions on our website.

He’s been married to the love of his life, Jennifer, since 1976. They have four children and 12 grandchildren, so far.

Kelly Freeman

Kelly Freeman is the Founder of The Dysautonomia Project and co-author of The Dysautonomia Project Book. Kelly, a dysautonomia patient herself, aims to transform the care of patients with dysautonomia through the education of physicians, patients, and community leaders with the mission of speeding time to diagnosis, proper assessment, and treatment of patients in community-based clinics and hospital settings around the world.

After realizing that medical professionals in her own community were lacking knowledge about dysautonomia, Kelly set out to create awareness and education on the community level. This is when The Dysautonomia Project was born. What started as a small vision in May of 2014, has now grown into a large mission to educate our community-based medical professionals and reduce diagnosis time from 6 years to just 15 minutes. Through the distribution of The Dysautonomia Project Book and participation in various community educational events, Kelly Freeman is changing how doctors approach autonomic disorders each and every day.

Nate Freeman

Nate and Kelly Freeman founded Network People, Inc. in 1996, a company that specializes in IT security/management and website digital marketing. Nate is the president of Network People. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University in Business Economics. He co-founded The Dysautonomia Project with Kelly in 2014 and has served as its president and Treasurer. Nate serves on the board of the Joseph F. Cornelius Foundation as Treasurer.  He and Kelly are passionate about building and strengthening marriages and currently serve as leaders in a marrieds ministry at church.  He is also an active alumni member of Leadership Pinellas.  Previously, Nate served on the board of the ARC Tampa Bay Foundation and as the Technology Advisory Board of the YMCA. 

Karen Crown

A Founder of TDP, Karen brings a wealth of leadership and fundraising experience. She has previously served as TDP’s president and is the immediate past president of the Joseph F. Cornelius Family Foundation; past president of the Junior League of Clearwater/Dunedin; past president of Suncoast Family YMCA; past president of St. Paul School Parents’ Association; past president of Tri Delta Clearwater Alumnae Association. Karen’s professional experience includes her roles at Executive Director of UPARC Foundation (now ARC of Tampa Bay Foundation) and Executive Director of the Florida Blood Services Foundation. Additionally, she has served on the boards of the Salvation Army Advisory Board; Isaiah’s Inn; Leadership Pinellas; Leadership Tampa Bay; Church of the Ascension Vestry; Morton Plant Community Affairs; Clearwater Library Foundation; UPARC Foundation; American Red Cross; Florida Prostate Cancer Center Network; Association of Fund-Raising Professionals and Carlouel Yacht Club.

Terence M. Igo

Advisor

Terry Igo joined The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company at its inception in 2001 on Sanibel Island. He was instrumental in growing the initial client asset base, (now more than $2 billion), followed by a successful expansion into Naples and then to the Tampa Bay region in 2010. Since assuming the CEO position in 2013, Terry has grown the Florida footprint to also include Belleair/Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. In addition to directing company-wide operations, Terry serves as a member of the Asset Management Committee, the Risk Management Committee, Strategic Planning, and the Board of Directors.

He has served as advisor to many Florida non-profit organizations, assisting with capital and planned giving campaigns; increasing awareness of philanthropic giving. Terry currently serves on the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Board of Trustees and is a member of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. He is also past chairman and founder of the Go Red for Men of Tampa Bay – American Heart Association, and a past trustee of Hodges University. He and his family resided on Sanibel-Captiva Islands and Fort Myers for 20 years before relocating to Tampa Bay in 2013.

Susan Rolston

Advisor

Susan Rolston has more than 30 years’ experience leading high-performing organizations in public education and the nonprofit sector. For more than a decade, she was the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its donor base, increased its budget through diversified revenues, and ultimately improved the lives of 300% more children. After leading a highly successful merger with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, she retired in 2014. Post retirement Susan traveled the country conducting agency audits for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Prior to her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Susan administered the Pinellas County Schools’ community involvement and school-based volunteer programs.

A longtime Pinellas resident, Susan has served in numerous public service and volunteer capacities. In 2015, she was appointed to the Juvenile Welfare Board by Governor Rick Scott and currently serves as Immediate Past Board Chair. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Sixth Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee, and United Way Suncoast’s Community Impact Committee. Her most recent leadership appointment is with The Florida Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Susan’s adult daughter, Jayne took years to confirm a diagnosis of POTS and Mast Cell Activation. Jayne, like Kelly, is married with two teenage children; managing the chronic illness while helping to maintain a quality of life for Jayne’s family is a priority for Susan. After connecting with Kelly for guidance to help her family navigate the challenge of an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, Susan has remained connected to TDP as a donor.

Deana Goldasich

Advisor

Deana is the CEO and Founder of Well Planned Web, an agency renowned as a leading authority in content strategy and marketing. With over three decades of experience, she has revolutionized how organizations communicate and engage with their audiences. As a dynamic speaker, Deana has been featured at the MarketingProfs B2B Marketing Forum, Content Marketing World, and various national Digital Summit events. 
 
Deana has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Content Marketing and inducted into the Content Marketing Hall of Fame. Her agency was also a finalist for the Content Marketing Awards’ Agency of the Year. 
 
An early adopter of generative AI, Deana is an avid practitioner, experimenter, tester, and educator for clients as well as her own agency. Her expertise in leveraging cutting-edge technology continues to drive innovation in content strategy and marketing. 
 
Beyond her professional achievements, Deana has been a leader in Lifework Leadership, Truth at Work, and Christian Women of Influence—organizations dedicated to strengthening and growing Christian CEOs. 
 
TDP’s efforts hit close to home for Deana. Coincidentally, a few short months after joining as an advisor, a close family member was diagnosed with a form of dysautonomia. This personal connection has only deepened Deana’s passion for supporting TDP’s mission to be the world’s leading educator of patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers. 

Nancy Ridenour

Advisor

Nancy Ridenour has extensive experience in auditing, forensic accounting and fraud investigations, including more than 25 years of experience in public accounting as a shareholder with PDR CPAs + Advisors. Here, she focused on nonprofit organizations, senior housing and health care. Nancy moved to the nonprofit sector in May 2019, joining Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties as chief strategy officer.
With more than 25 years of experience working on nonprofit boards in the Tampa Bay area, Nancy serves as a board member and is currently board chair for the Nonprofit Leadership Center. She volunteers her time as an NLC trainer and facilitator. She is also currently active on several other nonprofit boards, including Advocare Trust, The Catholic Foundation and Pinellas County Health Facilities Authority. Nancy serves as chair of the BayCare Audit Committee and serves on the audit committee of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Nancy is a founding board member of Random Acts of Flowers Tampa Bay and is proud to be an honorary board member.
Nancy is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Glen Cook, MD, FAAN

Neurologist

Dr. Glen Cook is the Director of the Autonomic Disorders Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he helped establish the autonomic lab. Previously, Dr. Cook served as Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory and the Autonomic Disorders Clinic at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. He also served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University’s F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine. Dr. Cook received his doctorate with Distinction in Service from the University of Michigan Medical School. He has furthered his education including completing a fellowship in Autonomic Disorders in the Clinical Neurocardiology Section of the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke at the National Institute of Health. Amongst many awards, he is a two-time recipient of the Department of Defense’s Joint Service Commendation Medal. He is also a member of several professional medical associations including the American Autonomic Society, where he chairs the education committee.

Elisabeth Golden, MD

Neurologist

Elisabeth Golden is a neurologist with additional subspecialization in neuromuscular and autonomic disorders.  She completed medical school, residency, and fellowship training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before joining the faculty there.  She moved to East Texas in 2022 and is currently an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Tyler practicing hospital neurology.  Her academic interests include multidisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of neuromuscular and autonomic disorders, teaching the broader medical community about autonomic disorders, and resident education.

Kelsey Klaas, MD

Pediatrician

Kelsey Klaas, MD is a pediatrician in the division of General Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester; Minnesota. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, and completed residency at Mayo Clinic, followed by a year as chief resident. She is a certified member of the American Board of Pediatrics, part of the Mayo Medical School Advisory Program, and Associate Pediatric Clerkship Director for the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Her practice includes care of children with complex health conditions. Dr. Klaas also focuses on medical student education.

Laura Pace, MD

Gastroenterologist

Laura A. Pace, MD, PhD, FACG is a physician-scientist at Stanford University specializing in neuroimmunogastroenterology with a focus on the diagnosis and care of people suffering from complex multisystem disorders involving the neuroimmune axis. Dr. Pace is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology through the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Autonomic Disorders through the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. Additionally, she has formalized clinical training in Neurogastroenterology and Medical Genetics, and a PhD in Neuroscience. She is a former NIH Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women’s Health (NIH BIRCWH) Scholar and has published over 120 peer reviewed scientific articles. 

Dr. Pace’s research has spanned the study of mammalian cell signaling; the physiology, ecology, and evolution of microbial metabolism; and human-microbe interactions leveraging multiomics. Through several collaborative multidisciplinary research projects, her current work is focused on decoding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuroimmune axis disorders. Some of these exciting projects include the application of next-generation environmental microbiology techniques to understand the complex human-microbiota interactions at mucosal interfaces; identifying genetic and environmental contributions to neuroimmune axis disorders; and the development and application of novel therapeutics to treat these disabling disorders.

Nathanial Robbins, MD

Neurologist

Dr. Robbins is a neurologist at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Small Fiber and Autonomic Neurology at MGB, which includes the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  At MGB he is responsible for supervising all clinic activities related to autonomic disorders, autonomic testing, and small fiber neuropathy.  Following neurology residency at UCSF and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at Dartmouth, he joined the Faculty at Dartmouth in 2016 where he started and grew the Autonomic Disorders program and clinical Autonomic Laboratory. He has research interests in clinical autonomic disorders and medical and professional ethics.  Dr. Robbins is passionate about autonomic education and improving the diagnosis and treatment of autonomic disorders including synuclein-associated chronic autonomic failure conditions, postural tachycardia syndrome, and recurrent syncope.

Howard Snapper, MD, FACC, FASS

Cardiologist

Dr. Snapper is a cardiologist and the Director of the Autonomic Disorder Division and Autonomic Lab for Wellstar Cardiovascular Medicine in Woodstock, GA. He has over 30 years of experience in cardiology and over 10 specializing in autonomic medicine. Dr. Snapper received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago, and then a Cardiology Fellowship at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He received his UCNS certification in Autonomic Disorders in 2018 and serves as the Chairman of the POTS Section of the American Autonomic Society.

Steven Vernino, MD, PhD, FAAN, FAAS

Neurologist

Steven Vernino, M.D., Ph.D., is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Executive Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. A neurologist, Dr. Vernino specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and nonsurgically treating autoimmune neurological disorders, autonomic disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. He serves as Director of the Autonomic Disorders Clinic, the multidisciplinary Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Clinic, and the Autonomic Disorders Fellowship Program. He is also Co-Director of the Autoimmune Neurology Fellowship Program. Dr. Vernino earned his medical and Ph.D. degrees in neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed a neurology residency and fellowship training in neuroimmunology and electromyography (EMG) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2004. Dr. Vernino holds the Dr. Bob and Jean Smith Foundation Distinguished Chair in Neuromuscular Disease Research. His primary research goal is improving the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune neurological disorders and helping to establish the field of autoimmune neurology.

Most notably, Dr. Vernino has identified the presence of antibodies to ganglionic acetylcholine receptors as the cause of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, a rare autonomic nervous system disorder. He has also characterized several neurological antibodies related to paraneoplastic disorders. Dr. Vernino has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and dozens of book chapters. A Fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Dr. Vernino is board certified in neurology, neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and autonomic disorders. Among his many professional activities, Dr. Vernino serves on the medical advisory boards of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, and Dysautonomia International. He is also on the board of directors of the American Autonomic Society. He has received numerous awards for his work as a clinician, researcher, and teacher, including the 1998 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Founders Award, the 2013 AAN Program Director Recognition Award, and the 2018 University of Texas Regents Outstanding Teacher Award. He was inducted into the Southwestern Academy of Teachers in 2015.

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June Bryant, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

TDP Medical Ambassador

Dr. Bryant is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tampa, Department of Nursing, and a pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years’ experience. She took her expertise on the road in November of 2021 as the owner of Dr. Joonie’s Examinavan. Dr. Bryant trains her nursing students in autonomic disorders from both professional and personal experience, having identified symptoms in her grade-school-age son. She gives educational presentations on behalf of TDP at local, state and national nursing conferences and trainings. She joined TDP’s board of directors in 2020. 

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The Dysautonomia Project book has reached around the world as a much-needed tool for providers, patients or caregivers looking to arm themselves with the power of knowledge. 

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"I highly recommend this book to not only patients but physicians as well!"

"This book has helped my doctors feel empowered to treat me and recognize other patients who are similarly affected. It helped educate my own family too."

"If you are like me and have been pushing in hard for many years or maybe not so many years...for a diagnosis and just want more information on Dysautonomia conditions then this is the book for you!"

"Truly amazing book, an insight into Dysautonomia, informative and educational for both the patient, family and clinicians."

"Excellent book, on many levels, it helped with understanding links with gastroparesis and hypermobility amongst many other things."

"Very informative. The side of the page which is meant for medical professionals is still very readable for patients and provides all the useful info. Great if you've just been diagnosed or to take along to show your doctor."

"Great book with clear format for both patient and doctor. Lots of information, easy to understand."