learning center
Board
Meet the dedicated, all-volunteer Board of Directors governing Mission MSA. Comprising MSA patients, care partners, family members, healthcare professionals, research scientists, and business experts, our diverse team collaborates with unique skill sets to make meaningful strides in the fight against multiple system atrophy.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Pam, the Chair of the Board for Mission MSA, found solace and information through the Shy-Drager MSA Support Group (now Mission MSA), when her mother-in-law was diagnosed in the mid-1990’s. Her dedication to supporting families led her to become the leader of the group, sparking her 20-year advocacy journey. Pam has actively contributed to MSA awareness, co-chairing the Advocacy working group, creating MSAawareness.org (now archived), and championing the introduction of House Resolution 518 to US Congress supporting federal recognition of MSA Awareness month. Serving various roles on the board, including Secretary and Vice Chair, she assumed the position of Chair in 2023. Pam has driven significant research funding, totaling $3.5 million as of 2022, and received accolades for her MSA advocacy, showcasing her commitment to finding a cure. Alongside her advocacy work, Pam holds a senior consultant position at an IT service company and boasts a background in computer science and insurance management.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Elizabeth’s mother, Eileen Dyas, faced Parkinsonism-like symptoms starting in 2013, culminating in a probable MSA diagnosis in July 2017, and her unfortunate passing in October 2017. Despite her late discovery of Mission MSA, the 2018 conference provided Elizabeth and her family with crucial connections, understanding of the disease, and closure. Appreciating Mission MSA’s goals to support patients, educate the medical community, advocate for MSA patients, and fund global research, Elizabeth is proud to be on the board as the 2024 Chair-Elect. Based in The Netherlands, she holds an MBA and works in marketing for Slimmer AI. Liz joined the Mission MSA General Advisory Committee in 2019 and the Board in 2021, balancing her professional life with family and personal interests.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Dawn’s involvement with multiple system atrophy (MSA) began when her father-in-law, Richard Dexter, faced balance difficulties and falls in 2015. After seeking medical opinions, a confirmed MSA diagnosis led Dawn and her wife to research and advocate for Richard’s well-being. Discovering Mission MSA early in their journey provided crucial guidance on managing symptoms and fostering a supportive community through Patient and Family Conferences. Dawn, a Midsouth native with a background in business administration, holds a position as Vice President and Fiduciary Strategist at Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. Passionate about sports, she enjoys outdoor activities with her wife and two Labrador Retrievers, Adler and Lucia in her free time.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025)
Patricia Libby Thvedt’s connection with multiple system atrophy (MSA) began when her husband, Joel, was diagnosed in 2015. Despite the challenges, living in Los Angeles allowed for an early diagnosis at UCLA. Determined to make the most of their time, they traveled extensively with their three sons. Discovering Mission MSA through research, Patricia found invaluable support and information that aided in navigating her families’ MSA journey. Joel’s battle with MSA, marked by grace and humor, ended in February 2020. In honor of his attitude, Patricia, an adjunct professor and legal writing coach, dedicates herself to sharing her experience as a care partner, advocating for MSA awareness, and utilizing her legal background to champion improved healthcare access. Patricia joined Mission MSA’s Board in 2021, serving as secretary from 2022 onwards.
(Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Adrienne Marioles was thrust into a care partner role at a young age when her mother, Hetty, was diagnosed with and taken by MSA. Having gone through this, Adrienne now dedicates herself to educating and supporting care partners of MSA patients, aiming to make their journey more navigable. As a professional speaker, ambassador, and advocate for Millennial Caregiving, she shares her experience at national conferences and through various media outlets. Adrienne joined The Mission MSA Board of Directors in 2022, using her platform to raise awareness and provide a voice for young care partners.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2024)
After initially being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 while still active in triathlons, Alan Smally’s symptoms worsened, leading to a multiple system atrophy (MSA) diagnosis. Retiring in 2014, Alan, along with his wife, embarked on extensive RV travels across the US until MSA curtailed their adventures. With roots in Florida, Alan attended the University of North Carolina and the University of Florida College of Medicine, dedicating 27 years to the Emergency Department of Hartford Hospital. Throughout his career, Alan held key administrative roles, including Chief of Emergency Medicine, Medical Director, and Professor of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine. Alan found immense joy in clinical emergency medicine, teaching residents, and contributing to medical literature, earning several prestigious awards for his leadership and contributions to emergency medicine in Connecticut.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Andre’s mother, Isabelle, was diagnosed with probable MSA-P in 2019 after initially being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. As a young caregiver, Andre has supported his mother in her daily tasks, visits to neurologists across North America, and her clinical trial in New York City. Andre says that Mission MSA has provided his family with educational resources and supportive communities which enable his mother and family to flourish in new ways. He hopes to share his experiences and advocate for care partners as a member of the Board of Directors. Andre currently serves as an Investment Banking Associate at Greenhill & Co. He lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife, Emily, and shares caregiving duties with his father, Richard and sister, Margot.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2025)
In April 2022, after receiving a diagnosis of MSA-P at Emory, Gary Troutman embarked on a journey of understanding and research to enhance the lives of those affected by MSA. Married to Martha, they have a blended family with five children and recently became grandparents to two grandbabies. With a background in chemistry and an MBA from the University of South Carolina, Gary worked at the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Georgia Tech and later ran a technology services company for almost two decades. After providing business development support for accounting and professional services firms, he took disability leave in June 2022. Gary is grateful for Mission MSA’s early support and finds it to be a valuable resource and a community for connecting with others impacted by MSA and those interested in related research.
(Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2025)
In 1998, Gloria Finnerty, William Finnerty’s mother, faced the onset of unexplained symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, before finally being diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA) after many years. William served as her caregiver through the challenging battle, witnessing her remarkable resilience until her passing in 2013 at the age of 64. He attended the Annual Patient & Family Conference in 2013, sparking a commitment to raise awareness about MSA. Proudly based in Western New York, he has been an active member of the community, working in the foodservice industry and contributing to Meals on Wheels. In 2016, he opened Finnerty’s Tap Room, gaining valuable experience in running a business. Driven by a passion for community service, William now aims to leverage his knowledge to raise awareness about MSA.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2026)
Nadia Stefanova is Professor of Translational Neurodegeneration Research at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. After receiving her medical degree and PhD in Neuroscience, Nadia joined the Department of Neurology in Innsbruck. At that time, her scientific work focused on MSA. Gradually, Nadia’s research goal to understand and cure MSA became a life mission (Trends Neurosci 2005, Lancet Neurol 2009, Nature Rev Neurosci 2023). Her lab applies experimental models of MSA to study the disease mechanisms and to explore novel treatments for MSA and other synucleinopathies. Nadia’s MSA research has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards. Nadia has been supporting the research program of Mission MSA as a scientific expert since 2016 and she was recently appointed the Chair of the Research Steering Council.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2026)
In his late 20’s, while beginning his legal career and own family, Josh became primary caregiver for his father, Steven, when he began experiencing MSA symptoms. It took over a year and half, however, to receive his diagnosis despite visiting many of the best hospitals in the Northeast. Steven’s battle with MSA lasted over eight years ending in 2015. Josh joined Mission MSA’s Board in 2024 to share his experience as a caregiver and serve as a support for families of those afflicted with MSA. He seeks to spread knowledge and awareness of the disease. Josh is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a degree in History, and Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, where he obtained his juris doctorate magna cum laude. He is a trial attorney at the law firm of Todd & Weld in Boston where his practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and health care and regulatory law. Josh lives with his wife, three daughters and their dog Augie. When not in the courtroom, you will most likely find Josh rock climbing, on the ski slopes, or hiking in the mountains.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2026)
Amy is a dual board-certified nurse practitioner with subspecialty training in movement disorders, as well as cognitive and behavioral neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Her clinical and research interests involve neurodegenerative diseases. She provides care for patients with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s Plus disorders, Huntington’s disease, and various dementia. Amy was first introduced to multiple system atrophy in the research setting, and quickly became interested in the disease and its many complexities. Amy hopes to help educate providers on the unique challenges MSA poses for both the patient and caregiver.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2026)
Hasan’s mom developed initial Parkinsonian symptoms with poor response to therapy. With autonomic symptoms developing early, the diagnosis was changed to MSA. As per published literature, they knew this would portend a poorer prognosis with early appearance of autonomic features. Sadly, her journey was cut short, and she passed away three years from the time of diagnosis. Hasan saw Mission MSA for the first time in a movement disorders conference. Everyone shared the same journey and experiences with their loved ones. He was in awe of what Mission MSA has done for the community funding 55 research projects. Currently, Hasan is a Global Clinical Research Scholar Trainee (GCSRT) at Harvard Medical School and is also an International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ITPND) scholar at UC Davis Medical School. He is honored to be with Mission MSA.
(Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2026)
Kate, a former restaurant owner in Arizona, faced the onset of multiple system atrophy after experiencing symptoms such as balance issues and a weakening voice while on the job. Despite a diverse career in the tech sector, aviation, education, and publishing, her focus shifted to advocacy, serving over 50 boards and commissions with a commitment to addressing violence, disease, and economic insecurity. Kate, holding a B.A., M.P.A., and various certifications, passionately leads a 501c3 organization dedicated to youth development.
Motivated by personal reasons and admiration for Mission MSA’s purpose, Kate is proud of its impact beyond MSA sufferers, reaching caretakers, friends, and the medical community. She is dedicated to eradicating MSA, understanding disease processes, and providing compassionate spaces for those in need. Kate’s involvement exemplifies Mission MSA’s broader role in uniting stakeholders against this elusive disease.
