The tireless effort to “Make Rett History” starts with leadership from our board with valuable support from our committee members and volunteers.
Board Leadership
Lawrence Fallon, PhD
Board Member since: 2002
Past: Co-President (2017-2024)
RS Angel: Jordan
Profession: Engineer/Manager at BAE Systems; CEO/Founder at Sports Engineering
About Larry: Earning his PhD in Engineering, Larry has spent over three decades serving the National Interest in the defense industry. With a passion for our National Pastime, Larry founded Sports Engineering consulting for MLB and sporting goods manufacturers. He was key in establishing the Baseball Research Center at UMass-Lowell and developing the test equipment and procedures to make the game safer at the collegiate and youth level. A lifetime of community involvement culminated with joining the Rett Syndrome Angels board to help families overcome the challenges of Rett Syndrome. Larry is the proud father of daughters Jordan and Holly and sons Dylan and Brody.
Irene Gladstone
Member since: 1991
Past: Secretary (1991-2024)
RS Angel: Erika
Profession: Preschool Teacher (Retired)
About Irene: Irene lives in Needham with her husband Gary. They have two adult children, Andrew and Erika. In 1989 Irene joined the organization that was then named the Rett Syndrome Education Center. She quickly felt “at home” when she met the other families. From that time on, Irene has been active in RSAM, hoping that just as her family found support when they so needed it, Rett Syndrome Angels can make the Rett journey less lonely and a bit easier for others. Irene has served as RSAM’s secretary continuously since 1991 and for several years also served as vice-president. She has been a member of various committees including chairperson of the Blue Sky Day Committee for most of its four-teen years. During the early years of the Boston Children’s Hospital Rett Program, she was chairperson of the program’s Parent Advisory Group. Professionally, Irene enjoyed thirty-five years interacting with young children as a preschool teacher.
Coriann Stinson
Board Member since: 2023
RS Angel: Julia
Profession: Sales Enablement at Oxford Nanopore Technologies
About Coriann: She has three young daughters, and her youngest was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome before she turned 2. She has a math degree and an MBA and has always loved finance and Excel. She currently works at a company that builds DNA sequencers and will hopefully help researchers working on gene therapy for Rett Syndrome some day. Before Julia’s diagnosis she was on the board of her daughters’ parent-teacher org and organized fundraisers & managed the budget as treasurer for 3 years. In her free time she is a soccer mom and a dance mom.
Board Members
Maggie Wurm
Board Member since: 2017
Co-President (2017-2024)
RS Angel: Madasyn (Mads)
Profession: Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist
About Maggie: Maggie is a proud mom to two young adults, Korbin and Madasyn, whose daughter’s diagnosis inspired her career path. She began in early intervention as a paraprofessional, which sparked her interest in technology and led to her certification as an AAC Specialist. Maggie spent five years at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, supporting families in the Western Region of MA, including Hispanic communities. Locally, she has served on multiple disability boards, founded support groups, and taught communication classes with all types ages and disabilities. In 2024, she launched an adaptive cooking program for young adults, fostering inclusivity. Maggie aims to inspire and guide families on this journey.
Erica Martins
Board Member since: 2026
RS Angel: Karolina
Profession: Nursing Professor
About Erica: Erica lives in western Massachusetts with her husband Jon. She is a proud mom of three, and her role as a parent has deeply shaped her values, perspective, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world. Her daughter Karolina was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2024 at the age of 3, inspiring Erica to become an active participant in the Rett Syndrome community.
She works currently as a nursing professor at her local community college. Outside of work Erica enjoys spending time with her family.
Her passion for RS Angels is rooted in a desire to create real impact for the Rett syndrome community. She is driven by the belief that families and individuals affected by Rett syndrome deserve not only hope, but action.
Tonya Chever
Board Member since: 2023
RS Angels: Arrielle
About Tonya: Tonya is a proud mother of two adult children Arrielle, age 30, and Jayvon, age 22. She feels fortunate her my journey to be surrounded by people whom she loves and cares for. She currently works for Hartford Healthcare as a clinician providing therapy to children with an emphasis on building the dyadic relationship between parents and children. There has been a journey in her life and as she continues to grow, she continues to learn ways to enhance Arrielle’s life as she is her underlying gatekeeper who projects nonverbal ways in which she can stay grounded. Her unconditional love for her child allows her the opportunity to assist families by being able to provide non-judgmental therapeutic care.
Paul Lopes
RS Angel: Michelle
Profession: Retired
About Paul: Graduated from Bentley University and earned AEE CEM certification. Since joining DOER in 2007 Paul has been involved in the first Offshore Wind and Hydro procurements, The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and wholesale and retail electric markets. Prior experience includes twelve years in Power Supply Planning at Eastern Utilities Associates until National Grid USA acquisition and Electric Industry Restructuring was completed. Paul’s background also includes the early startup company Energy New England where he continued as an energy trader/asset portfolio manager. Energy Efficiency consultant for several national home improvement retailers and CHP Business Development Manager. Paul has older son Matthew who lives in Tampa FL. Paul’s deceased wife Heather’s early engagement with RS Angels provides his motivation to support families and advocate for further research for a cure.
Nili Smallcomb
Board Member since: 2024
RS Angel: Ariel
Profession: Human Resources
About Nili: Nili lives in South Shore, MA, with her husband Andrew, daughter Ariel, and son AJ. Ariel was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2020, inspiring Nili to become an active participant in the Rett Syndrome community. She attributes her family’s strength and perseverance against Rett Syndrome to the invaluable support that the RSAngels group has provided over the years. Nili is dedicated to supporting research efforts and ensuring Ariel can participate in any study she tolerates. Professionally, Nili is a Human Resources Manager passionate about fostering growth and connection in the workplace. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and their lively household of pets, including three cats, a bird, and a dog. Nili joined Rett Syndrome Angels to help other families navigate the challenges of Rett Syndrome and to contribute to the organization’s mission of support and hope.
Jon Martins
Current Role: Board Member
Board Member since: 2026
RS Angel: Karolina
Profession: Health Physical Therapist
About Jon: Jon lives in western Massachusetts with his wife Erica and their three kids. His daughter Karolina was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2024 at the age of 3, inspiring Jon to become an active participant in the Rett Syndrome community.
Jon works as a home health physical therapist and outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, enjoys sports and coaching his son.
Jon’s passion for RS Angels began when he wanted to make a difference but didn’t know where to turn to, and after meeting the members Jon and Erica decided to run a marathon and raise money for RS angels. Raising money running ignited more of a desire to create real impact for the Rett syndrome community. Jon believes that families and individuals affected by Rett syndrome deserve not only hope, but action, and that the future in research and support is bright and will continue to progress as long as individuals continue to support and advocate for all affected by Rett syndrome.