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.
Jill Twigg
Board of Director: Secretary
Board Member since: 2021
Past: Board Member
RS Angel: Olivia (Livi)
Profession: Ambassador for the Worcester Red Sox
About Jill: Proud mom of three (Olivia, Adam and Aiden), Jill became involved in the Rett community when her daughter was diagnosed at the age of 3. With experience in the entertainment industry and party planning, Jill chaired the very successful fundraiser Laughs for Livi to benefit IRSF. In later years, she joined with two other Rett families to expand on the fundraiser (Laughs for Livi/Bets for Bella/Tables for Tessa), and she helped raise a large sum of money for RSRT. In her free time, Jill is active as a youth and high school cheer coach, and her cheer teams attended multiple Blue Sky Days in Boston. Jill currently works as an Ambassador for the Worcester Red Sox, and she is hoping to bring her knowledge and excitement for event planning and fundraising to RSAM.
Board Members
Maggie Wurm
Board Member since: 2017
Past: 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.
Kathy Schoener
Member since: 2000
Past: Treasurer (2002-2024)
RS Angel: Kelly
Profession: Initially holding a career in the computer engineering field, Kathy took time off to raise her family and now enjoys her role as a library assistant for her town.
About Kathy: Proud mom of three children – Benjamin, Kelly, and Christopher. Kathy began attending RSAM meetings when her daughter Kelly was initially diagnosed in 1996. Back then there was limited information on Rett and she found the support and encouragement of other parents invaluable. When the treasurer position opened up in 2002 she made the decision to get more involved and hasn’t looked back. She has managed the finances of the organization for the past two decades, along with serving on various committees over the years. She knows that this Rett journey can be extremely challenging at times and hopes that she can continue to provide assistance and hope to other families along the way. Kathy and her husband Tony live in Southborough. They have been actively involved in the science of Rett syndrome for the past 15 years, helping to fund research worldwide towards treatments and ultimately a cure for RS.
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 fro 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
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.
Jennifer Sanderson
Current Role: Board Member
Board Member since: 2024
RS Angel: Nora
Profession: Nurse
About Jen: Jen has been a dedicated nurse for 15 years and is a devoted mother of four children: Dylan (17), twins Colin and Lily (9), and her youngest, Nora (2.5). Nora was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at just 16 months old, which has inspired Jen’s passion for advocacy and supporting families navigating this journey. As a widow, Jen has faced many challenges, but her love for her family remains her driving force. She is passionate about raising awareness, promoting research, and contributing to the Rett Syndrome Angels community, driven by her commitment to making a lasting and meaningful difference for those affected by this condition. Above all, Jen cherishes every moment spent with her children, creating meaningful memories with her family.
Billy Johnson
Current Role: Board Member
Board Member since: 2021
RS Angel: Naomi
Profession: Medical Transport Driver
About Billy: There is nothing more dear to my heart than our girls and boys. My daughter Naomi is 21 and lots of fun. I had to make a tuff decision on my career very early on with Naomi’s Rett diagnosis. I became a small business owner in the transportation industry. I tow multi trucks at one point and specialize in the delivery of MRI, CT machines, x-ray rooms, catheterization labs and many other life saving machines for hospitals. I love doing fundraising events. I am known to be the pig roast guy at events. My talented crews have raised over $100,000 for Rett syndrome and the My One Wish program (not make a wish ). I am looking forward to serving our girls and boys and having a nice retirement in Orlando/Kissimmee in the near future. In the past I served on the board of Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts for 4 years. I’m happy to be back and enjoy planning and being apart of our family get togethers and supporting the mission of RS Angels.