Working closely with the Board of Directors, committees, staff and volunteers, Ms. Gordon is responsible for The Progeria Research Foundation\u2019s financial and organizational growth, program development, and day to day management.<\/p>\n
Ms. Gordon is a graduate of Tufts University and Northeastern University School of Law.\u00a0 Prior to co-founding The Progeria Research Foundation, she practiced law in both Massachusetts and Florida.<\/p>\n
Locally, she is the recent past President of the Peabody Rotary Club and currently serves on the Peabody Board of Registrars. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her achievements through North of Boston\u2019s Business and Professional Women of the Year Award for non-profit organizations, being named Community Hero by the Jewish Family Services, and receiving the Mary Upton Ferrin Award for leadership. Under her management as PRF\u2019s founding President and Executive Director, PRF has been awarded a coveted 4-star Charity Navigator rating for the past 10 years, and PRF received Research! America\u2019s Paul G. Rogers Distinguished Organization Advocacy Award for bringing progeria from obscurity to the forefront of successful translational research.<\/p>\n
Ms. Gordon resides in Peabody, Massachusetts with her husband Rich Reed, daughters Nadia and Svetlana, and dog Abby.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Leslie Gordon, MD, PhD” position=”Medical Director” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/LeslieWeb.jpg” admin_label=”Leslie Gordon, MD, PhD” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Leslie Gordon is a co-founder of The Progeria Research Foundation and serves as the organization\u2019s volunteer Medical Director. Dr. Gordon is the Principal Investigator for ongoing PRF programs for Progeria, including the PRF International Progeria Registry<\/a>,\u00a0Medical and Research Database<\/a>,\u00a0Cell and Tissue Bank<\/a>, and the\u00a0Genetic Diagnostics Program<\/a>. She has chaired 11 National Institutes of Health-funded, international scientific meetings on Progeria. She is Professor of Pediatrics Research at Hasbro Children\u2019s Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Research Scientist at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, RI.\u00a0 She is a Research Associate in Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School and Senior Staff Scientist \u2013 Associate Professor at Boston Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n Dr. Gordon has paved the way for finding treatments and the cure for those affected by Progeria. She was co-author on the 2003 gene discovery for Progeria in Nature<\/em>, lead author of the 2012 Progeria treatment discovery study in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). <\/em>She has co-chaired four Progeria clinical drug trials<\/a> for children with Progeria at Boston Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n Dr. Gordon received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire and her Master\u2019s and MD, PhD from Brown University.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Barbara Natke, PhD, MBA” position=”Chief Business Officer” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BN-Prof-Picture-1b.jpg” admin_label=”Barbara Natke, PhD, MBA” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Barbara Natke<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#00b2e2″ custom_margin=”41px||” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|20px|35px|20px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”25%” z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”38px” box_shadow_spread=”-12px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Staff & Advisors” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_2_line_height=”1.2em” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”|50px||50px||true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_4_font_size_tablet=”” header_4_font_size_phone=”19px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_line_height_tablet=”” header_4_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_4_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” padding_left_right_link_1=”false” padding_left_right_link_2=”true” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding_tablet=”||0px|35px||false” custom_padding_phone=”||0px|20px||false” animation_direction=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|50px||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||30px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_team_member name=”Francis Collins, MD” position=”Senior Research Advisor” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Francis-Collins-thumbnail2025.jpg” admin_label=”Francis Collins, MD” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dr. Collins advises the PRF Medical Director on matters pertaining to medical research and other scientific advances, including gene therapy, to further PRF\u2019s mission to discover treatments and the cure for children and young adults with Progeria For the past 25 years, this esteemed physician-scientist has been an avid supporter of and key contributor to the field of Progeria research, including the discovery of the Progeria gene in 2003. He is currently a member of the Progeria Gene Team, <\/strong>an extraordinary group of world-renowned scientists and innovators collaborating with PRF to develop a transformative gene editing therapy<\/a> that could cure Progeria.<\/p>\n Dr. Collins has initiated a wide range of research discoveries throughout his career. Under Dr. Collins\u2019 direction, the Human Genome Project produced the first finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book in 2003. \u00a0In addition to Progeria, his research has led to the discovery of the genetic cause and potential treatment of cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, and Huntington Disease.\u00a0 From 2009 to 2021, he served under three Presidents as the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world.\u00a0 He has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to science, medicine, and society, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Templeton Prize.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Incrovato” position=”Director of Operations” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Gina1.jpg” admin_label=”Gina Incrovato” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Gina Incrovato<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Michelle Fino” position=”Director of Development” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Michelle-head-shot-cropped.jpg” admin_label=”Michelle Fino” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Michelle Fino<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Tracy Lessor” position=”Director of Communications” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/TraceyTN.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Tracy Lessor” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Tracy Lessor<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Karen Gordon Betournay, CPDT-KA, AABP-CDT” position=”Social Media and Website Coordinator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/KarenB.jpg” admin_label=”Karen Gordon Betournay, CPDT-KA, AABP-CDT” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Karen Gordon Betournay<\/a><\/span><\/strong> Karen is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and is certified in Grooming\/Kennel Management from Essex Agricultural and Technical College. Karen is the owner of Animal Manners, Inc<\/a>, providing training and behavior counseling for canines. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband David, twin girls Paige and Skyler, dogs Jazz and Logan, and cat Freddie Mercury.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Marianna Castro Florez” position=”Patient Community Platform Administrator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marianna-150×150.jpeg” admin_label=”Marianna Castro Florez” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Marianna Castro Florez<\/a> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Martha Hanlon, CPCC, ACC” position=”Philanthropy Officer” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MarthaH.jpg” admin_label=”Martha Hanlon” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Martha Hanlon<\/a> She has held senior development positions at The Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Lahey Health System and Partner\u2019s Healthcare.\u00a0 She began her career in various roles in higher education development.\u00a0 Martha earned a bachelor\u2019s degree at Providence College and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, empowering individuals to realize their goals in alignment with their core values.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Odette Kent” position=”Donor Services Assistant ” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Odette-Pic-square.jpg” admin_label=”Odette Kent” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Odette Kent<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kelly Klimarchuk” position=”Database and Development Operations Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kelly-K.jpg” admin_label=” Kelly Klimarchuk” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” disabled_on=”on|on|on” disabled=”on”]<\/p>\n Email\u00a0 Kelly Klimarchuk<\/a> Kelly has over 20 years of experience with nonprofit databases, having worked for Perkins School for the Blind and Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Darrien Marazzo” position=”Clinical Trial Coordinator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Darrien.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Darrien Marazzo” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Darrien Marazzo<\/a> Darrien holds a degree from Champlain College with a background in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, and healthcare. With a deep commitment to improving the healthcare system, she is passionate about ensuring the best possible care and resources for individuals navigating medical challenges. Outside of work, Darrien is a pet lover, with one dog and two cats, and enjoys spending time with her furry companions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paty McDonough” position=”Office Manager and Executive Assistant” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PatyM.jpg” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Paty McDonough” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Paty McDonough<\/a> [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Shelby Phillips” position=”Patient Programs Coordinator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Shelby.png” admin_label=”Shelby Phillips” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Shelby Phillips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Shelby works with newly identified families to introduce them to PRF programs. She is the main point of contact for families interested in The Progeria Research Foundation\u2019s Cell & Tissue Bank, Diagnostic Testing Program, and Medical & Research Database Program. Shelby keeps data for the Natural History Study and assists the Medical Director with data-keeping for additional internal research projects. She also helps interested families and their physicians to enroll in Sentynl\u2019s Managed Access Program for lonafarnib. Shelby joined PRF in July of 2024 and is looking forward to connecting with patients and their families. Previously Shelby worked as a community health worker where she created educational materials for patients living with epilepsy and connected families to their local community resources. She also worked as a research assistant for 5 years, studying genes associated with the Knockout Mouse Project. Shelby earned a Master of Science in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022 and a B.S. in Biology in 2020.\u00a0 In her free time, Shelby enjoys making pottery, attending concerts, and sitting near a body of water.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Mary Ricker MA, RN” position=”Research Nurse Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Ricker-picture-150×150.png” admin_label=”Mary Ricker” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Mary Ricker<\/a><\/span><\/strong> Mary began her career as a clinical research nurse in Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh and its satellite institutions.\u00a0 She became a sponsor oncology research nurse with responsibilities as a site manager for early- stage oncology clinical trials as a clinical data monitor and provided regulatory oversight and general support for the institutional teams carrying out the clinical trials.\u00a0 She has worked for sponsors including Merck, Pfizer, Novartis and Wyeth.<\/p>\n Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Boston University and graduated with high honors from the Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christina Sollecito” position=”Executive Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Christina.jpg” admin_label=”Christina Sollecito” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Christina Sollecito<\/a><\/span><\/strong> In this position, Christina provides support and manages an extremely active calendar for Dr. Gordon and serves as the primary contact with hospitals, researchers, clinicians, and families throughout the world for scheduling meetings, communications and conference calls.<\/p>\n Christina has earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University. She has a varied background as an Executive Administrative Assistant, Marketing Manager, and Product Manager. Her attention to detail and motivation to helping others has made it possible to be successful in her career.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kristine Valente” position=”Executive Assistant to the ED\/Office Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Kristine-Head-Shot-v2.jpg” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Kristine Valente” module_class=”prf-person-module” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ position_font=”|700|||||||” position_text_color=”#00B2E2″ custom_margin=”||45px” z_index_tablet=”500″ disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Email Kristine Valente<\/a><\/span><\/strong> [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_color=”#29327a” custom_margin=”-2px|||||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|20px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_width_top=”12px” border_color_top=”#00b2e2″ 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global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0|false|false” border_width_bottom=”55px” border_color_bottom=”#29327a” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_font_size=”55″ background_color=”#29327a” background_image=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/About-Header.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”9vw||9vw||true” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|56px||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” title_font_size_tablet=”45px” title_font_size_phone=”40px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ custom_css_main_element=”background-position: center !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”] Leadership& Staff [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ specialty=”on” padding_left_1=”35px” padding_left_2=”35px” padding_2_tablet=”|||0px” padding_2_phone=”|||0px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class_1=”sidebar-secondary-nav” module_class=”handprint-bg” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/blue-handprint-only.png” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” inner_width=”100%” inner_max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0|0px|54px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#8fd2ed” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=\"Officers and Staff\" font_container=\"tag:h1|text_align:center\" use_theme_fonts=\"yes\"][vc_column_text]<\/p> President and Executive Director <\/u>\u00a0<\/u>Ms. Gordon is a graduate of Tufts University and Northeastern University School of Law, and is an attorney licensed to practice in Massachusetts since 1988 and Florida since 1990. She has extensive civil litigation experience in both states. Locally, she is a member of the Peabody Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of the Peabody Rotary Club, and has served on the Peabody Board of Registrars since 2006. Nationally, Ms. Gordon serves on the Board of Advisors of\u00a0Global Genes|RARE Project\u00a0and the\u00a0Rare Disease Report.\u00a0\u00a0She is the 2004 winner of the North of Boston Business and Professional Women of the Year award for non-profit organizations, and the 2005 recipient of the Mary Upton Ferrin Award for leadership in her community. She was honored as a Community Hero by Jewish Family Services in April 2009. Under her leadership as PRF\u2019s founding President and Executive Director, PRF was first awarded a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (which has endured for the past 5 years), and PRF received Research!America\u2019s 2014 Paul G. Rogers Distinguished Organization Advocacy Award for bringing progeria from obscurity to the forefront of successful translational research.<\/p> Medical Director She has received the March of Dimes Basil O\u2019Connor Award, the American Heart Association Scientist Development Award, The Gerontological Society of America Award for contributions to Progeria, a National Institutes of Health Bench to Bedside Grant, and the Mother of the Year award from Working Mother Magazine.<\/p> Dr. Gordon earned her bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. She went on to receive a master's degree and medical and doctorate degrees from Brown University and the Brown University School of Medicine respectively, where she achieved top honors in the medical program.<\/p> Clerk \u00a0<\/p> Treasurer Paula L. Kelly, CPA Director of Operations \u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p> Donor Relations Director and Development Officer As a lifelong Peabody resident, she loves working at The Progeria Research Foundation's\u00a0headquarters in her home town. \u00a0Lynne is a 1988 graduate of Salem State College, where she majored in English\/Art. After working many years as a Marketing Representative for A&M\u00a0and Virgin Records, she shifted to part time administration as National Sales Assistant at Epic\u00a0Records and Office Assistant at Universal Distribution.<\/p><\/div> Event Director and Development Officer<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p> Senior Development Officer Previously, Lytta was Director of Development at James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club in Woburn, MA; prior to that she spent eight years in Advancement at the Museum of Science, Boston. Lytta graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she began her fundraising career as a student caller for the university\u2019s Annual Fund.<\/p> Clinical Trial Coordinator\/Family Liaison Molly\u2019s career has been in non-profit organizations assisting families, working at the American Cancer Society in Cleveland, Ohio after graduating from Ohio University.\u00a0 In 2012 she moved east and was a Clinical Care Specialist for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Massachusetts before joining PRF.<\/p> Office Manager\/Executive Assistant \u00a0<\/p> Part-time Executive Administrative Assistant<\/strong> In this position, Christina provides support and manages an extremely active calendar for Dr. Gordon and serves as the primary contact with hospitals, researchers, clinicians, and families throughout the world for scheduling meetings, communications and conference calls.<\/p> Christina has earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University. She has a varied background as an Executive Administrative Assistant, Marketing Manager, and Product Manager. Her attention to detail and motivation to helping others has made it possible to be successful in previous positions.<\/p> Data Specialist \u00a0<\/p>
Barbara Natke comes to The Progeria Research Foundation bringing more than 20 years of Biotech\/Pharma experience.\u00a0 Prior to joining PRF, Dr. Natke served as the Vice President of Business Development at both AVEO Oncology and Samyang Biopharm, USA where she was responsible for creating pipelines of transformative therapies in the areas of rare disease and oncology through partner identification, scientific due diligence assessments and deal negotiations.\u00a0 Prior, Dr. Natke served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility in the Shire\/Takeda organization including Scientific Director and Due Diligence Lead.\u00a0 Before making the transition to the business side of the Pharma industry, Barbara spent 8 years running laboratory groups at Genzyme\/Sanofi following her post-doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.\u00a0 Dr. Natke holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine and an MBA from Babson College.<\/p>\nStaff & Advisors<\/h2>\n
Gina works closely with the Executive Director and staff to ensure all financial, human resources, and other operational policies and procedures are followed. All so The Progeria Research Foundation runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. She has held different positions at The Progeria Research Foundation and is enthusiastic about her new role, which began in April 2019! Gina is a graduate of Salem State University.<\/p>\n
Michelle oversees PRF\u2019s development team.\u00a0 She works closely with our Development Specialist on all in-house events including our signature Night of Wonder Gala, Cure Cup Classic Golf Tournament and International Race for Research 5K road race. Michelle manages our ONEpossible, Annual Appeal campaigns and a portfolio of enthusiastic donors. \u00a0Michelle is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and has an MBA from Simmons University.<\/span><\/p>\n
Tracy Lessor brings more than 25 years of experience in science and corporate communications across the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. She previously served as Executive Director of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Schr\u00f6dinger, where she led all external and internal communications. At Amgen, she directed global communications for the biosimilars division, including the launch of the company’s first five biosimilar medicines. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as Senior Vice President at Feinstein Kean Healthcare\/Ogilvy, shaping strategy and storytelling for breakthrough scientific advances. She earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology at the University of Medicine Greenebaum Cancer Center, an M.B.A. at Babson College, and is a board-certified Editor of the Life Sciences (ELS).<\/span><\/p>\n
Karen is responsible for updating and maintaining PRF\u2019s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more!). Working closely with the PRF Staff, Karen also updates all aspects of PRF\u2019s website. Karen has been the volunteer web site specialist since PRF was founded in 1999. She also has the honor of being Sam\u2019s Aunt, and sister to Executive Director Audrey Gordon and Medical Director Leslie Gordon.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/strong>As PRF\u2019s Patient Community Platform Administrator, Marianna is responsible for managing the new community engagement platform. In this position she administers the setup, execution, and daily maintenance alongside the PRF team. Marianna also manages and initiates users\u2019 accounts and permissions, collaborates with the Medical Director\u2019s team to identify potential new patients, and collects feedback from community members and the PRF team to shape platform product features. Marianna has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Rowan University and a Masters in Global Public Health from New York University.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/strong>Martha joins the PRF\u2019s development team with a strong commitment to its mission. She brings more than three decades of experience advancing organizations’ meaningful work through relationship-driven philanthropy, engaging with donors to advance initiatives that improve care, expand access, and accelerate innovation in medical research and health care. As Philanthropy Officer, she strengthens and expands relationships with individuals who seek an opportunity to support PRF.<\/p>\n
Odette came to Progeria Research in March of 2015 and works closely with the Development Team as the part-time Donor Services Assistant. She is responsible for the day-to-day input of gifts into the database and running the corresponding letters of receipt, as well as monitoring the Match Gifts Program. Before coming to PRF, she worked for 15 years as the Administrative Assistant and Database Manager for the Development Office at Austin Preparatory School. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University. In her spare time she manages her family summer home in Maine, travels the world with her husband and helps take care of their 8 grandchildren.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/strong>In this role, Kelly is responsible for managing the systems, data, and processes that support PRF\u2019s fundraising and development activities. This includes ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of development operations, enabling the team to execute donor engagement strategies, track progress, and achieve PRF\u2019s financial goals.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/strong>Darrien is responsible for managing all non-medical logistics for clinical trials, including travel and lodging, while also serving as the primary point of contact for Progeria families. She plays a key role in facilitating communication between PRF and the coordinators from participating Boston hospitals. In addition, she assists the Patient Programs Coordinator with PRF\u2019s other research related programs.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/strong>In her role, Paty provides direct support to PRF\u2019s President and Executive Director, Audrey. She also manages the day-to-day office needs, and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Paty has over 10 years of experience in administrative and operations management. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her daughters, and expressing her creativity through original music.<\/p>\n
Mary works closely with the Medical Director and the PRF team to respond to communications from families and physicians regarding interest in becoming involved in PRF programs including clinical trials.<\/p>\n
Christina is the part-time Executive Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director and Co-Founder of Progeria Research Foundation, Dr. Leslie Gordon.<\/p>\n
Kristine is PRF\u2019s Office Manager and Executive Assistant supporting the daily functions of the President and Executive Director. Her work experience includes ten plus years working in the Treasury and Private Banking divisions of a major bank as well as several years of Real Estate sales experience. Kristine is excited for the opportunity to work in an environment that is making a difference for those who are most vulnerable. Kristine is a Salem State graduate with a BS in Business.<\/p>\nSign Up<\/h2>\n
for Our<\/h2>\n
Updates!<\/h2>\n
Together, we<\/h2>\n
WILL<\/em><\/h2>\n
find the cure!<\/h2>\n
CORPORATE OFFICERS AND STAFF<\/h1>
<\/strong><\/b>![](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/Audrey-GALA-2009.jpg\")
Audrey Gordon, ESQ<\/a>.
<\/strong>Working closely with the Board of Directors, committees, staff and volunteers, Ms. Gordon is responsible for ensuring The Progeria Research Foundation\u2019s financial growth, program development and day to day management.<\/u><\/u><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/LesGala-2009-headshot-edite.jpg\")
Leslie B. Gordon, MD, PhD<\/a><\/strong>
Leslie Gordon is a co-founder of The Progeria Research Foundation\u00a0and serves as the organization's volunteer Medical Director. Dr. Gordon is the Principal Investigator for ongoing PRF programs for Progeria, including the PRF International Progeria Registry<\/a>, Medical and Research Database<\/a>, Cell and Tissue Bank<\/a>, and the Genetic Diagnostics Program<\/a>. She has organized 8 National Institutes of Health-funded, international scientific meetings<\/a> on Progeria. She is Professor of Pediatrics Research at Hasbro Children\u2019s Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, RI; Research Associate in Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children\u2019s Hospital and Research Scientist at Women & Infants Hospital, all in Boston, MA. She was co-author on the 2003 gene discovery for Progeria, lead author of the 2012 Progeria treatment discovery study, and is co-chair of four Progeria clinical drug trials<\/a> at Boston Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>![](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/BGordon1.jpg\")
Barbara F. Gordon, ESQ.<\/strong>
Barbara F. Gordon earned an Associate's Degree from Boston University School of Business in 1955. She married Burt in 1958 and they have four daughters and seven grandchildren. In 1979 she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Boston University and in 1981 a Master's Degree in Education from Salem State College. In 1995 she earned a Juris Doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law, and currently has her own practice. She and her husband are long-standing members of Temple Beth Shalom in Peabody, Massachusetts.<\/p>![](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/P-Kelly-Bio-Photo.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>
<\/b>Paula is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Dean College, teaching Financial and Managerial Accounting for the past five years.\u00a0 Prior to that she worked for Citrin Cooperman (formerly Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson, P.C.) providing accounting and tax services to individuals and small businesses.\u00a0 She also worked as the Director of Corporate Accounting for Dunkin\u2019 Donuts managing financial reporting and the budgeting process.\u00a0 She earned an M.B.A from Providence College and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]<\/p>STAFF<\/strong><\/h1>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Gina-pic.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong>Gina Incrovato<\/a>
<\/strong>Gina works closely with the Executive Director and staff to ensure all financial, human resources, and other operational policies and procedures are followed. All so The Progeria Research Foundation runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. She has held different positions at The Progeria Research Foundation and is enthusiastic about her new role, which began in April 2019!\u00a0 Gina is a graduate of Salem State University.<\/p>![](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/lynne.jpg\")
Lynne MacKenzie<\/a>
<\/strong>Lynne oversees Donor Development (donation tracking, solicitation, data entry, donor\u00a0recognition) and created and maintains PRF\u2019s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, CrowdRise, FirstGiving, and more!).<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/Michelle.jpg\")
<\/strong>Michelle Fino
<\/strong><\/a>Michelle manages all PRF in-house events including our signature Night of Wonder Gala, Cure Cup Classic Golf Tournament and International Race for Research 5K road race.\u00a0 She manages a portfolio of enthusiastic donors and works closely with our PRF Chapters.\u00a0 Media contact,\u00a0Life According to Sam<\/i>\u00a0curriculum lead and many other special projects make life exciting at PRF!\u00a0 Michelle is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and has an MBA from Simmons University.<\/p><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Lytta-e1510670532165.jpg\")
<\/strong>Lytta Teta<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>
Lytta works with the Development team to implement fundraising initiatives, create key messages and materials, and build relationships with long-term donors.<\/p>
<\/strong>Molly McDermott<\/strong><\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Molly-1.png\")
<\/strong>
Molly joined PRF in April 2018 and is the first point of contact with the newly diagnosed families.\u00a0 She works with the hospital\u2019s trial team, as the liaison for the families, on trial related logistics.\u00a0 Molly coordinates trial visits to Boston from all over the world, securing passports, visas, airfare, lodging, setting up visits for the trial families.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/kristineV.png\")
Kristine Valente<\/a><\/strong>
Kristine is PRF\u2019s Office Manager and Executive Assistant supporting the daily functions of the President and Executive Director. Her work experience includes ten plus years working in the Treasury and Private Banking divisions of a major bank as well as several years of Real Estate sales experience.\u00a0 Kristine is excited for the opportunity to work in an environment that is making a difference for those who are most vulnerable. Kristine is a Salem State graduate with a BS in Business.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Christina.jpg\")
Christina Sollecito<\/strong><\/a>
Christina is the part-time Executive Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director and Co-Founder of Progeria Research Foundation, Dr. Leslie Gordon.<\/p>
<\/strong>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Odette-Pic.jpg\")
Odette Kent<\/a>
<\/strong>Odette came to Progeria in March of 2015 and works closely with the Development Team as the part-time Donor Services Assistant.\u00a0 She is responsible for the day to day input of gifts into the database and running the corresponding letters of receipt as well as monitoring the Match Gifts Program.\u00a0 Before coming to Progeria, she worked for 15 years as the Administrative Assistant and Database Manager for the Development Office at Austin Preparatory School.\u00a0 She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University.\u00a0 In her spare time she manages her family summer home in Maine, travels the world with her husband and helps take care of their 5 grandchildren.<\/p>
![](\"https:\/\/www.progeriaresearch.org\/assets\/images\/about_prf_images\/KarenB.jpg\")