Meet Our Board of Directors

Jennifer Martin, President

​Jennifer is a classical educator with Classical Conversations, a leading program in home education. She is passionate about nurturing a love of learning in students and teachers. Prior to becoming a middle school director and tutor, Jennifer owned her own business from 2008-2014 working as a childbirth educator and doula. She served as Community Outreach Director for Dayton Area Labor Support in Dayton, Ohio, from 2009-2011. Jennifer's youngest two children were diagnosed in 2014 with a frameshift mutation of the GATAD2B gene due to a rare method of inheritance. The lack of adequate support, resources, and patient education for GAND families at that time were major factors in her motivation to start a charitable organization to serve this rare community. Jennifer lives with her husband Chris, an aeronautical engineer and Air Force Reservist, and their five children in Alabama.

Tammy Ruh, Vice President

Tammy is currently a registered dental hygienist of 11 years.  She is also a travel agent who specializes in working with special needs families. At 2 years of age, Tammy’s son was diagnosed in 2016 with a pathogenic variant in the GATAD2B gene. Since then, Tammy has been an active member of the GAND community, striving to connect with families and support Helping Hands for GAND in various ways. She has a passion for helping improve the lives of not only those with GAND, but all those affected by a disability. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband Donovan and 2 children.

Kristen McConnell, Secretary

Kristen McConnell is an ICU nurse specializing in neuroscience. She is also a writer who has written about the ethics of intensive care and about healthcare from a nurse's perspective, and she is passionate about helping people be knowledgeable and comfortable when faced with challenging medical situations. Her daughter was diagnosed with a GATAD2B mutation in 2017, at nine years old. She lives in New York with her husband Andrew, a high school English teacher, and their two daughters. ​

Chris Weaver, Treasurer

Chris is currently the President of Weaver Realty Group, a commercial real estate firm located in Jacksonville, FL. His activities include overseeing day-to-day operations for the management portfolio, tenant and capital improvement projects, quality control management, monitoring productivity, and most importantly ensuring the company meets client satisfaction. He is a Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, Certified General Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional. He is also a member of a C12 Group whose mission is to build a great business for a great purpose. At the age of 4, Chris's middle daughter was diagnosed with a pathogenic variant in the GATAD2B gene. Chris lives in Florida with his wife Meghan and three children.

Seth Duell, Director of Development

Seth has over 15 years of experience in fundraising and currently works as Development Director for 99 Balloons, an organization seeking to change the story of disability by building inclusive communities for families experiencing disability. After earning his Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas in 2010, Seth spent the following 5 years on staff at Endeavor Foundation writing grants for organizations working to make an impact in communities of Northwest Arkansas. In 2017, his infant son was diagnosed with GAND. Passionate about making the world a more accepting and equal place for people with disabilities, Seth is excited to see his son grow and move mountains. He lives with his wife Mindy and 6 children in Arkansas.