Meet Our Board of Directors

Mindy Youngs, President

Mindy is a marketing and operations leader with a passion for building community and creating meaningful connections. She helped launch Helping Hands for GAND in 2015 and previously served on the Board of Directors as Secretary from September 2015 to October 2019.  Mindy’s daughter was diagnosed at 18 months old with a nonsense variant in the GATAD2B gene. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis with limited resources and support inspired her ongoing commitment to helping families feel connected, informed, and supported. Mindy has been involved in philanthropy since 2008, including serving as Vice President of the Walters Family Foundation for over 11 years. Professionally, Mindy brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and currently serves as Senior Director of Event Marketing Operations at Procore Technologies. Her background in building and scaling programs, aligning teams, and driving operational excellence supports her leadership as Helping Hands for GAND continues to grow its impact. Mindy lives with her family in California and is passionate about advancing awareness, fostering connections, and ensuring no family navigating GAND feels alone.

Jennifer Martin, President Emeritus

​Jennifer is a classical educator, voice teacher, and high school speech and debate coach. She is passionate about effective communication and nurturing a love of learning in students and teachers. Prior to becoming an educator, Jennifer owned her own business from 2008-2014 working as a childbirth instructor and doula. She served as Community Outreach Director for Dayton Area Labor Support in Dayton, Ohio, from 2009-2011. In 2018, she began volunteering for the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association and currently serves as their National Tabulation Director. Jennifer's youngest two children were diagnosed in 2014 with a frameshift variant of the GATAD2B gene. 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 12 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 Connecticut with her husband Andrew, a high school English teacher, and their two daughters. ​

Rachel Trager, Family Support Director

Rachel is currently a Stay-at-Home Mom. Before raising children, Rachel received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Towson University. Upon finishing undergraduate school, she became a Nursing Home Administrator. Realizing her passion for people and the opportunity to own her own business, a hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, was her next career choice. At 2½ years of age, Rachel's daughter was diagnosed with a GATAD2B mutation. From that day forward, Rachel has made it her mission to advocate for her daughter and other children. Rachel strives to ensure that her child and other children can obtain every opportunity to be their best people. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

Abi Taylor, Director of Records Management

Abi is a veterinarian who has been employed in the private, military, and academic sectors. Most recently, since 2013, she has been in academia, including 10 years as clinical faculty at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, teaching primary care surgical and clinical skills, and as Director of their Simulation Lab. In 2019, at the age of 4, Abi’s daughter was diagnosed with a GATAD2B mutation. She and her family have benefited greatly from the wisdom and support of the Helping Hands for GAND community, and she is eager to ‘Pass It On’. Over the past 10 years, she has learned to be a passionate advocate for her daughter and hopes to extend this to all families affected by GAND. Abi lives with her husband, Brett, and her daughter in Boulder, Colorado, where they enjoy exploring the mountains in sun and snow!

Officers

Chris Weaver, Treasurer

Chris Weaver is a husband, father, business leader, and advocate for the GATAD2B community. Alongside his wife and family, he has experienced firsthand the challenges and joys of raising their daughter, Rowan, who is among the earliest identified individuals diagnosed with GATAD2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Through Rowan's journey, their family has developed a deep commitment to supporting other families affected by rare genetic disorders and advancing awareness, research, and community connection.  Professionally, Chris serves as President of Weaver Realty Group, a commercial real estate and property management firm. He is a Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, Certified General Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional. Chris and his family are also actively involved in international missions through Care4Communities in Roatán, Honduras. As Treasurer of the GATAD2B Foundation, he is honored to combine his professional expertise with his personal passion for serving a community that has become an important part of his family's journey. Chris and his wife Meghan, along with their three children live in Florida.