Executive Team

Stacie Lindsey

Founder & CEO

Lehi, Utah

Stacie Lindsey

Stacie’s brother, Mark Clements, was diagnosed in 2005 and ultimately passed away from Cholangiocarcinoma on January 19, 2007. Stacie advocated for her brother, extensively researched treatment options and began networking with other patients, researchers and healthcare professionals. From this experience, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation was born.

Stacie is a founding member and has served on the board of directors since its inception. Stacie resides in Lehi, Utah, where she is the mother of five children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and is an active member in her church and community.

Melinda Bachini

Chief Patient Officer

Billings, Montana

Melinda Bachini

Melinda Bachini is a 12-year survivor of cholangiocarcinoma. She was treated at the National Cancer Institute with a clinical trial using Adoptive Cell Therapy.

Melinda is married and the mother of six children, grandmother to one. She is passionate about patient advocacy. Her personal experience with previous and current treatments allows for great insight into patients participating in clinical trials. She shares her story with as many cancer patients as possible in hopes of giving support to those in need.

Melinda serves as a patient advocate for the NCI Hepatobiliary Task Force, the NCI Patient Advocate Steering Committee (PASC), ECOG-ACRIN GI Committee, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Advocacy Committee, NCI Council of Research Advocates, and the NCCN Hepatobiliary Guidelines Panel.

Kourtney Sanchez

Chief Development Officer

Tampa, Florida

Kourtney Sanchez

As Chief Development Officer for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Kourtney Sanchez provides strategic direction and leadership for the organization’s fundraising and communications teams.

Kourtney has spent her career raising millions of dollars through major gifts, corporate cause marketing, events, and other diverse revenue streams. She developed her fundraising and communications expertise within various nonprofit organizations with a focus on healthcare, serving missions she is passionate about. She is a purpose-driven, goal-oriented leader who is versatile and visionary.

Kourtney earned her Master's in Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. She is a third-generation Florida native and resides in Tampa, FL with her husband, son, and two cats.

Alli Ward

Chief Operating Officer

Catonsville, Maryland

Alli Ward

Alli Ward is the VP & Chief Operating Officer. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years, focusing on supporting those affected by cancer. Alli has a passion for working with others and developing their skills.

Alli earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Salisbury State University. Before working in non-profits, she has experience in social work and over ten years in business processes and analysis.

Alli resides in Catonsville, MD, with her husband, two stepdaughters, and a 3-legged dog. Alli spends her free time outdoors, camping, traveling, and cooking.

Juan Valle MD

Chief Medical Officer

Boulder, Colorado

Juan Valle, MD

Dr. Valle most recently served as a professor and honorary consultant in medical oncology at the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in Manchester UK. Dr. Valle was part of a team establishing the first standard of care for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma in 2009 and is a founding member of the International Biliary Tract Cancer Consortium. He established the Christie Neuroendocrine European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Centre of Excellence in Manchester and was a member of the ENETS Advisory Board. He also chaired the UK National Cancer Research Institute neuroendocrine subgroup and was a member of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer subgroups. His research focused on developing new therapies for pancreatic, biliary, and neuroendocrine cancers and he has been instrumental in designing and developing many clinical trials.

Throughout his career, Dr. Valle has made significant contributions to the field, authored numerous publications, including over 300 scientific articles, and received multiple research grants to support his work. His research set the standard for patient care in cholangiocarcinoma.

Team

Kaylin Allenbrand

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Denver, Colorado

Kaylin Allenbrand

Serving as the Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Kaylin is dedicated to delivering growth and expansion of programs, driving strategic industry partnerships, and propelling the mission of the Foundation.

With over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, particularly within pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Kaylin has a deep passion for patient and clinical support, advocacy, and innovation. Her passion for problem-solving and entrepreneurial mindset have been instrumental in navigating the intricacies of the healthcare industry while identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Kaylin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband and very spoiled dog, Rylee.

Tiffany Brimer

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Jacksonville, Florida

Tiffany Brimer

Tiffany is a seasoned executive assistant deeply rooted in the healthcare sector, skilled in managing complex schedules and refining administrative operations with a steadfast commitment to enhancing patient experiences. Motivated by her mother’s brave fight against HER2 breast cancer, she embodies empathy and resilience in every endeavor. Tiffany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration and lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her son and two cats, Billy and Simba. Outside of her professional realm, she cherishes engaging in themed book clubs, exploring new travel destinations, and delighting in thought-provoking podcasts and culinary adventures.

Claire Condrey

Volunteer Manager

Fort Worth, Texas

Claire Condrey

Claire Condrey has over 15 years’ experience supporting volunteers and planning events. She spent the beginning of her career working in ministry and is excited to bring her skills to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Claire greatly enjoys having the opportunity to equip and encourage others as they use their special skills and unique experiences to make a positive impact on other’s lives.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Claire received her BA in Sociology from Louisiana State University. Shortly after graduating she moved to Texas for work and loves both states. Claire has an energetic toddler who joyfully consumes her free time. She also has a formerly energetic dog that tries to keep up with the pair.

Sydney Correa

Executive Assistant to the COO

Austin, Texas

Claire Condrey

Sydney became part of CCF in October 2023, becoming Executive Assistant to the VP & Chief Operating Officer. She is driven by her passion for streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency, aiding others, and maintaining a deep commitment to creating a better world.

Outside of work, you'll find her tending to her herb garden, playing tennis, or enjoying the company of her golden retriever, Chai, in California.

Mary Dalling

Senior Accountant

Herriman, Utah

Mary Dalling

Mary Dalling is our Senior Accountant. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Utah and has a Master of Accounting Degree with nearly 25 years of accounting experience, including in the nonprofit sector. Mary has been with the Foundation since 2010 and has witnessed its tremendous growth over the years. She is grateful for the opportunity she has to use her knowledge and skills to assist with furthering the mission of the Foundation.

Mary and her husband, Eric, reside in Herriman, Utah, and have four children and four grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys running, bread making, serving in her church, and hanging out with family.

Allison Deragon

Digital Media Manager

Cincinnati, Ohio

Allison Deragon

Allison is a marketing professional with 3+ years of experience in social media management, content marketing and branding. During Allison’s last year of college, she connected with the Foundation through a family friend and joined the team of Social Media Volunteers. She has continued to be involved in a full time role with the Foundation ever since. Allison received a Bachelor of Science in Communications with an emphasis in Digital and Social Media Marketing from Brigham Young University- Idaho. She resides in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and has a passion for health and fitness.

Carli Good

Director of Individual Giving

Kansas City, Missouri

Carli Good

Carli has over 20 years of nonprofit leadership and development experience. She has worked with prominent healthcare organizations such as the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Passionate about health equity, she has consistently advocated for accessible, affordable health care and led fundraising and donor relations efforts. Carli and her family live in Kansas City, Missouri. She is often found cheering at her kids’ soccer games, watching their theatre productions, or enjoying the outdoors with her dogs, PK & Evie.

Kim Kempf MA, LPC

CholangioConnect
Project Manager

Saint Joseph, Missouri

Kim Kempf

Kim Kempf serves as the CholangioConnect Project Manager. In her role, she works to connect patients and caregivers with mentors who provide critical support, information, and resources. As a rare cancer survivor herself, Kim understands the healing power of community and connection.

Prior to her work with CCF, Kim spent 25 years working in leadership roles in the mental health and victim services fields. Most recently, she served as Grants Management Director for a nonprofit organization in her community. She has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri.

Kim resides in St. Joseph, Missouri with her cat, Oreo, and has 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dining out, and listening to live music.

Myria Kelly

Communications Project Manager

Chicago, Illinois

Myria Kelly

Myria first worked with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in 2015 when she was in charge of organizing the travel and lodging arrangements for the annual conference in Salt Lake City. While booking travel for the foundation, she had the opportunity to speak with scores of doctors, researchers, foundation staff and patients, and was consistently awed by the reach, support, and advocacy the foundation provides. In 2020, Myria joined the organization as their Program & Operations coordinator. Myria lives in Joliet with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She is an avid runner and ran the 2021 Chicago Marathon as a member of TeamCCF.

Laurie Kikel

Database & Revenue Operations Manager

Saratoga Springs, Utah

Laurie Kikel

Laurie Kikel, resides in Saratoga Springs, UT. She is a mother of four and a wife. Her first 22 years of her career were spent primarily working in customer service and management positions. In 2011 she lost her father to pancreatic Cancer. In 2012 when she was given the opportunity to join the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation she decided to make a career change. She joined CCF as a part time assistant to Stacie Lindsey and has been a part of the CCF community ever since. She currently holds the full time position of Development Coordinator.

Marti Loughney

Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer

Mogadore, Ohio

Marti Loughney

Marti is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer. She is a lifelong Northeast Ohio resident and comes to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation with over 25 years of high-level executive support experience. Before joining CCF, Marti was the Special Assistant to the Dean/CEO of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Marti is married with five mostly grown children, with 2 being nationally competing para-athletes. She can be found at home or on a beach when she is not traveling the United States helping her teens pursue their athletic dreams.

Emma Mach

Patient Outreach Manager

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Emma Mach

Emma is a transplant from the Chicagoland area who now calls Fort Wayne, IN home. As the Advocacy Coordinator, Emma works hand-in-hand with the CCF Director of Advocacy. Emma serves as the first point of contact for newly diagnosed patients and caregivers. She strives to be a strong advocate for all affected by this disease by providing personal and attentive care. By helping patients and caregivers navigate the next steps, Emma serves as a resource, providing hope, access to educational webinars, and connections to online support tools, all to alleviate distress. In her free time, she likes spending time playing sand volleyball and cooking.

Trish Mars

Annual Giving Manager

Lexington, Kentucky

Trish Mars

Trish worked in cancer philanthropy for several years before joining the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation development team. Her husband, Ken Mars, was diagnosed in 2018 with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. After chemotherapy and radioembolization treatments, he was placed on a liver transplant list and received a transplant on Thanksgiving of 2020.

Trish serves as an advocate and caregiver for her husband and utilizes the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation as a resource. Due to her personal and professional experiences, Trish jumped at the chance to join the staff in 2022. Trish resides in the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, Kentucky, and loves attending the Fall and Spring Thoroughbred Horse Races at the legendary Keeneland Racetrack. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Care Administration from Midway University.

Meredith McGuffage

Community Fundraising & Events Coordinator

Chicago, Illinois

Meredith McGuffage

Meredith serves as TeamCCF Coordinator for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. In her role, she will be responsible for the recruitment and management of TeamCCF participants at events throughout the United States.

Before joining CCF, Meredith was the race director for two local 5Ks that raised funds for both melanoma and pediatric brain cancer. She is the running coach for her sons’ grammar school and helps organize a multi-school track meet in the Spring. Running and fitness have always been a passion of Meredith’s.

Meredith is married and the mother of two boys. She and her family live in the Beverly neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago.

Amy Medley LMSW

Director of Programs

Nashville, Tennesee

Amy Chart, LMSW

Amy Chart is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with an extensive background in mental health and well-being program management and clinical social work in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Amy received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. She has a passion for supporting and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

Amy is a Wisconsin native residing in Nashville, Tennessee, with her fiancé and Doberman puppy named Chicken. Amy reads a new book weekly and enjoys drinking coffee, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants in her free time.

Frida Nobles

Advocacy Executive Assistant

Orlando, Florida

Frida Nobles

Frida is a Mississippi native but currently resides in the state of Florida where she is a very proud mother of 2.

Prior to joining the Advocacy Team here at CCF as their Executive Admin, Frida worked at Universal Orlando Resort for over 10 years primarily in the same capacity. Universal boasts an atmosphere of Professionalism, Service and FUN one that Frida hopes to bring to her new family here at CCF. As happy as she was to be a part of the Consumer and Hospitality Industry, Frida is overjoyed to return to her roots and be a part of a team of Service and Support based work.

Frida’s has previously worked at the following Non-Profits, Big Brothers Big Sisters of MS, State of MS Families First Programs and Willowod Developmental Center. She is a graduate of both Jackson State University (JSU, BA) and University of Phoenix (UoP,MS).

Ashokkumar A. Patel MD

Director of
Clinical Research & Data

Palo Alto, California

Ashokkumar A. Patel, MD

Ash, Director of Clinical Research & Data, holds a BSc in Medical Technology and Biology, an MD, and has 20+ years of experience in medical informatics, biobank management, and data analytics. Leading our cholangiocarcinoma research, Ash oversees the International Cholangiocarcinoma Research Network (ICRN) and manages industry relationships, grants, data dissemination, patient advocacy, and conference representation.

Ash's drive for cancer research stems from personal experience, and he is committed to finding new treatments. A dedicated family man from Cleveland, Ash enjoys traveling and making memories with loved ones. His expertise propels our mission to find a cure for bile duct cancer and improve patients' quality of life.

Rick Pollock

Director of Creative Services

Stansbury Park, Utah

Rick Pollock

Rick's brother-in-law, Mark Clements was diagnosed in October of 2005 with cholangiocarcinoma. Rick has been involved with the foundation since its inception.

He grew up in Ogden, Utah, and attended the University of Utah where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication. While employed as the Marketing/Promotions Director for KENZ-FM, he met his wife, Amy after she won a radio station trip to Hawaii. Rick worked for Salt Lake Organizing Committee during the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He has been designing print materials professionally since 1992 and websites since 1998.

Lourdes Rocha-Nussbaum MA, CCLS

Director of Patient Services

Golden, Colorado

Lourdes Rocha-Nussbaum

Lourdes has been connected to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation since 2010 after her father was diagnosed with the disease. She began volunteering after his passing in 2012, helping in different areas as needed, and later focusing on the Vietnam Veterans program in 2019. Lourdes is a Certified Child Life Specialist by training and prior to joining the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in a full-time role, she worked as a Child Life Specialist in children’s hospitals in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and most recently in the Denver area. Lourdes earned her Master of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2006. She is a California native, who is currently living in Golden, Colorado.

Ramona Steele CPA, MBA

Director of Finance

Saint Joseph, Missouri

Ramona Steele

Ramona Steele is the Director of Finance. She has worked in the nonprofit industry for the last 9 years and has over 25 years of accounting and finance experience. Ramona is excited to support the mission in her financial role.

Ramona is a Certified Public Accountant and is licensed in the state of Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Missouri Western State University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University.

Ramona and her husband Mike live in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and have 2 grown children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and cooking.

Jen Sorensen

Database & Revenue Operations Coordinator

Herriman, Utah

Jen Sorensen

Jen is our part-time Development Assistant. She is responsible for supporting our development services staff and assisting in the maintenance of our donor records. Jen is a wife and mother of two boys. In 2011 she lost her father to pancreatic cancer, and in 2017 she lost her oldest son to anaphylaxis. She is an active member of her church and community. Jen and her family reside in Herriman, Utah.

Before joining the CCF team, Jen had a career in the mortgage industry for over 15 years and worked in her local High School for the past 9 years.

Karen Templeton MA

Director of Communications

Birmingham, Alabama

Karen Templeton

Karen has two decades of experience in public relations, media strategy, and risk and crisis communications. She has spent a significant amount of time in her career building and executing communication strategies for higher education institutions. Working with faculty researchers and at a government regulatory agency has provided her with opportunities to translate crucial scientific information for specific stakeholders and the public. As a volunteer, she has spoken to elected officials on Capitol Hill about the importance of funding cancer research. She’s inspired by her dad’s untimely passing from pancreatic cancer and is honored to work at an organization dedicated to improving outcomes for patients and their families.

Karen loves going on adventures with her husband Brian and their children Joseph and Cora. She has a penchant for travel, cooking, and shelter dogs, particularly one she rescued named Phoebe.

Cindy Thomas

CholangioConnect Coordinator

Boise, Idaho

Cindy Thomas

When a cancer diagnosis suddenly arises, it isn’t common for one’s first thoughts to about helping others. Yet those are exactly the extraordinary individuals Cindy Thomas works with on a daily basis. Cindy is a part-time volunteer coordinator and works to connect volunteers to the critically important programs at CCF. She began working for the Foundation in 2018. She loves working with immensely inspiring individuals that give so much despite the challenge of cholangiocarcinoma. She lives in Boise, Idaho, and is a wife and mother to four girls. Cindy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Zoology/Pre-Med and enjoys church service, gardening, and a good dance party.

Candace Tise MPA

Community Fundraising & Events Manager

Winchester, Virginia

Candace Tise

As the Peer-to-Peer & Third-Party Fundraising Specialist, Candace works with CCF’s generous and enthusiastic volunteer fundraisers to organize and implement a variety of creative fundraisers that generate the financial support crucial to fulfilling CCF’s mission.

Candace has worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations with missions ranging from hunger relief, to mental health services and crisis intervention, to equitable education access. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Virginia Tech University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Penn State University. An Appalachia native, Candace now resides in Texas with her husband, dog Vinny, and cat Myla. She enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and cheese in any form.

Elise Weidman

Administrative Assistant

Layton, Utah

Elise Weidman

Elise attended Utah State University earning an Associate of Science and Weber State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Weber State University. In 2018 Elise adventured across the country to participate in a Disney Internship, where she worked as a food and beverage Cast Member at Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom. She resides in Layton, Utah, with her dog Bella. She enjoys reading, traveling, dinosaurs, and Disney.

Prior to joining the CCF team, she was an Event Coordinator Assistant at Weber State University.

Sarah Williams

Executive Assistant to the CDO

St. Petersburg, Florida

Sarah Williams

Sarah joined CCF in the Spring of 2023 as our Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer. She has over fifteen years of experience helping senior executives in various nonprofits. She loves to make their life easier by doing high-quality work, communicating well, organizing everything, and solving problems. She also loves to help others achieve their goals, which is why she joined CCF. She's passionate about our cause and wants to make a difference in the world.

Sarah lives in Florida, where the sun always shines, and the fun never stops. She likes to go on adventures with her husband, Matt, and their two kids, Wyatt and Phoebe. They explore different places, try new things, and have a blast together. Sarah also enjoys listening to audiobooks, doing house projects, and giving affection to her family’s many animals, which currently consist of three cats, nine rabbits, and a fish.