leadership
Medical Liaison
Dr. Stephen Kinsman, a Pediatric Neurologist, is the Dyspraxia Foundation USA’s first Medical Liaison. He has extensive experience helping children with Dyspraxia and has a newly diagnosed grandson. He will be engaged in our mission to raise awareness, especially in the medical community.
Stephen L. Kinsman, M.D.
Medical Liaison
Bachelor of Arts at Columbia College and MD at SUNY at Buffalo in Buffalo New York.
Practiced Pediatric Neurology in many settings, including running a few divisions, participating in many research projects, and National Leadership and Advocacy with The Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA). Now a Physician Case Reviewer for Magellan Healthcare. Has been interested in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Dyspraxia for over 20 years.
Active as a husband, father and step-father, grandfather, and “down the block” son-in-law, to his wife’s aging parents (one of whom has a neurologic illness and disability).
Grandson was diagnosed with DCD and Dyspraxia and his daughter’s research for knowledge, resources and support led their family to Dyspraxia USA.
leadership
Medical Liaison
Dr. Stephen Kinsman, a Pediatric Neurologist, is the Dyspraxia Foundation USA’s first Medical Liaison. He has extensive experience helping children with Dyspraxia and has a newly diagnosed grandson. He will be engaged in our mission to raise awareness, especially in the medical community.
Stephen L. Kinsman, M.D.
Medical Liaison
Bachelor of Arts at Columbia College and MD at SUNY at Buffalo in Buffalo New York
Practiced Pediatric Neurology in many settings, including running a few divisions, participating in many research projects, and National Leadership and Advocacy with The Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA). Now a Physician Case Reviewer for Magellan Healthcare. Has been interested in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Dyspraxia for over 20 years.
Active as a husband, father and step-father, grandfather, and “down the block” son-in-law, to his wife’s aging parents (one of whom has a neurologic illness and disability).
Grandson was diagnosed with DCD and Dyspraxia and his daughter’s research for knowledge, resources and support led their family to Dyspraxia USA.
Board of Directors
Each member of the Board of Directors shares the common goal of bringing Dyspraxia Awareness to the United States and beyond. They have all been impacted by Dyspraxia and hope to offer support and services to others.
Warren Fried
Executive Director, President, Founder, Chief Advocate
University College Chichester, West Sussex, England.
Chief Advocate Dyspraxia USA / Entertainment with Jeremy Kareken.
Married over 11 years and has 6 year old twins who also live with Dyspraxia.
Because 1 in 10 matters.
Jessica Applegate
Treasurer
BA, UNC Greensboro. Currently completing MBA at UNC Wilmington.
Executive Director for The North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented.
Homeschooling mother of five children; runner and exercise enthusiast.
For almost eighteen years I have watched one professional after another ignore a very early recognition of what an occupational therapist called developmental coordination delay. Most attempts to receive help ended with someone telling us that they could see something was “off” about my oldest son, but they couldn’t diagnose it. For those of us who rely on help from insurance to cover medical costs, no diagnosis equals no treatment. Because of this, he missed out on important opportunities to receive the proper support and care, and it has impacted him socially, cognitively, emotionally, and in every other part of his life. I often wonder how different his life might be had our medical system been willing and able to have him diagnosed and treated. Ignoring Dyspraxia will not make it go away. Individuals with Dyspraxia need and deserve to have appropriate and early recognition, and support throughout their lives to help them reach their full potential.
Allison Berger
Secretary
James Madison University, BA, Georgia Institute of Technology, MBA.
Marketing Strategy Consultant serving clients from start – ups and nonprofits to Fortune 100 brands.
I have two daughters, on e diagnosed early on with dyspraxia. I have learned an incredible amount about dyspraxia and brain development in general and find it all fascinating. I am grateful for this opportunity with Dyspraxia Foundation USA to combine my personal and professional passions.
I have found that there is less knowledge and understanding of dyspraxia in the US than other western countries. It is important to increase awareness so that we can better diagnose, remediate and accommodate this growing population. I was fortunate to be able to dedicate a significant amount of time and resources early on to support my child and want to help other caregivers navigate their paths.
Bob Delaney
Director of Organizational Development
St Mary’s College of California: MA Leadership – Traumatic Stress. NJ City University – Bachelor Science Criminology.
Well known author. PTS Advocate. Supporting Military. Honors President Obama (2010). NBA Hall of Fame: Human Spirit Award. Recognized via TAPS. Special advisor Southeastern Conference and NBA Cares Ambassador. Awarded highest honor: National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Passionate leader 30 plus years in sports. One of the most dedicated referees in the history of the NBA. Former State Trooper. Has appeared in many forms of media.
Because each citizen matters.
Teri Flynn
Sports, Media and Entertainment. Co Board Chair
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
James Gocel, PhD
Head of Governmental and Charitable Funding
University of Illinois at Chicago (BA Music, PhD Neurobiology)
US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University, Neurology Research.
Classical musician, fluorescent imaging/electrophysiology of the brain, and neurodivergent parent of four neurodivergent children.
Empowering neurodivergent individuals in the workplace through education and inclusion creates innovation.
Julie Van Bysteren
Head Volunteer
Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Linfield School of Nursing, Portland Oregon 2002. Currently pursuing Masters of Science in Nursing, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Frontier Nursing University.
Registere d Nurse 20 + years, specialized in hospice since 2011. Veteran of United States Marine Corps.
I am a wife and mother of 4 children, grandmother to 3. I live in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. We have a small off grid homestead where I raise goats, rabbits, chickens and guinea fowl. I also run a Facebook page called All Things Dyspraxia, where I hope to further spread awareness and support parents who are on this dyspraxia journey.
After our youngest son and third child was born in 2004, we saw a constellation of developmental differences that we had not previously encoun tered. As he got older these differences became more evident, but no one seemed to know what it was or how to help. I finally took him to see a neuropsychologist at Doernbecher Childrens hospital who diagnosed him with Dyspraxia. A few years later, our you ngest daughter who was born in 2008, began exhibiting her own set of developmental concerns, we went back to the neuropsychologist who diagnosed her with dyspraxia as well. Since then it has been a struggle to get them the supports they need as awareness in this area is sorely lacking. Many experienced teachers and educational professionals are yet to hear the word, let alone understand its lifetime effects. Partly due to this, we have homeschooled them since 2012. I want more for my children. I want them to be supported, understood and recognized for their unique strengths throughout their lives.
Jeremiah White
Head of Finance. Board Chair
Wake Forest University
Accra Capital Partners (Hedge Fund) White Sport Ventures (Private Equity)
Former US National Team soccer player, four children, one with Dyspraxia.
By understanding and addressing Dyspraxia, we can provide targeted support and interventions to help those affected lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Dr. Matt Zakreski
Head of DEI
Wake Forest University (BA in psychology and communication). Widener University (Doctor of Psychology)
Co-founder and Director of Therapy for The Neurodiversity Collective. Professional speaker and trainer.
Professional cartoonist. Father of two Neurodivergent kiddos.
When we increase awareness and knowledge of dyspraxia, we help all people who serve kids to understand more about their specific neurotypes and how to intervene.
Mitchell I. Fried
Board Member
University of Florida with a B.A. Psychology and J.D.
Admitted to practice law in Florida and New York.
Married for 47 years with two boys.
To help those with the condition understand why they may have limitations which are no fault of their own, and that the limitations may be overcome.
Jeremy Karekan
Board Member
University of Chicago and the Actors Studio Drama School
Currently a playwright living in New York and Baltimore. His play The Lifespan of a Fact ran from 2018–2019 on Broadway and starred Daniel Radcliffe, Bobby Cannavale, and Cherry Jones. Served as producer and researcher for Bravo TV’s Inside the Actors Studio. As an actor he appeared in a number of commercials and two feature films.
Two children.
Jeremy is passionate about improving access to education and professional development for all neurodiverse children.
Alex Molden
Board Member
College graduate (Bachelor of Science) Univ. of Oregon
Author (The Ultimate Playbook for High Achievement), International Speaker, Personal Development Coach, Consultant, and Podcast Host (The Shark Effect).
Former NFL Defensive back (’96–’04). Married. Proud father of 8.
Our son was misdiagnosed with so many different syndromes…we couldn’t get a straight answer. It was very unsettling. When we found out that his diagnosis had a name it calmed our nerves and helped us navigate the struggles that were ahead of us. It’s not that scary…but being in the unknown is.
Board of Directors
Each member of the Board of Directors shares the common goal of bringing Dyspraxia Awareness to the United States and beyond. They have all been impacted by Dyspraxia and hope to offer support and services to others.
Warren Fried
Executive Director, President, Founder, Chief Advocate
University College Chichester, West Sussex, England
Chief Advocate Dyspraxia USA / Entertainment with Jeremy Kareken
Married over 11 years and has 6 year old twins who also live with Dyspraxia
Because 1 in 10 matters.
Jessica Applegate
Treasurer
BA, UNC Greensboro. Currently completing MBA at UNC Wilmington.
Executive Director for The North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented.
Homeschooling mother of five children; runner and exercise enthusiast.
For almost eighteen years I have watched one professional after another ignore a very early recognition of what an occupational therapist called developmental coordination delay. Most attempts to receive help ended with someone telling us that they could see something was “off ” about my oldest son, but they couldn’t diagnose it. For those of us who rely on help from insurance to cover medical costs, no diagnosis equals no treatment. Because of this, he missed out on important opportunities to receive the proper support and care, and it has impacted him socially, cognitively, emotionally, and in every other part of his life. I often wonder how different his life might be had our medical system been willing and able to have him diagnosed and treated. Ignoring Dyspraxia will not make it go away. Individuals with Dyspraxia need and deserve to have appropriate and early recognition, and support throughout their lives to help them reach their full potential.
Allison Berger
Secretary
James Madison University, BA, Georgia Institute of Technology, MBA.
Marketing Strategy Consultant serving clients from start – ups and nonprofits to Fortune 100 brands.
I have two daughters, on e diagnosed early on with dyspraxia. I have learned an incredible amount about dyspraxia and brain development in general and find it all fascinating. I am grateful for this opportunity with Dyspraxia Foundation USA to combine my personal and professional passions.
I have found that there is less knowledge and understanding of dyspraxia in the US than other western countries. It is important to increase awareness so that we can better diagnose, remediate and accommodate this growing population. I was fortunate to be able to dedicate a significant amount of time and resources early on to support my child and want to help other caregivers navigate their paths.
Bob Delaney
Director of Organizational Development
St Mary’s College of California: MA Leadership – Traumatic Stress. NJ City University – Bachelor Science Criminology.
Well known author. PTS Advocate. Supporting Military. Honors President Obama (2010). NBA Hall of Fame: Human Spirit Award. Recognized via TAPS. Special advisor Southeastern Conference and NBA Cares Ambassador. Awarded highest honor: National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Passionate leader 30 plus years in sports. One of the most dedicated referees in the history of the NBA. Former State Trooper. Has appeared in many forms of media.
Because each citizen matters.
Teri Flynn
Sports, Media and Entertainment. Co Board Chair
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
James Gocel, PhD
Head of Governmental and Charitable Funding
University of Illinois at Chicago (BA Music, PhD Neurobiology)
US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University, Neurology Research.
Classical musician, fluorescent imaging/electrophysiology of the brain, and neurodivergent parent of four neurodivergent children.
Empowering neurodivergent individuals in the workplace through education and inclusion creates innovation.
Julie Van Bysteren
Head Volunteer
Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Linfield School of Nursing, Portland Oregon 2002. Currently pursuing Masters of Science in Nursing, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Frontier Nursing University.
Registered Nurse 20 + years, specialized in hospice since 2011. Veteran of United States Marine Corps.
I am a wife and mother of 4 children, grandmother to 3. I live in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. We have a small off grid homestead where I raise goats, rabbits, chickens and guinea fowl. I also run a Facebook page called All Things Dyspraxia, where I hope to further spread awareness and support parents who are on this dyspraxia journey.
After our youngest son and third child was born in 2004, we saw a constellation of developmental differences that we had not previously encountered. As he got older these differences became more evident, but no one seemed to know what it was or how to help. I finally took him to see a neuropsychologist at Doernbecher Childrens hospital who diagnosed him with Dyspraxia. A few years later, our youngest daughter who was born in 2008, began exhibiting her own set of developmental concerns, we went back to the neuropsychologist who diagnosed her with dyspraxia as well. Since then it has been a struggle to get them the supports they need as awareness in this area is sorely lacking. Many experienced teachers and educational professionals are yet to hear the word, let alone understand its lifetime effects. Partly due to this, we have homeschooled them since 2012. I want more for my children. I want them to be supported, understood and recognized for their unique strengths throughout their lives.
Jeremiah White
Head of Finance. Board Chair
Wake Forest University
Accra Capital Partners (Hedge Fund) White Sport Ventures (Private Equity).
Former US National Team soccer player, four children, one with Dyspraxia
By understanding and addressing Dyspraxia, we can provide targeted support and interventions to help those affected lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Dr. Matt Zakreski
Head of DEI
Wake Forest University (BA in psychology and communication). Widener University (Doctor of Psychology)
Co-founder and Director of Therapy for The Neurodiversity Collective. Professional speaker and trainer.
Professional cartoonist. Father of two Neurodivergent kiddos.
When we increase awareness and knowledge of dyspraxia, we help all people who serve kids to understand more about their specific neurotypes and how to intervene.
Mitchell I. Fried
Board Member
University of Florida with a B.A. Psychology and J.D.
Admitted to practice law in Florida and New York
Married for 47 years with two boys
To help those with the condition understand why they may have limitations which are no fault of their own, and that the limitations may be overcome.
Jeremy Karekan
Board Member
University of Chicago and the Actors Studio Drama School
Currently a playwright living in New York and Baltimore. His play The Lifespan of a Fact ran from 2018–2019 on Broadway and starred Daniel Radcliffe, Bobby Cannavale, and Cherry Jones. Served as producer and researcher for Bravo TV’s Inside the Actors Studio. As an actor he appeared in a number of commercials and two feature films.
Two children
Jeremy is passionate about improving access to education and professional development for all neurodiverse children.
Alex Molden
Board Member
College graduate (Bachelor of Science) Univ. of Oregon
Author (The Ultimate Playbook for High Achievement), International Speaker, Personal Development Coach, Consultant, and Podcast Host (The Shark Effect).
Former NFL Defensive back (’96–’04). Married. Proud father of 8.
Our son was misdiagnosed with so many different syndromes…we couldn’t get a straight answer. It was very unsettling. When we found out that his diagnosis had a name it calmed our nerves and helped us navigate the struggles that were ahead of us. It’s not that scary…but being in the unknown is.
“Never underestimate the valuable and important difference you make in every life you touch for the impact you make today has a powerful rippling effect on every tomorrow.”
Leon Brown
Ambassadors of the Dyspraxia Foundation
These dedicated professionals work to champion people with Dyspraxia and the work of the foundation across the United States.
- Rachel Barcelona
- Theresa Bidwell
- Elissa Fried
- Shanda Husted
- Joe Mancini
- Randy Schmidt
Ambassadors of the Dyspraxia Foundation
These dedicated professionals work to champion people with Dyspraxia and the work of the foundation across the United States.
- Rachel Barcelona
- Theresa Bidwell
- Elissa Fried
- Joe Mancini
- Randy Schmidt
