Dr. Chaves is a pediatric cardiologist at University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in non-invasive imaging, fetal cardiac care, and care of patients with single ventricle heart defects. She has been a site lead for NPC-QIC and now SV-ONE since 2011 and a data team co-lead since 2022.

Amanda Harper was born with complex congenital heart disease, including HRHS, Tricuspid Atresia, ASD, VSD, and L-TGA, and received a heart and liver transplant in 2024. She leads virtual CHD and transplant support groups, serves as Social Media Director for Sisters by Heart, and serves on the SV-ONE Single Ventricle Patient Day Committee and Community Building & Engagement Workgroup.

Amy Cunningham is a congenital heart disease (CHD) advocate and co-host of the podcast Candid Hearts. She’s passionate about raising awareness and sharing the realities of life with CHD through lived experience. When she’s not recording or advocating, you can find her at a yoga or strength training class, reading a good book, or traveling with her husband, Bryan. Amy also cherishes making the most of every moment with family and friends.

Ashley Phelps is a mother of a CHD warrior, Mikai. Her son was born with Double Inlet Left Ventricle in September 2020 at the Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. She has taken an active role in her local support group, as well as being a parent representative with the hospital's SV-ONE group, because she is passionate about raising awareness and motivated to help her child and others navigate the SVHD journey.

Billy is the Director of Golf at Warren Valley Golf Course, where he oversees all aspects of golf operations and management. With extensive experience in the industry, he specializes in streamlining operations and enhancing the player experience. As a United States Marine Corps veteran, he brings discipline and leadership values to his work. He is currently based in Southeast Michigan, where he focuses on the growth and success of premier golf facilities.

Bryan is the spouse of Amy Cunningham, who has single ventricle heart disease.

Carissa C. Ostrom is the Executive Director of Conquering CHD and a devoted parent of a child with congenital heart disease. Inspired by her personal experience, she changed her college major to healthcare administration after learning of her child’s diagnosis. Carissa is a dedicated advocate for CHD research and improvements in care. She currently co-chairs the Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium (CHPHC) and the Advocacy Committee of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Collaborative (CNOC), while also working closely with Cardiac Networks United (CNU) and other national partners.

Dr. David Brown is a pediatric cardiologist, fetal imager, and Director of the Cardiology Fellowship Training Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. He was a member of NPC-QIC since the first learning session in 2009, and served on the NPC-QIC Executive Leadership Team for many years. Dr. Brown now serves on the SV-ONE ELT.

Dr. Mauser serves as an attending physician and the lead inpatient clinician in the Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care at Stanford School of Medicine. His clinical and academic interests include health equity for pediatric palliative care, quality/process improvement, and palliative care program development.

David is a research analyst and PhD candidate on omics, metabolism and micronutrition in congenital heart diseases. His daughter was born with HLHS in 2019 and he started this research journey initially to find lifestyle therapies to improve outcomes. He has since progressed to investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms of Fontan circulatory failure.

Drew Warmin has worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for eight years. His current role is Lead Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) where he supports multiple Learning Health Networks, both directly and indirectly, including SV-ONE, IROC (kidney transplant), ICN (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), OPQC (maternal and birth outcomes), and Roadmap (emotional health). Prior to joining Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Drew worked for The Kroger Co. in Quality Systems and Assurance, where he earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Dr. Erika Joanna Mejia is a cardiologist and pediatric palliative care physician at Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital. After receiving her medical degree from Columbia University, she moved to Philadelphia where she completed her pediatric residency and cardiology fellowship. She remained at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for advanced training in heart failure/transplant, as well as hospice and palliative medicine. Her research interests include long-term outcomes among children with advanced heart disease and decision-making support for parents and patients.

Grace has long held a deep passion for caring for infants, a calling that first led her to practice as a bedside nurse in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Through this work, she developed not only clinical expertise but also a profound appreciation for the emotional and psychological challenges faced by families during critical moments in their child’s life. In her current role as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in perinatal palliative care, she is dedicated to supporting families both before and after birth, offering compassionate guidance, education, and continuity of care during times of uncertainty and grief. Grace has developed a particular passion for working with families whose children are diagnosed with single ventricle congenital heart disease, providing holistic, family-centered care that addresses both medical and emotional needs.

Dr. Anderson is a pediatric cardiologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He has long been involved in system improvement and leadership of learning networks, including NPC-QIC, FON, and now serves on the SV-ONE Executive Leadership Team.

Jennie is a parent partner with SV-ONE, a leader in the Neurodevelopmental work, and has presented at multiple Learning Sessions. She is active at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford as the Single Ventricle Heart Center Family Advisory Council lead, and on the Hospital Wide Family Advisory Council. Jennie joined Sisters by Heart in 2014 bringing her technological expertise to the organization.

Jo Ann M. Davis is a nurse practitioner for the Single Ventricle Team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She also serves as the clinical leader for the ambulatory cardiology advance practice providers in the Heart Center. Jo Ann was named Nationwide Children's Hospital Advanced Practice Provider of the Year in 2026. Jo Ann is a member of AACN, American Heart Association, and SV-ONE. Jo Ann is passionate about providing comprehensive, excellent care to single ventricle patients and their families for best outcomes.

Kassandra Santos is a proud medical mother, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate. Kassandra’s daughter, Marely (muh-rhel-ee), was born with single ventricle anatomy, omphalocele, and duodenal atresia. She underwent a heart transplant at six months old and is now celebrating her two-year heart transplant anniversary. While Marely is tracheostomy, ventilator, and G-tube-dependent, she remains the greatest source of motivation and purpose in Kassandra’s caregiving journey. Kassandra has returned to school to pursue a nursing degree. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and advancing accessibility, equity, and support for families navigating similar journeys.

Dr. Kathleen Simpson is a pediatric cardiologist in Aurora, Colorado and is affiliated with Children's Hospital Colorado. She received her medical degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Kelly DiMaggio is 37 years old with complex single ventricle physiology consisting of mitral atresia, d-TGA with pulmonary stenosis, and a hypoplastic left ventricle. She and her husband of 13 years, Mike, live outside of Annapolis, MD. Kelly works full-time and is very active in the CHD community, serving on various patient and family advisory boards, and is a founding member of Project 1 in 100. In her free time she loves reading, the beach, and traveling!

Kelly Kirby is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health with over 25 years of experience in pediatric cardiology, including CVICU care, arrhythmia management, and single ventricle and neurodevelopmental programs. She is an active leader and collaborator in national quality improvement and research efforts, previously working with NPC-QIC, FON, CNNN, and CNOC, where she serves as Vice Chair of the Health Equity Committee. Kelly is dedicated to advancing equitable, high-quality neurodevelopmental care and improving quality of life for patients with congenital heart disease.

Dr. Allen is a pediatric cardiac intensivist and a leading specialist in the care of patients with single ventricle physiology. In addition to her clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, her research focuses on longitudinal medical, neurodevelopmental, and psychosocial care of patients with critical cardiac disease. Coinciding with her work in the Regenstein Cardiac Care Unit, Dr. Allen directs Lurie Children's Comprehensive Single Ventricle Program and co-directs the NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program. She also serves on the SV-ONE Executive Leadership Team.

Lacie Patterson has served as President of Sisters by Heart since 2023. When her son, born with HLHS, developed feeding struggles, Lacie became actively engaged in advocacy within the pediatric cardiac community. She has been actively involved as a parent partner with the NPC-QIC since 2016 and now serves on the SV-ONE Executive Leadership Team. Lacie has also been active in her local heart communities, serving on hospital patient and family advisory boards and focus groups. Lacie is passionate about empowering single ventricle families throughout their journey by relentlessly spreading a message of hope and by delivering support through education, collaboration, and advocacy. 

Leesha Augustine is a pediatric acute care physical therapist at Rady Children’s Health, where she has practiced for over 20 years. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2005. She specializes in the care of medically complex pediatric patients, with a focus on oncology and congenital heart disease. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to multiple publications and professional texts in pediatric physical therapy. She is passionate about improving developmental outcomes through interdisciplinary care and evidence-based practice.

Meagan Houpt was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), TGA, and VSD in 1990. Her parents didn't know she had HLHS until after she was born, and were given two choices: To take her home to later pass on, or try the experimental surgeries at the time. They chose the surgeries. She’s had 3 open heart surgeries; the Norwood, Glenn and the Fontan, and is now in her late 30's living her life! She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Developmental Disabilities. She is working full-time and spreading CHD awareness. She’s been married to her husband for 9 years, and adopted their son in 2024. They currently live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michael DiMaggio is a senior research cardiac sonographer at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. He also serves as the program coordinator for Project Adam. Along with his career, he is a congenital heart disease patient with two repaired atrial septal defects, and spouse to Kelly DiMaggio. He is active with multiple non-profit organizations in the congenital heart disease community, sharing his unique and multifaceted perspective, advocating, and fundraising for the cause. In his free time, he is an avid snorkeler, traveler, and always looking for the next adventure.

Michelle Steltzer has been a fierce nursing advocate for 35 years, including leading work in interstage home surveillance monitoring, feeding, breastfeeding, tube weaning, and Fontan care. She is currently in her tenth year of practice at Lurie Children’s Single Ventricle Center of Excellence in Chicago, where she cares for patients prenatally and in the High Acuity Transition Clinic and Single Ventricle Clinic. Her practice spans the lifespan, supporting patients through transitions to transplant or adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) care.

She is also a younger sibling who grew up alongside someone with single ventricle congenital heart disease.

Dr. Michelle R. Brown is a pediatric psychologist and Clinical Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in pediatric palliative care, supporting seriously ill children and families through communication, care planning, and psychological interventions. She is also a dedicated educator and researcher, with work focused on the intersection of psychology, pediatric illness, and palliative care.

Dr. Nadine Kasparian is a Professor of Pediatrics and Founding Director of the Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She received her PhD in medical psychology from the University of Sydney, Australia and completed a Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. Her research explores how early medical adversity can alter developmental processes, such as emotion and behavior regulation, infant-parent bonding, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Her lab applies this knowledge to develop new treatments and programs to foster mental health throughout the lifespan.

Born with Tricuspid Atresia, Nam got involved with SV-ONE in 2023 hoping to learn more about living with single ventricle heart defects. He is a member of the Single Ventricle Parent Advisory Board at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Dr. Henner currently practices neonatology and pediatric palliative care at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She is a co-director of a perinatal palliative care program, and serves as an interim Division Head of pediatric palliative care. Dr. Henner’s academic focus is on improving care for families of infants with life-limiting conditions, with a focus on system improvement and complex communication. Her passions are counseling at the borders of gestational viability, integration of palliative care in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and multi-disciplinary care for infants with Trisomy 13 and 18.

Dr. Sam Walkow is a Senior Data Analyst for the SV‑ONE Learning Health Network, where she supports quality improvement projects and network‑level analytics. She has spent her career in healthcare quality improvement and research, and holds a doctorate in Informatics, along with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology.

Sarah Schlatterer, MD, PhD, is a prenatal–neonatal neurologist at Children’s National Hospital and the Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute in Washington, DC. Her clinical and research interests center on brain development and neurologic injury in infants with congenital heart disease, with a focus on neurodevelopmental outcomes, neurocritical care, and the mother–infant dyad. Dr. Schlatterer is actively engaged in multidisciplinary clinical programs and national collaborations aimed at advancing neuroprotective care for high-risk neonates.

Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani is a nationally-recognized leader in the care of children with single ventricle heart disease, including those living with Fontan circulation. He currently serves as Section Head of Pediatric Heart Function and Transplant at Cleveland Clinic. With specialized expertise in mechanical circulatory support, transplantation, and long-term Fontan management, he contributes to national quality initiatives through leadership roles in networks such as the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society and ACTION. His research focuses on improving equity and long-term outcomes for children with complex congenital heart disease.

Shannon has been a CICU bedside nurse for 20 years and is a fierce advocate for neuroprotective care. Holding certifications in CCRN, IBCLC, and Neonatal Touch & Massage, she leads her unit’s inpatient developmental team. As a founder and original co-lead of the inaugural CHD Skin-to-Skin-a-Thon, she continues to drive the initiative’s growth and leadership into its second multi-center year this August.

Dr. Sharon Chen is a Clinical Professor in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Utah. She is currently Section Chief of Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplantation and Medical Director of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Program at Primary Children's Hospital. Dr. Chen’s clinical and research interests include pediatric heart failure and transplant, ventricular assist device support, and single ventricle heart disease.

Dr. Stephen Dolgner completed combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency training at Duke. He then pursued Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease fellowships at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, respectively. He joined the faculty of Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in 2020, where he is currently the Interim Medical Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Program. Dr. Dolgner cares for the full spectrum of pediatric and adult congenital heart disease patients. He works with patients, their families, and the multidisciplinary care team to optimize long-term outcomes for all patients with congenital heart disease, from simple to complex.

Taryn Wisor is the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Supervisor for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, part of Iowa Health Care. Dual certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care (CPNP-AC) and Primary Care (CPNP-PC), Taryn specializes in both pediatric acute care and primary care. In her leadership role, she supervises a team of APPs, focusing on improving patient outcomes, enhancing care delivery, and supporting the development of advanced practice providers in the pediatric intensive care setting.

Trudy has been a nurse practitioner in Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital since 2001. She is the Single Ventricle Program Coordinator, prepping families for interstage discharge and continuing to follow them outpatient until transition to ACHD. Specific interests include feeding, anticoagulation management, patient/family support groups, sudden cardiac arrest,, and everything single ventricle!