Brandi brings almost 15 years of diverse experience, with half of that in the nonprofit sector, developing an expertise in leading programs, securing resources, and building meaningful partnerships. Her last four and a half years have been dedicated to the rare disease space, equipping her with the insight and experience to lead the International FOXP1 Foundation forward to expand its reach and impact.

Karl has a biomedical research and drug development background, which has helped him make connections with different researchers and to understand possible paths forward for researching and hopefully developing treatments for FOXP1 syndrome. Karl and Annie Whitney are parents to Jonah and Quinn. When Jonah was diagnosed at age 8 in 2013 with a FOXP1 mutation, Karl and Annie discovered and worked with RareConnect to set up a website to help families managing this rare condition find each other. Over time, the community has grown and coalesced to the point that establishing a foundation to support FOXP1 activities has become possible.

Karl and family live in Durham, North Carolina. In his spare time he enjoys photography, furniture making, wood sculpture, and hobbyist website development.

Kate is an attorney in Wilmington, Delaware, practicing in complex commercial litigation. She also serves on the Alumni Board of Wilmington Friends School and as Treasurer for the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court, a nonprofit association of legal professionals. She attended undergrad and law school at Washington & Lee University. Kate is married to Adam Mowery, the Treasurer of the Foundation. They have two sons, Crawford and Sidney. Their son Crawford was diagnosed with FOXP1 in April 2020.

Kate and Adam currently live in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and are excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board as they explore the history, effects, and future of the FOXP1 genetic disorder.

Adam has worked in the information security industry for over 25 years. Adam has a degree from Cornell University. In early 2020, Adam and Karl Whitney kicked off the idea of creating a formal foundation in order to better connect and create a community around FOXP1. The result of that was the establishment of the International FOXP1 Foundation.

Adam lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, daughter, and son. He is the proud father of an amazing daughter with FOXP1.

Chris has a background in biomedical science and intellectual property law. He earned a BS degree in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire before working as a technician in the Biochemistry Department of Boston University School of Medicine. Chris went on to earn a PhD in Biochemistry from Boston University and conducted postdoctoral studies there and at the Bedford Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, where he was awarded the VISN1 Career Development Award to conduct research in the field of neurodegenerative disease. He subsequently earned his law degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law and his membership to the state bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Chris and his wife Kelly are the parents of two daughters. Their eldest, Hailey, was diagnosed with FOXP1 syndrome in 2020 at the age of 16. Chris joined as Foundation Secretary following the diagnosis.

Gail has been an active member of her community for many years, volunteering with organizations such as Special Olympics Ontario, Scouts Canada, and several local groups. She retired as a Senior Information Technology Project Manager with the Department of National Defense Canada after a 34-year career. Gail led the planning and implementation of national computer systems and gained international experience working with NATO members from multiple countries. Gail and her husband Lorne have two adult sons, Graham and Darryl. Darryl was diagnosed with the FOXP1 genetic disorder when he was 32 years old.

Claire brings over a decade of experience in the legal field, where she has worked as a legal assistant and paralegal. She holds a BA in Legal Studies and contributes strong organizational skills and a solutions-oriented mindset to her role on the board.

Claire lives in Michigan with her family. As the mother of a daughter diagnosed with FOXP1 syndrome, she is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting advancements in research.

Lorenza has over 15 years of professional experience as a project manager in the field of translation and language services. Originally from Italy, she has been living in Barcelona, Spain, for more than two decades, where she has also built a 10-year practice as a pregnancy yoga teacher, doula, and breastfeeding counsellor, supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.

When her second child was born and later diagnosed with FOXP1 syndrome, Lorenza felt a strong need to connect Spanish-speaking families, raise awareness, and build supportive networks within the FOXP1 community. Together with two other FOXP1 mothers, she co-founded Asociación FOXP1 España, where she currently serves as Secretary. Her involvement with the International FOXP1 Foundation began in 2024.

Emmica, from South Africa, has experience across a variety of roles and industries, typically focused on analysis, research, business modelling, and strategy definition and planning. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

From their position as parents of a young boy with FOXP1, Emmica and her husband are committed to living a full, joyful life alongside a rare syndrome rather than in the shadow of it. As a parent of a special-needs child in an emerging economy, she is particularly committed to democratising information, making research practically usable, and leveraging affordable tools to extend care and knowledge to more than just the privileged few.