Heather McArty

Co-Founding Board Member, President

Heather has 25 years of experience in the finance industry and now serves as the Executive Director of a life-affirming Pregnancy Resource Center in Illinois. Dedicated to serving her community, she earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago and helped establish a food pantry assisting seven rural communities, where she has served as Executive Director and Board President since 2014.

Heather resides in Illinois with her husband, Chip, and their daughter, Olivia. She is also mom to Glendon and “Mimi” to his three children. Her grandson, Branson, was diagnosed with CHD3 through genetic testing just before his second birthday. Heather is passionate about raising awareness of this rare disorder through advocacy, networking, and fundraising to support medical research and share resources with CHD3 families.

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose is to give it away. " -Pablo Picasso.

Celina Britton

Co-founding Board Member, Vice President

Celina resides in West Texas with her husband, Cary and their 3 kids, Cara, Karsyn, and Eli. She is a middle school theatre teacher and active in her community. Her passion has always been to advocate and be a voice for her students, but her passion only grew when their daughter Cara was diagnosed with CHD3 at age 3. Her hope is to bring awareness to the disorder, further medical research, and provide support to families affected.

"Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."- Rita Pierson

Emily Niepraschk

Co-Founding Board Member, Secretary

Emily, who has a BA in English from Brigham Young University, lives in Virginia with her husband and their 5 children. Their youngest, Jonas, who was part of the initial CHD3 research, spurred her interest in educating and advocating for rare disorders. Emily is busy with her family, volunteers at their local elementary school, and is currently the secretary of the children's organization at her church. She spends a lot of time at amusement parks with her roller coaster-loving little boy!

Abby Grothe

Co-Founding Board Member, Co-Treasurer

Abby lives in Iowa with her husband, Mark and their 3 children. Their daughter Elsie is 6 years old and was diagnosed with Snijders-blok Campeau Syndrome around 2 years old. Abby previously worked as a mental health therapist and feels passionately about helping her daughter cope with any challenges she faces.

Gerianne Benisch

Co-Founding Board Member, Co-Treasurer

Gerianne lives in Illinois with Craig, her husband of 26 years. They have two children, Claire age 25 and Colin age 22. Colin was the index case for the CHD3 research project. He was 18 years old when we received the diagnosis. Gerianne loves to hang out with Colin watching demolition sites, bowling, softball, and basketball. She is also involved with the board of Colin's Challenger League baseball in the summer months.

Christine Smith

Co-Founding Board Member

Christine resides in Colorado with her husband, Greg and their 4 kids. Liam is their CHD3 warrior. She currently works as Liam's parent CNA. She has 12 years of experience as an Oncology RN prior to the birth of Liam. They have a small zoo of animals, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 ferrets, 3 chickens and 2 ducks!