Who We Are

Melissa Hilsabeck - Director of Outreach & Community Engagement

Melissa Hilsabeck is an ITP patient and dedicated volunteer who transitioned to PDSA staff as the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement. Diagnosed with ITP in college, Melissa has been actively involved with PDSA since attending her first ITP Conference in 2011. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in various PDSA initiatives, including the Kids Kamp and Teen Track at the Annual ITP Conference. Currently, Melissa oversees PDSA's social media and marketing efforts, along with key programs such as ITP Awareness Month and the evolving Teen Program.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and has over a decade of experience in civil engineering design and construction management. Her skills in civil engineering, such as project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving, complement her role at PDSA, illustrating her versatility and adaptability. Melissa's work is a testament to how lived experience, professional excellence, and community care can converge to create meaningful, lasting change.

Jennifer Jurcisek - Chief Financial Officer

As the Chief Financial Officer of the Platelet Disorder Support Association, Jennifer oversees the organization's accounting and finance functions. She is responsible for reviewing financial and accounting records, preparing financial reports, monitoring investment strategies, and working closely with external auditors to ensure transparency and compliance. As a CPA, Jennifer brings a strong foundation in financial stewardship to help support PDSA's mission and long-term sustainability.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. You can often find her cheering them on at their various sports and extracurricular activities or planning their next family adventure. She has a passion for travel and loves hiking and exploring new parks whenever the opportunity arises.

Kate Foster - Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Kate Foster brings both technical precision and creative energy to her role at PDSA. Kate works behind the scenes to keep communication flowing smoothly and effectively. She coordinates the organization's publications and emails, ensuring patients and families stay informed and engaged with the latest news, research, and resources. Kate also contributes to the ongoing development of PDSA.org, refining the website's content and layout to improve usability and accessibility. Additionally, her talent for design—one of her personal hobbies—adds a creative edge to PDSA's marketing efforts. Through these initiatives, Kate is dedicated to helping empower, educate, and provide resources to patients with ITP.

Before joining PDSA staff, Kate spent five years as a data analyst, helping healthcare organizations and state governments manage and analyze their patient populations. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics from Ohio State University, where she also studied for a minor in Mandarin Chinese.

DeLee Cooper - Administrative Assistant

DeLee serves as the Administrative Assistant at PDSA, where she plays a vital role in maintaining the organization's day-to-day operations. She supports budget and policy administration, staff coordination, and facilities management, and contributes to the execution of several of PDSA's signature programs—all helping to ensure the organization runs smoothly, efficiently, and responsively.

DeLee joined PDSA with a background in theatre and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Wright State University. She has worked as a professional actor, dancer, and teaching artist, bringing classical theatre to life in K–12 classrooms. Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, DeLee relocated to Cleveland in late 2015, where she currently resides with her rescue cat, Cerridwen, and actively volunteers with several local nonprofit organizations.

Prior to her move to Cleveland, DeLee was diagnosed with ITP. She considers herself fortunate to have responded well to treatment and has remained in remission since early 2015. Although she was unaware of PDSA during her own journey with ITP, she is deeply honored to now support the organization and contribute to the ITP community.

Stacy Lloyd - Project Manager

Stacy Lloyd is PDSA's Project Manager, bringing a passion for organization, efficiency, and impact. She is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of ITP patients and their families.

As a visual storyteller, Stacy has an extensive background in broadcast journalism and video production. She takes pride in being creative, professional, reliable, and honest – qualities that translate seamlessly into project management. She has the ability to coordinate complex productions, manage multiple stakeholders, and deliver high-quality content on tight deadlines.

As the founder of Lloyd Media Group, a full-service video production company, Stacy has produced a wide range of content, including commercials, corporate videos, and educational materials for nonprofits and businesses.

Her career in journalism has taken her from the Sonoran Desert to the marbled hallways of Washington, D.C., and from a Kansas wheat field to a war zone in Baghdad, Iraq. She has reported and produced news and feature stories across small, medium, and large markets, including a national cable news network. After leaving the news industry, she worked in media relations helping a Fortune 500 company shape messaging and engage audiences. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Stacy earned a Political Science degree from the University of Arizona. She remains active in the community, participating in professional groups in the Phoenix area and previously serving on multiple nonprofit boards.

Natalie Martinez-Polinski - Administrative Assistant

Natalie Martinez-Polinski was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Communication & Journalism degree from Cleveland State University and began my career with an Advertising and PR firm. Opportunities brought her through a wide range of skills in sales, project management, account management and more. Within the first few years of her sales career, she earned several awards recognizing significant growth within the company. She developed a love for the personal care and cosmetic industries where Natalie spent the last 13 years working with major manufacturers assisting in brand development, introducing them on innovative technologies and manufacturing. To name a few, clients included Estee Lauder, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, L'Oreal and many more.

If she is not working, find her outdoors or working out. As massive outdoor enthusiast, she hikes the Cuyahoga Valley National Forest with her husband and friends and working in her flower and vegetable gardens. In her down time, she spends it with an enjoyable book.

Alexandra Kruse, MD - Research Advisor

Dr. Alexandra Kruse, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned her undergraduate degree in Modern Languages from Kenyon College before attending Tulane University School of Medicine.

As PDSA's first Research Coordinator, Alex played a pivotal role in launching the ITP Natural History Study Registry. She has co-authored numerous abstracts, posters, and research studies on ITP, and has presented findings at the annual ITP Conference. Her contributions also include writing several articles for The Platelet News and PDSA's monthly e-News. In addition to her research and writing, Alex has been a passionate advocate for the ITP community, frequently joining PDSA on Capitol Hill to champion improved access to care and the development of ITP centers of excellence.

Kevin Won - Research Coordinator

As Research Coordinator at PDSA, Kevin Won supports scientific communication, data collection, and grant writing. He processes data from PDSA's ITP Natural History Study Registry for various scientific meeting abstracts, contributes articles to The Platelet News, and attends various medical conferences representing PDSA.

Outside of PDSA, Kevin is a medical student at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada. He's recently discovered a love for hiking and bouldering, and aims to experience both in every country he visits.

Taylor Bowles - Research Coordinator

Taylor Bowles is PDSA's newest employee, joining us as our Research Coordinator. She will be assisting with the ITP Natural History Study Patient Registry, contributing articles to the monthly e-news and The Platelet News. Taylor attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2025 and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the Oklahoma University Hudson College of Public Health. She is interested in the areas of infectious disease and chronic disease epidemiology.

Taylor brings experience as a research technician, biology lab assistant, and phlebotomist at a plasma collection facility—a role that directly supports the needs of ITP patients. She is passionate about research and helping patients with ITP. She also holds a Global Seal of Biliteracy in both English and Spanish and is committed to serving the Hispanic ITP community. You can usually find her working remotely, alongside her Chi-Poo named Baby.

Jeff Cooper - Website and Audio/Visual Production Manager

Jeff Cooper brings over a decade of experience in video production and digital media to his role with PDSA. He plays a vital part in maintaining and updating the PDSA website, ensuring that content remains fresh, accessible, and engaging for members and visitors alike. Jeff also provides audiovisual support for the annual conferences, helping create a seamless and professional experience for presenters and attendees. Following the live events, he manages the virtual conference platform, making recorded sessions available online and extending the reach of PDSA's educational programming.

With a strong background in storytelling and technical production, Jeff is committed to enhancing the organization's digital presence and supporting its mission through thoughtful, high-quality media.

Peter Pruitt - Board of Directors

Peter Pruitt served as past Chair of the PDSA Board of Directors, a leadership role he held for the past 17 years, alongside longtime collaborator Caroline Kruse, President & CEO of PDSA. He has been deeply involved with PDSA for over two decades, contributing to the organization's growth, advocacy, and strategic direction. He and his wife Barbara have been involved with PDSA, after his wife Barbara —who has lived with ITP since childhood—sought support and community. Their shared commitment quickly evolved into active leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy. Today, PDSA's Research Program bears their name in recognition of their enduring dedication to the ITP community.

Peter is a retired Senior Partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he built a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years as a Certified Public Accountant. He held several senior leadership roles within the firm, including serving as Deloitte's Office Managing Partner for Florida and Puerto Rico, where he oversaw strategic operations across multiple offices and led teams of more than 2,000 professionals. In addition to his corporate leadership, Peter is a seasoned board executive, having held leadership roles across several professional and non-profit organizations.

Dale Paynter - Board of Directors

Dale has been a member of PDSA since he was diagnosed in late 2010 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2013.

He has tried many treatments & products (immunosuppressants, antibody treatments, surgery, thrombopoteins) over the years to stabilize his numbers, and has participated in a number of clinical trials, pharmaceutical workshops, and research papers.

Dale has facilitated support group meetings in the Toronto area for over ten years, co-hosted several one-day patient conferences in Canada (and in Australia in 2018) and has attended over a dozen of our Annual Conferences in the U.S. His continuing desire is to get our message out to Canada's medical community and government representatives to ensure affordable access to treatment for all ITP patients.

Dale is a professional engineer in Canada and has forty years' experience in design and review of water & wastewater treatment, servicing design and infrastructure work throughout Ontario. He and his wife Susan are looking forward to retirement and spoiling both of their new granddaughters.

Derek Zimmerman - Chair

Derek Zimmerman has served on the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) Board of Directors since 2018, combining his business experience in the professional services industry with his dedication to volunteer for a cause and organization that is important to him personally. Initially diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) in late 2003, Derek first attended the PDSA Annual Conference in 2004. Since that time, he and his wife, Cheri, have been active volunteers, fundraisers, and advocates for the PDSA community.

In addition to his work with PDSA, Derek has also served as president and officer on other non-profit boards. Professionally, he has worked for the same private consulting engineering company since 1995, where he is the CFO and Vice President for Business Operations and Investments. He earned his MBA from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1993, and his Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management from Stetson University, a private, liberal arts school in DeLand, Florida. Living in South Florida allows Derek and his family to enjoy year-round hobbies that include paddleboarding, kayak fishing, and various sports and beach activities.

As PDSA's Board Chair, Derek's goals are to advance the organization's position as the premier resource for ITP information and treatments; collaborate constructively with fellow board members and the CEO to shape PDSA's strategic direction and patient-centered culture; work closely with the organization's world-class Medical Advisory Board; and provide responsible fiscal stewardship to ensure PDSA's continued financial strength—all in support of our primary mission: advocating for the ITP patient.

Robert Feiner - Vice Chair

Bob Feiner is a recently retired technology executive, having spent nearly 26 years in leadership roles at Dell Technologies.  He has an engineering degree from Tulane University and a MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.  Bob has been an ITP patient since childhood, spanning nearly fifty years.

Leilani Fitzgerald - Board of Directors

Leilani Fitzgerald brings a powerful combination of professional expertise and profound personal dedication to the PDSA Board. As a Clinical Affairs Specialist with a Master's in Counseling and a Bachelor's in Sociology, Leilani offers valuable insights into patient support, mental health, and community needs. Her commitment to PDSA is deeply rooted in personal experience with her son being diagnosed with ITP at the age of two.

Beyond her professional background, Leilani's extensive volunteer service underscores her dedication. For over a decade, she has volunteered with PDSA, co-organizing the Pump It Up For Platelets Annual Fundraiser and co-facilitating a Support Group in Orange County, California. Additionally, since 2016, Leilani has served on the Patient Research Panel, where she meticulously reviews grant proposals, ensuring patient perspectives are at the forefront of ITP research. This comprehensive engagement highlights Leilani's passion for advancing understanding, enhancing support programs, and advocating tirelessly for the ITP community.

Bruce Prescott - Board of Directors

Bruce Prescott is passionate about raising awareness and support for the ITP community, in which he became involved after his daughter was diagnosed with ITP in college.

A native of Rhode Island, Bruce graduated from the University of Rhode Island. He spent his career working in finance, specifically in the middle market and institutional teams at Shearson, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley. Bruce was appointed as Managing Director in 2001 and was recognized as one of the most successful financial advisors in the industry. In 2007, he was independently ranked as the largest producer in all categories across all firms. Bruce retired in 2020 after 38 years of working in the field, and now resides in Jupiter, Florida where he spends his time boating, traveling with his wife, and spending quality time with his two children, three grandchildren, and friends.

Jennifer Grimes - Board of Directors

Jennifer brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to the PDSA Board of Directors. Diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in 2008, she has been an active member of the PDSA community for more than 15 years, turning her experience into meaningful advocacy for patients and families.

As a pediatric nurse with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Marketing concentration), a Minor in Communication, and an Associate's degree in Nursing, Jennifer combines clinical insight with compassionate care. Her dual perspective as both a healthcare professional and patient offers valuable understanding of the challenges faced by those living with ITP.

In 2024, Jennifer served on PDSA's Patient Research Panel, reviewing grant proposals to ensure the patient voice remains central to ITP research. She also shared her story through a collaboration with Touch Independent Medical Education, featured at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting. A proud Circle of Hope member and long-time donor, Jennifer continues to raise awareness and support for PDSA, furthering its mission to empower and advocate for the ITP community.

David Ciemnecki - Research Program Manager

David is a Research Program Manager at the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA), supporting patient-centered research initiatives focused on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). He oversees the ITP Registry, coordinates research grants and scientific collaborations, and works closely with clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to advance high-quality, impactful research for the ITP community.

With over 20 years of experience leading complex research projects across healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors, David brings a strong focus on data quality, collaboration, and real-world impact. Prior to joining PDSA, he served as a survey research associate at Abt Global and as a consultant to the Facial Pain Association, where he helped launch a patient registry for those living with trigeminal neuralgia and other orofacial pain conditions.

David is a graduate of Rutgers University and lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking.

Morgan DiRocco - Programs & Events Coordinator

Morgan brings a unique blend of organizational skills and a commitment to service in her role at PDSA as the new Programs and Events Coordinator. Working under the direction of Jody Shy, Morgan plays a critical role in advancing the organization's mission by helping facilitate PDSA's database to ensure accurate, strategic reporting while also working on logistics for signature programs like the ITP Patient Conference, national walk/run events, as well as helping to coordinate the Poke-R Club. Morgan is dedicated to providing the resources that empower and connect the ITP community.

Before joining the PDSA staff, Morgan spent years volunteering and interning for local nonprofits across Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Dayton, Go Flyers! In her free time, Morgan enjoys traveling, baking new recipes, walking her dog, and spending quality time with her friends and family.