The Western Neuropathy Association is led by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Glenn Ribotsky, President
Since his unusual acute onset body-wide neuropathy presentation in 2003, Glenn has made it his business to learn all that is learnable about neuropathy, the syndromes that cause it, the tests to determine these, and possible treatments and therapies. He has brought his knowledge to numerous neuropathy forums, conferences, magazine interviews, and podcasts. He has also been part of numerous support groups, both in-person and virtual, looking to help both the newly diagnosed and long-term patients gain the background and language needed to become their own advocates in medical offices, workplaces, and legislatures. He continues to use his vast databases and archives in the service of ending the status of neuropathy as 'the most common condition you've never heard of.'
Pam Hart, Vice President, Treasurer
Pam has served on the WNA Board for over 10 years. She was originally drawn to the organization because of its mission of support as her husband had diabetic neuropathy and she was anxious to find help for him, as well as understand the causes and relief agents. Pam stayed on the board because of Bev Anderson and her deep knowledge of the condition. With her background in Clinical Laboratories, Technology and Non-profit Organizations, Pam has been pleased to contribute to the development of the organization.
Darrell O'Sullivan, Secretary (acting)
Darrell joined the WNA to help provide support to those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy by using his medical background in Microbiology and Clinical Laboratory Science and his experience in managing his own ongoing peripheral neuropathy.
Katherine Stenzel, Director, Editor of Neuropathy Hope newsletter
Katherine was the leader of the existing Houston Support Group when the group joined WNA in February 2020. She transitioned the group to virtual and added two more monthly virtual support groups. Bev nominated her as a Director in March 2021. When Bev retired, Katherine volunteered to be the Editor of Neuropathy Hope.
John Phillips, Director
John joined WNA in June of 2020 seeking support and to help gain a better understanding of his SFPN and CIDP. He eventually transitioned to the leader for the newly developed virtual “Open Discussion” support group in 2021 and became a Director with the WNA in April of 2022.
Erika McDannell, Director
Erika joined the Western Neuropathy Association looking for information and support - and that's what she found. Motivated by the desire to give back and with a deep understanding of the challenges of neuropathy, she joined the board in February 2024 to help further our mission of empowering those impacted by this condition. Erika is passionate about supporting the mental and emotional well-being of those with neuropathy and she believes that empowerment is predominately rooted in acquiring knowledge and embracing meaningful connections with others.
Samantha Fields, Director
Samantha joined the Western Neuropathy Association (WNA) as an advocate and voice for those living with peripheral neuropathy. Diagnosed in 2017, she draws from her personal experience managing chronic illness and disability to empower others through education and support. Samantha is passionate about using and sharing information on assistive aids, devices, and technology to help people live safer, more independent lives. She was elected to the WNA board as a Director in October 2024 and is dedicated to raising awareness of neuropathy and fostering connections within the community.
Brian Lockard, Director, Membership Chairperson
Brian joined the Western Neuropathy Association in January 2021. He lives with CIDP and believes support, education and self-advocacy are essential for managing a peripheral neuropathy diagnosis. He joined the WNA board in December 2024.
Kris Langenfeld, Director, Administration
Kris was diagnosed with Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in July 2020. After a 3-month flare up in June 2021, she realized she needed to devote more time to understanding and managing CIPN. One day Kris stumbled upon the WNA website and asked to join the Zoom support group call. What she learned in that first meeting in September 2021 was more than the advice she received from her neurologist the previous year. Forever grateful for the help, guidance and support of WNA, Kris joined the Board of Directors in January 2025 to help other PN sufferers also lead better quality of lives.
Emeritus Council
Bev Anderson
Founder and President, 1999 - 2022
Michael Green
Karen C. Polastri, IOM
Past Vice President, 2000 - 2021
Marty Price
2022-2024
Board of Directors' Meetings
The Board of Directors meets virtually each month, except for December.
Members are welcome to address the Board at its monthly meetings. Please provide at least seven (7) days advance notice to Glenn Ribotsky, WNA President, at glenntaj@yahoo.com.
Aid the Board of Directors
The organization is a non-profit, public benefit 501(c)3 corporation. We rely on volunteers for our Board of Directors, committee chairs, and committee members. They work diligently and donate their time and talent to the WNA, and are integral to the success of implementing our strategic plan and reaching our vision to make neuropathy a household term. Listed below are ways you can help.
Our Board of Directors is always looking for additional members with a willingness to contribute in directing this organization. You must be a current member of the organization and make a financial contribution to the organization each year.
Responsibilities
- Attend and be prepared for monthly board meetings.
- Take responsibility for tasks assigned/agreed upon by the Board.
- Communicate regularly and reliably via email.
- Be a team player and respectful, have good communication skills, and exercise good judgement.
- We are starting committees to address specific needs. These committees are formed to tackle a specific project or address a particular need, and do not require the ongoing commitment needed for being on the board. Currently, we have a Support Group Advisory Board.
- Finally, we have advisory members who lend their expertise in a particular subject. For example, we have people with political connections, and those specializing in publicity or fundraising. Think about ways your knowledge could be of use.
Contact Glenn Ribotsky, WNA President, at glenntaj@yahoo.com, if you are interested in any of these areas or have other ideas for involvement.
Share Your Knowledge and Experience
Even if you don't want to serve on the board or a committee, your skills are still needed.
- You can assist our newsletter editor in the preparation of the monthly issue. Reminding authors of deadlines, formatting articles for submission, and proof-reading copy would be of tremendous service.
- You can help by writing an article for our newsletter detailing a treatment that has improved your symptoms. Sharing experiences is a key way to support each other on our neuropathy journey.
- Do you have knowledge about a specific subject that would be of interest to those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy? We would welcome you to present that to our audience through a live, virtual webinar. This also gives the listeners an opportunity to ask questions for further understanding.
- Updating and expanding the knowledge base in the website is an ongoing need. You can help with researching and bringing materials up-to-date to ensure that we are offering the latest information.
- Do you have contacts in the health care industry that would benefit our members? Procuring speakers for webinars or contributing to newsletter articles would expand the subjects that educate and empower those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy.
Contact Katherine Stenzel, WNA Director and Editor, klstenzel@hotmail.com, if you are interested in assisting in these areas or have other ideas for us to consider.