Sapna Bhambhani

Board President-elect

Sapna Bhambhani is a familiar face to our chapter members. Perhaps Sapna welcomed you to the community as an Outreach Volunteer, or you heard her welcome our chapter at this year’s Community Summit event. This past July, Sapna was nominated to our Chapter Board of Directors. Learn more about Sapna’s passion for community engagement and why she was inspired to lean in even more. 

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
Hello, my name is Sapna Bhambhani. I live in Westfield, NJ, with my 16-year-old daughter Sarina, who was diagnosed with T1D when she was eight years old. In my free time I love going to the beach (every chance I get), reading books, listening to music and podcasts, travelling, doing yoga and spending time with my family.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

When my daughter was diagnosed, I received a handout from the hospital with instructions to order a Bag of Hope from the Breakthrough T1D website. Along with the Bag of Hope, I received other helpful booklets (Back to School, Carb Counting, etc). The following year we created our first Walk team. It was there that I met some of our chapter staff and felt an instant connection.

Tell us more about your work.

I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers University in 1999 and Board Certification in Pediatric Pharmacotherapy in 2016. I have taught and mentored many pharmacy students and residents in my career as a clinical pharmacist. On a personal note, I started a support group for children with type 1 diabetes and their families when I worked at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in 2017, which had grown to include over 30 families who regularly participated in online and in-person events. Many of these families are now my closest friends and are always there to support one another. Currently I work at Sanofi as the NYC Medical Science Liaison supporting T1D screening, monitoring and teplizumab.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I am excited for the opportunity to work with other board members to help guide our chapter’s mission.

What inspires you? 

People living with T1D inspire me. Those who wake up every day and must be conscious of how they feel, what their blood sugar is, what they are going to eat, how much activity they plan to have. It is overwhelming and all consuming and yet invisible to most people.

I am inspired by the children who wear their pumps and CGMs proudly, poke their fingers and deal with the highs and lows. Those who live out their dreams in spite of T1D. Those who play sports with the added burden of checking their blood sugar, making sure they don’t go low or dealing with adrenaline spikes.

I’m inspired by people with type 1 diabetes who don’t give up even when they don’t think they can do it another day.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

I would like to make a broader impact on the fight against T1D. I have educated and supported newly-diagnosed patients and families in the hospital, volunteered on my chapter’s Outreach Committee (Outreach Volunteer, Community Summit, Parents Supporting Parents group), became the chapter’s Advocacy Team Chair and helped lead the Medical Advisory Council. My family has raised thousands of dollars walking, running and riding for the cure. However, I feel that there is more that I can do. Serving on the board, and now as President-elect, will allow me to achieve a different level of influence on the fight against T1D.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

There are many, but one of my most memorable was at our first One Walk at Rutgers. While taking a group picture with all of our family and friends who came out to support us, I was all of a sudden overwhelmed with gratitude not only for them, but for Breakthrough T1D, the organization that was working tirelessly to fundraise, support research, advocate for and support people with diabetes, and ultimately find a cure. I knew I had found my organization.

Cathleen Callinan

Advocacy Team Chair

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
I live in Monmouth County with my husband, and our 3 kids, Jack (18), Catherine(16), and Maeve(15). Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with type-one diabetes at the age of 7. We like to travel, especially to places with historic significance. I love maps and F1 Racing. I currently work in IT for a government contractor. My husband is an elder care attorney (we like to call it elder love), my son Jack is a freshman at Stevens Institute of Technology, and my daughters, Maeve and Catherine, are sophomore and junior respectively at Biotechnology High School.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?
Jack and I first started volunteering at Breakthrough T1D walks. I enjoyed it so much, Avon-by-the-sea, Liberty State Park, the Rutgers Walk, I soon became a family team coach working with Stacy Di Archangel. One thing led to another and I now I have this extended family that I affectionately like to call my peeps.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?
I joined the chapter Board of Directors because I can be a small part of getting the word out, to advocate, to raise funds, to engage others to join our fight. I cannot take the disease away from my son, but I can use my voice.

What inspires you?
My son inspires me. My son inspires me when he powers through a day after no sleep due to blood sugar highs and lows. My son inspires me when he endures the horrible feeling of a low blood sugar. My son inspires me when he passes on an ice cream cone when everyone else is eating one. My son inspires me when he waits patiently for his insulin to start working before eating dinner. My son inspires me every day.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?
While a Breakthrough T1D board member and part of the advocacy team, I would like to see one goal accomplished. Together with Breakthrough T1D staff, volunteers like me, those affected by type-one diabetes and their loved ones, i would like us all to see a cure.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?
My most memorable Breakthrough T1D moment is attending the New Jersey state legislator with my son, Jack, when the vote passed for “A Day in the Life – Type 1 Diabetes Day.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being present.

Andy Drechsler

Board President

Andy Drechsler joined the New Jersey Metro and Rockland County Chapter of Breakthrough T1D in 2020. Andy and his wife Moira are the parents of four children, three of them have type one diabetes. Their son Thomas was diagnosed at age 22 months in 2005. Their daughter Avery was diagnosed at age 10 in 2012 and their son William was diagnosed at age 5 in 2013. Their daughter Amelia is T1D-free (she got screened for T1D a few years ago).

Andy and Moira have been committed to the Breakthrough T1D cause since Tommy’s diagnosis. The Drechsler family has been involved in many Breakthrough T1D Walks at the Avon-by-the-Sea location, both Avery and Tommy have been Youth Ambassadors, and for the last several years the entire family has attended the Galas.

Andy says, “Everyone living with T1D provide us with great inspiration. We also appreciate the parents and caregivers of T1Ds. We are so happy to see the improvements in pumps and CGMs for those living with T1D. We are also thrilled to see therapies to delay the onset of T1D. Ultimately, we are confident that cell therapies and the involvement of companies like Vertex and Sana will allow many to live without T1D someday.”

Andy spent most of his career in biotech and life sciences. His professional life intersected with his personal life when he helped start-up Provention Bio in 2017. Provention Bio was focused on intercepting and preventing autoimmune disorders.  In fact, Provention developed and then launched TZield, the first approved drug proved to delay the onset of T1D.  Provention was acquired by Sanofi in 2023.

The Drechslers currently reside in Avon by the Sea, NJ.  Moira is a nurse practitioner at Jersey Shore Medical Center and Andy advises start-up companies in the biotech industry.

Gina Fortunato-Gehan

Outreach Ambassador Chair

Gina Fortunato-Gehan serves as the Outreach Ambassador Chair Volunteer and Community Summit Chair Volunteer for Breakthrough T1D.  After experiencing the powerful impact after receiving a Bag of Hope, Gina and her family became involved with Breakthrough T1D.  Gina’s passion to make a difference was inspired when her daughter Arianna, newly diagnosed at age 11, received a “Get Well Soon” balloon, to which she remarked It should say “Get Use To It.”

Gina recently advocated a critical issue with local representatives to permit NJ EMTs to administer blood glucose tests. The NJ State Board of Health took up the issue and now EMTs now have the tools and training to measure blood sugar. This was significant news for the NJ T1D Community.

Gina resides in Randolph with her husband of 27 years, Kyle, who works at Booz Allen Hamilton. They are proud parents of Nicole (24) who graduated from FIT and works as an Operations Manager and Arianna (22) who is pursuing her Masters at Columbia University after graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology, where she founded Daia, an app for short term sugar sharing.

Gina is a former Vice President of Deutsche Bank and earned her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She graduated from Saint Peter’s University with majors in Education and Economics.

Gina believes in Breakthrough T1D and its mission for accelerating life changing breakthroughs to one day have a cure.  Gina is looking forward to the day when her daughter Arianna, and so many others, no longer must “Get Use To It.”

Audrey Geiger

Audrey Geiger is a force of nature for our T1D community. Her passion for the community and determination to broaden our chapter’s Community Engagement priorities, has contributed to a thriving Outreach Committee, community network and increased support and resources for adults living with T1D. Audrey leads our Adult Networking Group; feel free to join her at the next meeting!

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
My name is Audrey Geiger. I am Senior Vice President and Head of Underwriting Management for the Americas at AXA XL. I have been married to my husband Kevin for 27 years, who is an optometrist, and we have a daughter Hayley, who is 23 and is going to Columbia for graduate school. Hayley is studying to be a Behavioral Therapist and lives in New York City. We recently moved from Marlboro to Jersey City for me to be closer to the office in New York City.

I have had Type 1 Diabetes for almost 25 years and was diagnosed when I was pregnant. I have been actively engaged with Breakthrough T1D for several years as a Board Member, Chair of Outreach, Outreach Committee Member, Lead of the Adult Network, which has now become Virtual, and have had a family walk team for many years. At work, I’m also the Executive Co-Sponsor of LEAD (Leading, Empowering and Advancing Diversity) for our NY Chapter.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

I initially became involved when we started a Walk team. A couple of years later, a former President of the Central Jersey Chapter reached out to me at the gym to see if I would be interested in being a Board Member. He knew I had Type 1, a walk team and had corporate experience. He thought I would be a great fit, and here I am several years later—through chapter changes and reorganizations—still committed to Breakthrough T1D.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I have been living with Type 1 for several years balancing, family, work, friends and Type 1. I often thought over the years I may have gotten this for a reason and always wanted to give back. Although Type 1 has challenged me and is always on my mind, it hasn’t stopped me from having a career, family, friends, etc. When I was asked to be on the Board, I thought this may be the reason. It gave me the opportunity to give back and help others who are dealing with the same challenges as I do.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by making a difference and helping others to overcome challenges. This is why I am so passionate about Outreach.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

I want to partner with the Board Members to ensure we have the right balance on funding the cure and supporting our community as we work together to go from Type 1 to Type None.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

So many moments stand out to me, it is hard to pick just one. But, the most emotional moment is always the day of the Walk. It is on that day that Type 1 is very real to me. I am walking with family and friends that are walking for me—to help fund a cure so I don’t have to live with this anymore. I look around and see so many people walking and supporting each other to fund the cure.

Dave Goodes

Dave Goodes joined our chapter Board of Directors to lend his skills, strength and expertise to advance our mission. He steps into the role of Board President, excited to maximize his impact over the next two years. 

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
Hi. I am a devoted father to 3 amazing children: John (16), Andrew (14) and Rebecca (12). I cherish every moment I can spend with them. I spend most of my time these days carpooling or watching their activities (baseball, basketball, dance, etc.), I am a retired corporate executive.

After 25 years in the corporate world, I achieved my business goal of becoming a successful Fortune 500 CHRO. I retired in 2018 and have found my post-corporate life so fulfilling. I enjoy playing golf, tennis, paddle and working out.  I also enjoy quiet nights at home or great nights out with my girlfriend Bethany.

Oh, and I cant forget my two dogs! Hoosier is a 2-year-old Golden Doodle and Indy-Anna is a 6-month-old Golden Retriever. They certainly keep us busy and active as well.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

I became connected to Breakthrough T1D when my daughter Rebecca was diagnosed with T1D in April 2016 at the age of 8. I joined the Board in 2018 and have found the entire organization to be perfectly aligned with the type of organization that I want to be involved.

In November 2019, my oldest son John was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 15. In July of 2020, I decided to double-down and am now proud to serve as Community Board President for NJ Metro & Rockland County Breakthrough T1D.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I joined the Board of Directors so that I could maximize my impact on Breakthrough T1D’s local efforts whether it be advocacy, outreach, community involvement and, of course, fundraising. If there is anything I can do assist the mission of Breakthrough T1D I am ALL IN.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by the strength of the entire Breakthrough T1D community. Whether it be my personal involvement with my 3 children, or for the broader good of all impacted by the great work of this organization. I am inspired by the commitment of the staff (both locally and nationally) to improve the lives of all T1Ds while also providing important input and research dollars towards cures of this disease.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

In my current role as Community Board President, I want to maximize the engagement of all Board members. I have learned that what makes a great local chapter is amazing Board engagement. I want to provide direction, feedback and guidance to both staff and volunteers to maximize the engagement of all Board Members and ultimate success of the organization.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

My very first exposure to Breakthrough T1D really stands out.

My daughter had just been diagnosed and there happened to be a research update near my home. I attended the event with very low expectations. What I saw at the event was truly remarkable. I saw a community so willing to help, so honest about there feelings about the disease. Most importantly, I saw hope and optimism. Not only about the ability for my daughter to live a normal life following her diagnosis, but also the optimism that this organization is working on cures.

Aaron Kowalski (who was in the role of head of research and is now the CEO) provided a research update that made me understand the importance that every dollar means toward the race to cures.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

While I am proud of my personal and professional accomplishments, I have not achieved my biggest goal yet. That goal is do everything I possibly can to put an end to Type 1 Diabetes. I won’t stop in this pursuit until we have all attained this goal. I am so proud to say that we are on our way, and we are one day closer to cures each and every day!

Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Client Services at Guidepoint, a global information services provider. He has nearly 20 years of experience supporting the research needs of Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, and management consulting firms. Matthew first engaged with Breakthrough T1D after his son, Matty, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in December 2020 at the age of 5. Sharing a love for golf with his family, he stepped into serving on the planning committee for the Breakthrough T1D Golf Classic for several years. Matthew and his wife, Cassandra, reside in Berkeley Heights, NJ with Matty and their mini bernedoodle, Heidi. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College with degrees in Biology and History.

Eva Kohn

You may have met Eva Kohn at a chapter Research Update or perhaps you’ve crossed professional paths with this local leader. As a board member, Eva is determined to drive our mission forward to achieve cures. 

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
My name is Eva Kohn. I’m the mom of a 29-year-old T1 son who was diagnosed at age 7. I also have a 24-year-old daughter who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Between my two children, I spent many years at doctor’s offices and in hospitals.

I am EVP and CRO for CBA Industries, Inc. which is a print media company covering New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. I’m also on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the New Jersey Food Council. And I’m active with NEW (Network of Executive Women) both nationally and in the NY Metro area where I serve on the Board.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

I originally connected with Breakthrough T1D in Philadelphia when my son was diagnosed 22 years ago. At the time of his diagnosis, there were few resources for newly diagnosed T1Ds. Unfortunately, I was too busy to get involved with Breakthrough T1D other than occasionally speaking with other newly diagnosed families. However, when I moved to NJ five years ago, I wanted to get involved with Breakthrough T1D because I believe in the mission and was happy to see that outreach had become a key element of Breakthrough T1D. I reached out to the chapter and had several conversations with Jess [Backofen, former executive director] who asked me to join the Board.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I want to make a difference in the lives of people who live with T1D and am passionate about finding a cure. I’m so glad to see the significant progress that has taken place in terms of technology; however, we ultimately need to find a cure (or cures, as the case may be).

What inspires you? 

I’m inspired by the wonderful T1D community that exists here in New Jersey. The Board and Staff are comprised of proactive like-minded individuals who share the same vision.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

My goal is to assist the Board and Staff in achieving the chapter and national objectives. Given the impact of COVID-19, we are going to need to be even more strategic and creative in our thought-processes in order to achieve the necessary funding to find a cure.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

The most exciting Breakthrough T1D moment that stands out is knowing that there are more than 70 clinical trials taking place as we push for a cure.

Joe McHale

Joe McHale is very familiar with the burdens that T1D brings, but he refuses to let that get in his way. He’s not looking to survive with T1D, he’s looking to thrive. This past July, Joe was nominated to our Chapter Board of Directors.

Joe was diagnosed at the age of 14 and through great guidance from his healthcare team (and family) has been able to embrace athletics and other activity as a key strategy to staying healthy throughout his life. He learned early on, that as a type 1 diabetic, you need to “aggressively manage this disease and not let it manage you.”

His son, Joseph, a former Division 1 college lacrosse player at Providence College, was diagnosed with yype 1 in the fall of 2018. He was able to leverage his diagnosis as an opportunity to create awareness by dedicating his final game in 2019 as a T1D Awareness Event and raising more than $10,000 dollars for Breakthrough T1D.

It was easy for the family to help Joseph grasp all of the complexities of the disease, as mom, Lauren, also has type 1. The family understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and sports and exercise are just a part of it.

As a Marketing Professional, Joe has been able to leverage his insights as a diabetic to successfully market several “blockbuster” Diabetes and Cardiovascular Brands at Novo Nordisk and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Joe is currently an Executive Vice President of Sales at POCN a Technology Organization that focuses on identifying and engaging with Advanced Clinicians throughout the US.

Joe and his family are from Bernardsville, NJ. He and his wife Lauren are the proud parents of three children, Joseph (22), Laurel (19) and Jenna (17).

Carolyn Sansevere

Carolyn Sansevere is warm leader, ready to welcome newly-diagnosed families with open arms into our Chapter. Carolyn leads by example, spending time with our community at the Breakthrough T1D Walk, Community Summit (in person or online) and intimate research updates. 

Take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
My name is Carolyn Sansevere, and I’m a Physical Therapist for Hunterdon Healthcare, married to Dr. Joe Sansevere, and I have three grown children: Robbie, Matthew and Megan, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on 7/03/09.

I served on the Mid-Jersey board of directors before we became the New Jersey Metro & Rockland County Chapter. I also serve on the Outreach and Gala committees, and have participated in 11 Breakthrough T1D walks with Megan’s Dream Team. I have attended, volunteered and supported Breakthrough T1D Rides to Cure in Lake Tahoe, Vermont and Saratoga Springs while cheering my brother in law Marty Kott on, and I have attended and been involved with most of the annual galas since 2011.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

I was connected to Breakthrough T1D with my daughter’s Bag of Hope when she was diagnosed at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick. I started with the Walk and then was a volunteer at the Gala, where I met Debbie Nuzzo, the president at that time of the Mid-Jersey Chapter and she recruited me to be a board member.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I joined because I was very involved in the chapter, and I wanted to do all I could to help fund research for better treatments and  a cure for type 1 diabetes and support the T1D community. It is something I can do to help my daughter and others with type 1.

I believe in Breakthrough T1D and its mission. I have seen in the past 15 years huge strides in the management of my daughter’s type 1 thanks to the research Breakthrough T1D funds. I truly believe in Aaron Kowalski and his efforts to find a cure.

What inspires you? 

My daughter is definitely my inspiration for all that I do involving Breakthrough T1D. She is a true hero in my eyes. She is so independent; she was diagnosed at 13 years old, and has always tried to be independent managing her type 1. Today she is completely independent with the support of her medical team and the Breakthrough T1D Community.

Our most supportive and dedicated chapter staff and our CEO of Breakthrough T1D inspire me to continue with my efforts.

Helping others in our local community and being there for the T1D parents inspire me. It was very important to me when Megan was diagnosed to make T1D connections and become educated so I could do all I could to help manage her disease.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

Be a support in any way I can to help reach out to the T1D community when needed, help find ways to raise Breakthrough T1D research dollars, support our Breakthrough T1D chapter staff and educate the public on T1D and Breakthrough T1D.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

My family and I were honored in 2016 at the Mid-Jersey Gala. It was so wonderful having many of our friends, coworkers and family with us for such an awesome cause.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

There’s a few. I’ve been with Hunterdon Healthcare for 24 years, this September. Being a Girl Scout leader for 13 years and having 2 of my 6 girls achieve their Gold Awards was big. Being nominated to the Breakthrough T1D Mid-Jersey Board, and then, the NJ Metro & Rockland County Chapter Board of Directors has been an honor. And, of course, raising my 3 amazing children and watching their accomplishments.

Chrisie Scott

Chrisie Scott is the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Virtua Health in New Jersey. Throughout her 30+-year career, she has empowered impactful and engaged teams, aligned brands and cultures, amplified the consumer’s voice, and humanized healthcare language.

Prior to joining Virtua, Chrisie led the development and launch of the inaugural brand strategy for Hackensack Meridian Health where she served as chief marketing officer. She spent her early career building the brand of Meridian Health as the vice president of marketing, communications, planning, and community outreach.

She has been honored as a Top Women in Business and a Brand Builder. She holds an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a bachelor’s from Rowan University. She is a featured author in a 2024 published book, Transformative Leadership: Self-Mastery for the New Voice of Business Success.

Chrisie has also served as Breakthrough T1D Chapter Board president.

How did you get connected to Breakthrough T1D?

My son, Austin was diagnosed when he was 17. A colleague had a Bag of Hope sent to us, and we did our first family Walk later that fall. We’ve been connected to the cause ever since.

Why did you join the chapter Board of Directors?

I met Jess [Backofen, former Executive Director] through my role in healthcare and the next thing I knew, I was being interviewed to be a board member. A year in, I joined Kathleen [Fitzpatrick, former Board President] at the One Conference, and when we returned, they nominated me to become the chapter board president.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by the resilience and spirit of all of the amazing individuals living with T1D, especially my son. I am so incredibly hopeful for the cures that research and science have in the works.

What do you wish to accomplish as a Breakthrough T1D board member?

I want to help share and spread the story of the cause and advocate for cures so that my son and others like him always feel that a future without type one diabetes is possible.

What Breakthrough T1D moment stands out to you the most?

In 2021, I met the founder of JDRF (Breakthrough T1D) Lee Ducat. I was so inspired by how she sparked this organization into existence 50 years ago because of her love of her son with T1D.