Our Team

Executive Director and Chief Science Officer

Kristophe Diaz, PhD
diaz@curepsp.org | 646-725-1453

Kristophe Diaz, Ph.D., is the Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of CurePSP, a national charitable foundation focusing on Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), three prime of life neurodegenerative diseases with biological mechanisms common to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Dr. Diaz leads CurePSP, its programs and partnerships to continue building the three foundational pillars of the organization: providing information, support and financial aid to those living with PSP, CBD and MSA (Care), increasing awareness and education to accelerate diagnosis (Consciousness), funding research while building enabling collaborations to advance critical discoveries towards new leads, new biomarkers and treatments (Cure). Dr. Diaz works closely with patients, care partners, advocates, scientists, clinicians, biotechnology companies and other foundations to make sure important advances and innovative technologies in neuroscience also address the unmet needs critical to PSP, CBD and MSA. Prior to joining CurePSP, Dr. Diaz led multidisciplinary neuroscience programs at Cohen Veterans Bioscience, a nonprofit organization founded by industry veterans focused on solving trauma-related brain disorders. He received his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. 

Senior Director, Events

Jaclyn Zendrian, MA
zendrian@curepsp.org | 347-294-2831  

Jaclyn Zendrian is the CurePSP Senior Director of Events. Most of her career has revolved around medical organizations, including The Johns Hopkins University Neurology Development Office. It was during this time that she discovered an affinity and ability for event planning. Jaclyn was drawn to the new position of Senior Director of Events at CurePSP because of her familiarity with nonprofits and neurology specifically. Plus, she is able to travel across the country, connecting with patients and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. At CurePSP, Jaclyn manages the educational programs and events and oversees special events with volunteers handling everything from concepts to venue and speaker selection, as well as the special events encouraging people to support CurePSP in their own way.

Director, Marketing and Communications

Sabrina Da Rocha
darocha@curepsp.org | 443-578-5668 

Sabrina has been a dedicated and passionate member of the CurePSP team since 2016. As Director of Marketing and Communications, she is responsible for a wide range of duties including managing all digital and print marketing, brand identity, overseeing key vendor relationships, and producing and editing content. She also oversees the organization’s website and social media channels, and is always looking for ways to improve and expand their online presence. Fueled by her passion for making a real difference in the lives of those affected by the disease, she works hard to develop and execute strategies that will drive support for the organization. Sabrina has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in marketing from Iona College, where she was also a dedicated division 1 rower for four years. Sabrina’s dedication to her work and her passion for making a difference are evident in everything she does. She is committed to continuing to make a positive impact for the organization and its mission.

Director, Clinical Affairs and Advocacy

Jessica Shurer, MSW, LCSW
shurer@curepsp.org | 919-525-8355

Jessica Shurer, MSW, LCSW is the Director of Clinical Affairs and Advocacy of CurePSP, where she oversees the Centers of Care network and all of CurePSP’s resources aimed at increasing support, education and awareness of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Prior to joining the team at CurePSP, she served as the Center Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker of the Movement Disorders Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a CurePSP Center of Care and Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. In this role, she developed a particular passion for working with those living with PSP, CBD and MSA through the atypical Parkinsonism-specific support groups and interdisciplinary clinic she facilitated, the countless patients and families she had the honor of learning from, and through her experience on the CurePSP Board of Directors since February 2020, where she served on the Patient & Carepartner Advocacy Committee and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. She had been in her previous position at UNC since graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with her Master of Social Work in 2012. Her clinical and research interests include the psychosocial needs of navigating neurodegenerative disease, integrated healthcare models, and palliative and end-of-life care.

Director, Development

Rich Spain
spain@curepsp.org | 347-326-1689

Rich Spain is the inaugural Director of Development for CurePSP after serving as a volunteer for years. In this role, he will add to his personal connection to PSP by building relationships with others who have been affected by rare neurological diseases. Rich will further CurePSP’s long term sustainability in its mission and programs. Rich’s background in development includes successful missions at the University of Virginia, Rice University and most recently Virginia Commonwealth University where he led a team responsible for securing funding for every school and unit on both medical and main campuses. Rich is also involved with his undergraduate alma mater, East Carolina University, and recently served as Chair of their Alumni Association Board of Directors. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from ECU and his Masters in Education in Sport Leadership from VCU. Rich currently resides in Richmond with his wife and two children.

Associate Director, Scientific Affairs and Partnerships

Jennifer Brummet, PhD
brummet@curepsp.org | 347-382-6659

Jennifer Brummet joins CurePSP as its new Associate Director, Scientific Affairs and Partnerships. In her capacity, she’ll manage CurePSP grant programs, several key partnerships and other initiatives pertinent to CurePSP Cure pillar. Jennifer was most recently the Research Manager at the American Epilepsy Society where she supported the Society’s early career grant programs, professional development programs and other research initiatives. Her previous roles include working at the Society for Neuroscience where she managed science policy and advocacy programs, and the National Science Foundation where she was responsible for supporting behavioral and cognitive science grant programs and conducting analyses of program outcomes. Jennifer received her PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from Michigan State University, and a BA in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is an auxiliary board member with C2ST (the Chicago Council on Science and Technology) and volunteers with the Health Research Alliance.

Manager, Support Programs

Joanna Teters
teters@curepsp.org | 347-294-2871

Since joining the CurePSP team in 2016, Joanna has worn many hats within the Patient and Carepartner Advocacy Department. With her new appointment as Manager of Support Programs in 2022, she continues to support and provide resources to people affected by a diagnosis of PSP, CBD and MSA and their families. As the Manager of Support Programs, Joanna has focused her attention on meeting the needs of the CurePSP community through programs like the Cherie Levien Quality of Life Fund, the Brain Bank Donation Program, and support groups. She received her degree in professional music and business from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and is an established vocalist, songwriter and performer. If she is not at her desk at CurePSP, she is probably touring with her band or working on her next album. You can hear her music at www.joannateters.com.

Manager, Marketing and Social Media

Denise Forero
forero@curepsp.org | 347-294-2876

Denise Forero joined CurePSP in October 2018 as the Marketing and Social Media Assistant and appointed Marketing and Social Media Manager in June 2019. Denise works directly with the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sabrina Da Rocha, in assisting with various campaigns, promoting news and events, and creating digital content. Denise currently manages social media channels, builds and executes social media strategies through research, messaging and audience identification, and maintains a strong voice through various digital platforms. Denise received her bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University in a Multidisciplinary Study focusing on Health Science, Psychology, and Sociology. After graduating she was an assistant teacher and focused her time on photography, volunteering, and various freelance projects.

Senior Manager, Donor Relations

Alisa A. Hansen
hansen@curepsp.org | 443-578-5670

Alisa joined CurePSP and was appointed the Database Administrator in December of 2018. Hansen has been employed in the non-profit sector for fifteen years. Thirteen of those years have been in database management. She has a B.S. in Business Management and Economics from SUNY Empire State College.

Manager, Community and Resource

Kelsey Woods
woods@curepsp.org | 443-578-5667

Kelsey joined CurePSP in May of 2019 as the Events and Outreach Coordinator and in June of 2021 was appointed the Community and Resource Manager. As part of the Patient and Carepartner Advocacy department, Kelsey provides those diagnosed and their families resources on all aspects of the journey through direct phone connections, educational materials, and support groups. She also oversees the national/international volunteer network of support group leaders and peer supporters. Kelsey obtained a BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University.

Manager, Operations

Nancy Caccappolo
caccappolo@curepsp.org | 443-578-5676

Nancy Caccappolo graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Engineering.  She spent 10 years in the professional workforce managing large computer installations, left to move abroad and eventually settled in NYC to raise her two boys.  Nancy spent 15 years in office administration/admissions at a small private preschool in Greenwich Village. When seeking her next career, Nancy focused on the non profit sector and has happily found a home at CurePSP.

Manager, Events

Christine Cassimatis
cassimatis@curepsp.org | 646-343-9662 ext. 812

Christine joined CurePSP in October of 2020 as an Events Coordinator.  She works with Jaclyn on the ideation and execution of events that promote fundraising, education, and support within the CurePSP community.  Christine attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Baking & Pastry, B.S. in Sports & Event Management, and M.S. in Sport Leadership.  Before joining CurePSP, she assisted with the logistics and on-site execution for multiple large-scale sporting events, including the NYC Marathon.  When she’s not working, you can find Christine baking, reading, or exploring her local food scene.

Coordinator, Marketing

Oscar Sullivan
sullivan@curepsp.org | 646-204-3742

Oscar is the Marketing Coordinator, where he works directly with the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sabrina Da Rocha, as well as the Marketing and Social Media Manager, Denise Ferero, to assist in the day-to-day functions of media relations and all social media channels. He seeks to tell stories and amplify the voices of those within the CurePSP network, strengthening the identity of the organization through newsletters, articles and press releases. Oscar received his bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Media Studies from Occidental College. He has worked as an Editorial Assistant for the tennis publication Racquet Magazine and is passionate about storytelling.

Coordinator, Events

Grace Madover
madover@curepsp.org | 631-708-7110

Grace is the Events Coordinator, where she works with donors and volunteers who are looking to organize local events. She works with Jaclyn and Christine to raise awareness in local communities. Grace graduated from University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies. During her downtime, she enjoys reading, cycling, and yoga.

Information Security Officer

James Bernard
bernard@curepsp.org | 917-922-4126

James has nearly 25 years of experience as a New York City-based financial advisor. He serves high-net-worth investors and corporations through analyzing market trends and comprehensively addressing all aspects of goals-based wealth planning and asset management through Stifel’s full-service platform.

James is an active secure member of InfraGard’s New York Metro Chapter (affiliated with the FBI) and an active member with ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project). He is a mentor for iQ4’s centralized applied learning platform as a subject matter expert on The Insider Threat, helping students in the Cyber Security programs at Brooklyn College, University at Albany – State University of New York, and The City University of New York. He is also a recent graduate of New York University’s Advanced Diploma in Cybersecurity program. James leverages his knowledge of information technology and governance sector to help ensure best practices and due diligence are continually implemented throughout the wealth management process.

James earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Boston University (BU) and is an active mentor and alumni advocate, as well as a regular host and speaker at the BU Business Networking Breakfast series in New York.