Our Team

Amy Akers, Ph.D. – Chief Scientific Officer

Before joining Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation as Chief Scientific Officer in 2009, Amy Akers began her cavernous malformation research career at Duke University. At Duke, she worked in the lab of distinguished geneticist and long-time Scientific Advisory Board member Doug Marchuk, Ph.D. While in Dr. Marchuk’s lab, Dr. Akers focused on developing mouse models for cavernous malformation and investigating the molecular nature of human brain lesion development. Her genetic studies succeeded in providing evidence that two genetic ‘hits’ are necessary for the genesis of familial cavernous malformation lesions.  Dr. Akers is our primary liaison with the basic science community and a frequent co-author of CCM-related scientific papers. You can reach Dr. Akers at amy.akers@alliancetocure.org.

Jianbo Hu, Ph.D. – Industry Relations Director

Before joining Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation as Industry Relations Director and the head of our Cure Acceleration Initiative in 2021, Jianbo Hu, Ph.D., served as Thomas Jefferson University’s Associate Director of Technology Licensing.  He holds over twelve years of experience in technology development, translation, and commercialization. He was previously a senior technology licensing officer at Penn State University, where he independently managed all aspects of the College of Medicine’s technology transfer needs. He obtained his Ph.D. in Physiology from Washington State University.  You can reach Dr. Hu at jianbo.hu@alliancetocure.org.

As Director of Patient Affairs, Darla is responsible for the patient support and education programs offered by Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation and our patient navigation services. In addition to her work with us, Darla is a clinical psychologist. Darla and her two children have been diagnosed with a mutation of the CCM2 gene, and she has been a member since 2005. You can reach Darla at darla@alliancetocure.org.

Jessica Biggs, MPH – Patient Navigator

As Patient Navigator, Jessica Biggs provides patient navigation services to all US-based CCM patients to assist with connections to information, support, care, and research participation opportunities. Our patient navigation program is one way the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation improves the quality of life for our families.

Jessica has a background in community health and has worked for hospitals as a lactation consultant, local school nutrition programs, and county organizations addressing maternal and infant health. Jessica holds a Master of Public Health degree. You can reach Jessica at jessica.biggs@alliancetocure.org.

Dinah Winchester, MA – Director of Strategic Partnerships

Dinah became involved with Alliance to Cure in 2020 when her one-year-old daughter was diagnosed with multiple cavernous malformations after suffering a stroke and undergoing a successful emergency brain surgery. Dinah now works directly with Alliance to Cure’s strategic partners – individual major donors, foundations, and government entities – whose support brings a cure within reach. She is also responsible for the organization’s branding and strategic communications. Before joining Alliance to Cure, Dinah was a public high school English teacher in California and a communications and advocacy professional at Save the Children in Washington D.C. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from Stanford University. You can reach Dinah at dwinchester@alliancetocure.org.

Linda has been a member since her diagnosis of CCM1 in 2004. Linda’s grandmother and mother share the illness. Linda’s role w with the Alliance to Cure is multi-fold. She assists our patients in developing local and regional connections online and in person. She supports member-organized fundraising events. Finally, she serves as our liaison to the large New Mexico patient, clinician, and research community. You can reach her at linda@alliancetocure.org

In Lindsay’s role as Strategic Partnerships Specialist, she supports our relationships with industry partners, individual donors, Centers of Excellence, and foundations. Before joining Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation as a staff member, Lindsay was involved with Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation as the volunteer Co-Chair of the Orange County walk and founding Chair of the Southern California Community Alliance. Lindsay has an affected husband and son. You can reach Lindsay at lindsay@alliancetocure.org.