Administration

Mike Porath: Executive Director (mike.porath@dup15q.org)

Mike has been a dedicated advocate for the Dup15q community for over 15 years, serving on our Board of Directors and building strong connections with families, researchers, partners, and donors. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of Annabel, who has Dup15q syndrome, and her three younger brothers: Isaac, Henry, and Noah.

Mike is the founder of The Mighty, a health community serving millions, and a recognized leader in rare diseases. He’s excited to build on the Alliance’s momentum and work toward a treatment to improve the lives of our kids

Dylan Ritter: Director of Scientific and Clinical Initiatives (dylan.ritter@dup15q.org)

Dylan has known the Alliance for quite some time, as his youngest brother, Travis, was diagnosed with Dup15q syndrome when Dylan was only four years old. Sparked by an interest in genetics and developmental disorders, Dylan earned his PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Vanderbilt University, where he studied the genetics of cartilage development. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering using stem cells to study neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease. Dylan is excited to use his personal experiences with Dup15q syndrome and his formal scientific training to advance the mission of the Alliance. Dylan currently lives in New York City with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Peanut.

Jaclyn Dickerson: Director of Operations (jaclyn.dickerson@dup15q.org)

Adrienne Paradis: Family Support Manager (part-time)

(Adrienne.Paradis@dup15q.org)

Adrienne has volunteered with the Dup15q Alliance in various roles since her son was diagnosed with Dup15q syndrome in 2007. Combining her degree in Biology with experience in Practice Management, she is thrilled to be joining the team as the Intake Manager and looks forward to helping families as they navigate their journey.

Adrienne lives in Roxborough, CO with her husband Robert, and son Aidan. When not working, they enjoy hiking, biking and throwing rocks into any body of water with him.

Libby Powers: Database Coordinator (part-time)

(Libby.Powers@dup15q.org)

Libby grew up in North Carolina and graduated from East Carolina University. She has experience in various account management roles as well as executive assistant positions. After Maddi was diagnosed Libby left her corporate America job to focus on her family. She currently lives in Cary, NC with her husband, Will and children Shea, Maddi and Kennedy.

After joining the Dup15q Alliance and immersing herself into the community and volunteer work she found how passionate she is about the Alliance and their mission. Libby was hired officially in June 2023 as Development and Administrative Assistant. She is enjoying learning more about the Alliance everyday and how to create better tomorrows for all the loved ones that suffer from Dup15q. When not working Libby loves painting, traveling, playing basketball and baseball with her kids.