Leadership
Rebeka Acosta, BCPA (she/her)
Executive Director
Rebeka Acosta is the first Board Certified Patient Advocate in Nevada. After a 15-year career in healthcare administration, she welcomed two children to her family with medical conditions. Returning to the workforce a decade later, patient advocacy was the only path in which she could share the information she had learned. Rebeka earned her BCPA credentials in 2018 and founded A+J Patient Advocacy in 2021.
Joel Cox (he/him)
Member, Board of Directors
Mr. Cox is a graduate of the U.S. Navy School of Health Sciences and served around the world as a Field Medic. After an honorable discharge, he built a career in healthcare information technology. Joel is a Senior Solutions Specialist with Veradigm, traveling to various U.S. health systems providing IT preparation and presentation services. A native North Carolinian, he is a grill master, a Tarheels fan, and known for his great bow ties.
Sara K.M. Cox (she/her)
President, Board of Directors
Ms. Cox studied at Wake Technical College in Business Administration, Management, and Operations. Her early career focused on private medical practice functionality, and for the last 12 years has supported larger industry clients with personnel and technology optimizations. Sara is the current Director of Growth Accounts at Veradigm and you can find her running a half marathon or shopping for home decor.
Erin Lynch, CADC, PRSS (she/her)
Member, Board of Directors
Ms. Donohue-Lynch holds a B.S. in Human Services & Clinical Studies with a minor in Addiction Treatment from UNLV, and is in her second year of the Master of Social Work in Management and Community program. As Director at Henderson Comprehensive Treatment Center, she provides equitable access to addiction treatment for all and leans on positive psychology and emotionally-focused therapy for those in recovery. Erin loves a great dad joke and always wears a smile.
Marie-France Hache, CPA, CIA (she/her)
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Ms. Hache graduated from Université de Sherbrooke in Québec with a Bachelor in Business and Master in Environmental Studies. She is a Certified Internal Auditor and works with clients who wish to optimize their sustainability practice, both environmentally and financially. Marie is a Director of Sustainability at PwC, enjoys cultivating her desert plants, and sipping a good glass of wine. She is trilingual, speaking French, Spanish, and English.
James Lee, JD (he/him)
Member, Board of Directors
Mr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from New York University and a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University, where he was the Editor of Journal for Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law. James is bilingual (Korean, English), specializes in commercial law, and is the current Legal Director for BioRender. When not working, he enjoys adventures with his family, weightlifting, and great food.
Elizabeth Schurrer (she/her)
Secretary, Board of Directors
Ms. Schurrer holds a degree in Journalism from Ohio University and a graduate certificate in Communications from University of Toledo. She is the current Director of Advancement at St. Ignatius of Loyola School and has 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, focusing on communications, fundraising, and volunteer management. Liz can be found on long walks or eating gourmet ice cream.
This Could Be You!
Member, Board of Directors
Do you have a heart for volunteering and need a great place to lend your talents and professional expertise? Look no further than A+J Patient Advocacy!
Serious inquiries only – info@heart4advocacy.com
This Could Be You!
Member, Board of Directors
Do you have a heart for volunteering and need a great place to lend your talents and professional expertise? Look no further than A+J Patient Advocacy!
Serious inquiries only – info@heart4advocacy.com
Advisory Panel
Aaron Carpenter (he/him)
Family Caregiver, Advisory Panel
Mr. Carpenter is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds degrees in Computational Physics and Mathematics. He works as a Software Engineer at University of Washington and enjoys DIY projects, North Carolina barbecue, and modifying his Subaru. Aaron lives in Las Vegas with his family, including two children with lifelong illnesses, and also volunteers in the Southern Nevada Down syndrome community.
Carissa Leilani (she/her)
Wellness Instructor, Advisory Panel
Ms. Leilani has been in health and wellness for nearly two decades. She holds a degree in Psychology and numerous certifications in health, wellness, and fitness, specializing in Meditation, Yoga, Sound Healing and Breath Mastery. You can find her teaching classes, exploring nature with her family or having tea ceremonies under the moonlight. Carissa lives in Las Vegas and you can learn more about her work at Celestial Sol.
Stacie Lampkin, PharmD, BCPA (she/her)
Pediatric Pharmacist, Advisory Panel
As pediatric pharmacist and pharmacy educator, Ms. Lampkin has spent more than 10 years providing clinical services and supporting providers and families who care for medically complex kids and adolescents. Most recently, Stacie founded KidocateRx, Inc. which strives to nurture a generation of healthier, happier, and thriving individuals. Stacie is raising 2 kids in Buffalo, NY with her husband and loves ice cream.
Courtney Leaver (she/her)
Insurance Broker, Advisory Panel
Ms. Leaver is a graduate of Roger Williams University and a Licensed Broker at Durante Insurance & Financial Services. She provides her clients with the utmost care when it comes to their insurance needs. Courtney prides herself on spending time getting to know her clients and is passionate about educating them on policy coverages, limitations, and exclusions. Courtney lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two children.
L. Natalie Lee, RN, BSN (she/her)
Family Health Nurse, Advisory Panel
Ms. Lee holds a degree in Biology from University of California Irvine and a degree in Nursing from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain University and lives in Las Vegas with her husband, son, cats, and dogs. Natalie is bilingual (Spanish, English).
Dijonasse Lofton (she/her)
Patient, Advisory Panel
Ms. Lofton is a nursing student living with complex, chronic illness. She has learned the hard way to keep excellent records, speak up when no one is listening, and ask questions until she has answers. She is hopeful her care team’s plan will help her return to school and become a nurse advocate. Dijonasse lives in Las Vegas and is active in several patient support groups. Be sure to watch her Dysautonomia awareness videos on TikTok.
Alex Sakash (he/him)
Family Caregiver, Advisory Panel
Mr. Sakash earned a degree in Education from Framingham State University and currently directs an elementary school enrichment program. He is the parent of two children, one born with complex congenital heart defects, and is a devoted parent advocate. When not spending time with his family, Alex can be found making videos on the disc golf course. He lives outside of Boston, MA.
Nauman Shahid, BSc, MPH
Patient, Advisory Panel
Mr. Shahid earned a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Masters in Public Health Policy, and is currently in medical school. He is an active patient advocate in the congenital heart disease community and has been featured on various podcasts and a DocuFilm. Nauman lobbied for disease funding on Capitol Hill and is a published author in the European Heart Journal. He takes great pride in guiding those with health conditions through higher education and enjoys cooking.
Tabitha Rainey (she/her)
Family Caregiver, Advisory Panel
Ms. Rainey is the Founder and President of Roll For The Heart, an organization bringing awareness to chronic illness through the martial art of Jiu Jitsu. She is an experienced advocate for her son living with congenital defects and medical injury, and currently serves as a Parent Liaison to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Tabitha is dedicated to her practice of Jiu Jitsu, enjoys nature, and lives with her family in Lexington, KY.
Jennifer Williams (she/her)
Family Caregiver, Advisory Panel
Ms. Williams is a graduate of East Carolina University and Walden University, holding a degree in Education with a concentration in middle level social studies. She won Teacher of the Year in 2015 and 2020 and currently teaches 7th grade History. Jennifer is the parent of two teens living with genetic conditions and an experienced parent advocate within their disease community. Jennifer lives in Raleigh, NC.
This Could Be You!
Member, Advisory Panel
Do you have a heart for volunteering and need a great place to lend your talents and personal experience? Look no further than A+J Patient Advocacy!
Serious inquiries only – info@heart4advocacy.com
This Could Be You!
Member, Advisory Panel
Do you have a heart for volunteering and need a great place to lend your talents and personal experience? Look no further than A+J Patient Advocacy!
Serious inquiries only – info@heart4advocacy.com
Teen Council
Maddie (she/her)
Chair, Teen Council
Maddie enjoys learning about other people’s stories and how their health conditions affect their everyday lives. She is the sibling of someone living with lifelong illness.
As a member of Teen Council, Maddie will work on writing blogs, filming videos, and honing her public speaking skills.
Izzy (she/her)
Member, Teen Council
Izzy is in her first year of nursing school and lives with congenital heart disease. A former client of A+J, she is an excellent advocate for her own health, as well as her family’s health.
As a member of Teen Council, Izzy will work on social media projects to share advocacy with the teen population.
This Could Be You!
Member, Teen Council
Do you have an interest in learning about our healthcare system? Are you on social media or have a knack for making videos or memes? Do you need volunteer hours for school? Look no further than A+J Patient Advocacy!
Serious inquiries only – info@heart4advocacy.com
