FND Hope
International Board
Bridget Mildon
Co-Chair, Bridget Mildon, is Founder of FND Hope. FND Hope is the first non-profit organization specifically for those diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder and related illnesses. A proponent of FND patient rights, Bridget is an active voice for FND patients. Her diverse experience and knowledge have cultivated into a unique perspective for those facing medical uncertainty and battling the challenges of living with Functional Neurological Disorder.
Robert Wilson Thomas
Co-Chair, Robert, is a proud Welshman, something he rarely lets people forget. He has been a practicing barrister-at-law since 1977, before which he read for a degree in chemical engineering. His legal practice started in intellectual property (on which he is the co-author of a number of reference books) then developed into licensing technology, mostly in a hi-tech environment, complex international commercial contracts, international law, telecommunications and data protection.
He developed Functional Neurological Disorder, rapid onset, following a major chemical clash and two cardiac arrests, after an operation to remove a tumour on his kidney, in late 2016.
Robert is no stranger to long-term and life-changing illness. He is not ashamed to admit that he has been bipolar, probably since his mid-teens, although he was formally diagnosed only in 1989. He also has lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1996. Both these conditions are well controlled. He survived major surgery for neck and throat cancer in 2006 and was pronounced cancer free in mid-2018.
Kyle Conley
Kyle is the co-founder of T1D Exchange. T1D Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to advance research in chronic diseases, facilitate greater industry collaboration, build a common registry-based data exchange platform and bring together a community that allows better understanding of patient interactions. Kyle’s dynamic and professional business skills mixed with his diverse experience in fast-paced clinical research will no doubt be an asset to FND Hope. Kyle is detail-oriented with excellent communication, problem-solving, strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills. Kyle’s expertise will be a great asset to not only FND Hope but to all those we serve worldwide.
Lauren Cotter
Lauren is a senior-level marketing and business development professional, multi-faceted, innovative, and creative marketing strategist extremely accomplished in the development of high-impact campaigns that deliver dramatic gains in revenue, visibility, and market share. Lauren has an exceptional ability to crystallize strategic objectives. Her diverse capabilities include: Broadcast Media, On-line, Print, Direct Mail, Social marketing, Promotion, Search, Event Sponsorships and Public Relationships.
Kim Kamen
Kim Kamen currently serves as AJC’s Associate Director of the Department of Regional Offices, providing on-going supervision to AJC’s 24 Regional Offices throughout the U.S. Prior to assuming this national role, Kim was AJC’s Dallas Regional Director, building strategic relationships with key elected officials, diplomats, religious, civic, and business leaders while advocating on a variety of AJC’s priority issues. Kim received multiple accolades, including the national Szabad Award for programming excellence and a Humanitarian Award from LULAC for advancing human and civil rights in North Texas. Before joining AJC, Kim served as the President and CEO of a non-profit consulting firm, the Executive Director of Frisco Family Services Center, Program Director with AmeriCorps, a Bilingual and ESL teacher and department head, and she also co-wrote a published middle-school curriculum being utilized by numerous Holocaust Museums throughout the U.S. Most recently, Kim contributed to Scouting BSA’s newest Eagle-required Merit Badge, which focuses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; this has a direct impact on nearly 2 million youth and 1 million adult volunteers and growing. Kim holds a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Education, both from the University of Virginia. She lives in Texas with her husband, two teenagers, and one very energetic dog.
Lindsay Millala
Lindsay is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a dedicated and collaborative team advocating for improved access to high-quality health care for individuals living with FND and their support networks. Lindsay is committed to FND Hope Canada’s effort to promote a better understanding of FND, and the need for improved treatment and support services, within the public and amongst Canadian healthcare professionals. Lindsay completed her BA at McGill University in 2009, prior to attaining her diploma in psychiatric nursing from Douglas College in 2016. She began working as a nurse for the Program for Functional Neurological Disorders in Victoria, B.C. in 2018. Lindsay is the Chair of FND Hope Canada and is also a member of the Society for Functional Neurological Disorders.
James Hopper
James serves as Treasurer at FND Hope International, where he brings his extensive project management expertise and strategic insight. James is the Director of Program Management for Fidelity Labs, the fintech incubator and startup accelerator arm of Fidelity Investments. Notably, he holds both PMP and Scrum certifications and has a proven track record for launching new products and services, as well as developing organizational strategies. In addition, James co-founded Stormcells, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting other nonprofits and charities.
His personal connection to Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) fuels his dedication to the mission of FND Hope. His youngest child, El, was diagnosed with Functional Seizures in 2020 and FND in 2021. Witnessing firsthand the lack of services and support for FND, James committed himself to serving the community and advancing the cause of FND Hope. James is a passionate advocate for FND, seamlessly blending his professional expertise with personal dedication.
UK Representative
