Meet some of our staff and read the most Frequently Asked Questions we get about working here:
 Peter- President and CEO
I have worked in the Independent (non-profit) Sector for my entire career. We provide that valuable intersection in areas where the market isn’t ready or isn’t interested in the problem or solution and the government isn’t capable. When we click, a synergy is created that is unstoppable.
The early pioneers who started this Foundation began this work at a time when spinal cord research was considered the graveyard of neurobiology. Christopher Reeve’s injury changed the field forever and it was his vision, his passion, brilliance and creativity that made this one of the most promising fields in research. And while Dana was universally known as the model for caregiving, her real legacy is the creation of a Resource Center that has reached tens of thousands of those living with paralysis and their families with useful, often life-saving and life-changing information.
What inspires our board and staff is following through on and achieving in our lifetimes what they so generously and courageously started. This is a civil rights movement and although the baton was passed to us in the most unfair and sad way, we will hold it brightly and with our founders' optimism until we reach the finish line.
What question do I most get--- How can I help? Because Chris and Dana were so much larger than life, when people visit our Foundation or talk with the staff, they immediately assume that we are much bigger than we actually are. We need help and this can be accomplished in three ways:
1) Become a champion for our work and volunteer as a member of Team Reeve, join the Champions Committee, help us start a chapter, become an advocate
2) Make a gift that is commensurate with your capacity, and
3) Invite a friend to learn more about us.
 Susan - Executive Vice President, Research
It's my responsibility to insure that all our research programs are implemented efficiently, according to the policies of the Foundation and the recommendations of our scientific advisory panels. Our Director of Individual Grants has hands-on responsibility for the Individual Grants Program. The others, the International Research Consortium, the NeuroRecovery Network and the Clinical Trials Network, fall into my baliwick. I spend the lion's share of my time working closely with all our research grantees and advisors, networking and trying to remove barriers that slow the pace of their progress. Although I have no formal scientific training, I am envious of the passion with which scientists live their lives and pursue their work. So much so that in another life, I'd join their ranks as a neuroscientist.
I am asked, Should I go to China (India, Portugal) for a "stem cell" or other cellular transplant?
There is no easy answer because many who ask really believe the intervention will help. In the case of these cell transplants, all we really have are patient reports of improvement. Such anecdotal reports are no substitute for clinical trials, rigorously designed to prove therapeutic safety and efficacy.
These treatments, usually done in countries where government protections for consumers lack rigor, are advertised as being beneficial, even though there is little or no hard evidence to support the claims. They are expensive. And, those who provide them are the ones making money from them and declaring them safe and effective. This is an undeniable ethical conundrum.
I encourage patients to educate themselves by reading "Experimental Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury: What you should know if you are considering participation in a clinical trial" and to give serious thought to the many problems that can arise from treatment with an unproven therapy. The issue of risk versus reward is of particular concern in spinal cord injury, unlike situations involving terminal illness. Patients will likely be excluded from future valid clinical trials and there is always risk of life-threatening infections, the appearance of unexpected pain, and further loss of function.
My hope is to give patients and their families the tools and information they need to make unemotional and informed decisions under admittedly difficult circumstances.
 Maggie - SVP, Marketing and Communications
I manage the communications team and serve as Foundation spokesperson and primary contact for media. I develop and implement (along with a phenomenal team!) a public relations strategy for our international research programs, Quality of Life Grants, Paralysis Resource Center, advocacy efforts, and special events. I also manage and oversee the Foundation's brand and marketing efforts, both at a national and local level. A fun part of my job is serving as the Foundation liaison with our celebrity ambassadors and friends.
The big question these days is will stem cells offer a cure for spinal cord injury?
The short answer is, it's way too early too tell. In the future, innovative stem cell therapies are likely to emerge to treat disorders like spinal cord injury and illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson’s. Obviously, the Reeve Foundation has a singular focus on stem cells applied to spinal cord injury and repair. Here, an already complicated situation becomes more so. Any stem cell strategies for spinal cord injury will have to be set within the framework of the most current, cutting-edge research in the field. The spinal cord is vastly complex and the role of stem cells in repair and regeneration can only be considered within the context of what is known about the normal and injured cord. That said, we celebrate the considerable successes of this field while recognizing that there is much ground yet to be covered before these cells can be optimally used to treat patients.
 Joe - Vice President, Quality of Life
The Reeve Foundation's public health initiatives are carried out by the teams I support at the Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) and the Quality of Life Grants program. Our Resource Center team provides information products and services that equip people with the knowledge they need to make good choices when dealing with their health and overall well-being. The PRC also leads a national effort to carry out public health initiatives like a national survey to determine the extent of paralysis in the United States; developing multicultural websites and materials to reduce health disparities among minority groups; and promoting the awareness of proven health promotion interventions and clinical guidelines for paralysis.
Since our public health initiatives are carried out through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I spend a lot of my time maintaining our CDC relationship and working with other disability groups and state public health departments who are funded through the CDC. Our CDC funding also supports the Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network, which gives me the opportunity to work closely with the Research Department. Our Quality of Life Grants program is funded by both private and public funds, and aside from program design and operations, I spend a lot of my time reading and evaluating grant requests during the two annual award cycles. Since I travel frequently on business, I am especially rewarded with the warm reception I receive from the many grantees I meet on the road.
I am frequently asked if we give money to individuals. The answer to this question is that Quality of Life grants are awarded to non-profits and other institutions only, not to individuals. However, grants awarded with private funds may be given to institutions that subsequently support individuals in some cases.
 Ed - Controller
I am a CPA who serves as the Controller for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation with fiduciary responsibility to maintain the proper control over the Foundation’s contributions and assets. I handle the internal and external financial statements and prepare the Form 990 tax return. The controllership function is responsible for systems and controls, treasury, payroll, investments, budgeting, accounts payable and coordinating with the outside auditors.
I live two hours from the office, so people often ask, why are you headquartered in Short Hills, NJ?
The Reeve Foundation started in 1982, when New Jersey teenager Henry Stifel was just 17 and he was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed. Led by Henry's father, the family mobilized friends, neighbors, scientists, bankers, and local political leaders to form a foundation to raise money for spinal cord research. They were known as the Stifel Paralysis Research Foundation. Just a few years later, in an effort to maximize resources and avoid duplication, they merged with the American Paralysis Association (APA). The APA had also been formed by a group of spinal cord injured individuals and their families. By joining forces in the mid-1980s under the APA banner, the group was able to work more efficiently, reach out to more people, and significantly increase its annual research budget. The APA changed the field of paralysis research -- transforming it from an obscure specialty practiced by a few scientists in isolated labs to one of the most exciting areas of neuroscience.
In 1995, when Christopher Reeve was injured, the APA was one of the first places to which he and Dana turned. Christopher had formed his own foundation, which he came to realize had much in common with the APA (to which he was elected Chairman of the Board in 1996). He was so impressed by the passion of the APA's members and the daring research they were funding, he suggested a merger, offering to lend his name, creativity, energy, and fundraising muscle to their shared quest for a cure. In 1999, they came together as the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. And as we've grown and grown, we've always stayed in the same town!
 Michele - Vice President, Human Resources and Special Initiatives
My job responsibilities include directing all aspects of human resources, from managing all employee benefits to working with staff to ensure employee satisfaction, managing and overseeing the donor database to all accounts receivable and accounts payable, and serving as a member of the executive staff to help the Foundation achieve its goals, among other daily activities.
The question I get asked most often after I tell someone I work for the Reeve Foundation is "Wow, did you know Christopher and Dana?" and I can proudly say, yes. Chris truly was "larger than life" and Dana pretty much took your breath away. They really were special people and their loss was a loss to all that loved them for what they did for others.
 Sam - Knowledge Manager
People ask me all the time what a knowledge manager does, and what I tell them is that, being in the information and referral business, we at the Paralysis Resource Center are bombarded with detail and data. To make sense of it, and to pass it along, we mill it into knowledge -- usable information chunks that are easy to catalog and store, easy to access and easy to understand. Knowledge management means taking the distilled information in whatever form it exists -- that is, in print, on the Internet, in multimedia formats, and making sure it is consistent, reliable and set to the highest standards of editorial integrity and verisimilitude. That's what I do.
 Doug - Director, Individual Research Grants Program
As Director of the Grants Program I oversee the entire lifecycle of a grant - from submission to contract execution if funding has been awarded.
Do you have research laboratories at the Foundation?
Our Foundation provides monetary support to scientists around the world. We don't conduct research at the Foundation; rather, investigators send us research proposals and we then employ a "peer review" process to select the best science to fund. The peer review process is similar that employed by the National Institutes of Health and other research organizations.
 Patricia - Director of Development
My work focuses on major gifts and chapter development. I work with individual donors as well as volunteer committees who are organizing local chapters and special events to expand support for the Reeve Foundation's mission and programs.
I am asked frequently about ways to include the Reeve Foundation in estate plans.
Donors who have supported the organization at all levels, as well as individuals who haven’t made a contribution before, call to ask about making planned gifts such as a bequest or charitable trust, or naming the Reeve Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance or retirement plan. Special gifts like these make an invaluable difference, fueling the Reeve Foundation’s Research and Quality of Life programs. Often supporters are surprised to learn how simple it can be to establish these gifts and that planned gifts offer many benefits not only for the charitable organization but also for the donors as well, including tax advantages and potential income streams. When donors and their families demonstrate their commitment through planned gifts, they also inspire others to support the Reeve Foundation’s mission.
 Sharon - Director of Direct Response
I oversee our direct response fundraising program. I assist on our online fundraising efforts. I assist on our corporate/foundation fundraising efforts. I make sure that our status and information is current for a variety of charity "watchdog" agencies, and I oversee our America's Charity and United Way workplace giving programs
The first thing people say when they hear I work at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is "What a tragic story," "How is their son Will?"
I tell everyone I started at the Foundation on the day that Dana died, and I am so sorry I never had the chance to meet her. Will is doing great and living with a loving family. Christopher's children from a previous relationship, Alexandra and Matthew, are on our Board of Directors helping to carry on the legacy of Chris and Dana.
 Anne - Assistant Controller
The Controller and I monitor the Foundation's cash flow on a daily basis and monthly, prepare annual forecasts. We prepare the annual budget, using information from senior management. We prepare monthly financial statements and monitor actual operating results versus budgeted results. We manage government grants and reporting issues such as our annual audit.
One question I hear constantly is, What is it like now that they are both gone?
Christopher's motto was "Go forward!" and that's really what's happening here. While there is no doubt that the absence of Chris and Dana is strongly felt by the Foundation's staff, board and officers, the dedication of these same people to keep on driving the mission of the Foundation is incredibly powerful. You can feel the enthusiasm, determination & dedication all over. It's become a way of life for us -- passing on the word!
 Kerin - Director, Team Reeve
I'm the Director of the Reeve Foundation's athletic-based fundraising program. I manage, recruit, and lend support to our Team Reeve athletes in pursuit of their sporting endeavors. From marathons to cycling events, Team Reeve will give you the tools needed to help you succeed in your sport and to raise awareness and integral funds for our research and quality of life programs.
When I speak to someone professionally, I'm typically asked "How long have you worked at the Foundation?" And it's quickly followed with: "Did you know Chris and Dana?"
I started at the Foundation on Wednesday, March 1st, 2006, 5 days before Dana died. So no, I didn't have the privilege of meeting her, but without question, since day one of working here there has been an enveloping spirit around the office. Every day I think of them, every day I feel like I knew them and every day I work hard to make sure their vision, their hope is realized. I see Chris and Dana in the athletes that join our Team; their strength, their determination, their passion, it's what keeps us moving and growing. How fortunate I am to work at the Reeve Foundation.
 Donna V - Director, Quality of Life Grants
I have the incredibly rewarding responsibility of carrying on Dana Reeve’s vision of the Quality of Life grants program on a day-to-day basis. I enjoy talking to representatives from organizations all over the United States and beyond that are doing exciting, innovative programs and activities to help empower and support individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. In each of our 2 grant cycles per year, I typically process around 300 grant applications, usually totaling over $10 million in requested funds annually. Chris’s two older children, Matthew and Alexandra, are both members of the Reeve Foundation Board of Directors and serve on the Quality of Life Committee and are very engaged and involved with the Foundation.
The first thing I'm asked is, Did you know them?
Yes, I had the wonderful experience to know and work with both Chris and Dana. When I started back in 1996 with the American Paralysis Association, I was privileged to draft correspondence for Christopher. He really liked the way that I wrote for him, and often asked that I draft his special letters (a huge thrill for me!). Then, I began taking minutes at the meetings of the Board of Directors, and he loved my minutes because they were extremely detailed. I’ll never forget one meeting when he asked the Board members to give me a round of applause for the minutes! And Dana, sweet Dana, was such a caring, beautiful, funny, smart, and passionate woman. We used to spend hours upon hours in a small room with no windows going over boxes of grant applications. She was the epitome of class with a wicked sense of humor, and she dedicated so much of her life to making life better for other people. Chris and Dana were very kind, enormously talented and special people and will always be my heroes.
 Aimee - Senior Regional Director, NY/NJ/PA
I oversee and manage all events, programs and donor relationships throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania -- including our largest annual and longest running fundraising gala, A Magical Evening.
The question I am most frequently asked is, How is the Foundation doing since the passing of Chris and Dana?
I answer that we are thriving. Their loss was unimaginable, but the Foundation Board and staff are more determined than ever to see Chris and Dana's dream become reality. We are making huge strides, and our programs are having a real impact. Both the international research initiatives and the quality of life programs that we fund are seeing huge successes, and we are helping people in the here and now.
 Bea - Executive Assistant to the President and CEO
I act as liaison to the Foundation’s distinguished Board of Directors and also handle planned gifts administration, contracts, trademark monitoring, and compliance and regulatory matters for the Foundation.
When someone hears that I work here, their usual reaction is “AWW – that’s really wonderful” followed by the inevitable question – will they ever find a cure for spinal cord injury? I respond by saying that the emerging science is indeed promising and tell them a bit about Locomotor Training in the NRN.
 Mandy - Director, New England Chapter
Build and manage the New England Chapter of the Reeve Foundation.
People want to know what the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation does.
We work to find a cure for paralysis through our research programs as well as give out Quality of Life grants that fund projects and equipment the help people living with paralysis now.
 Leigh - Development Associate
I support the development team with our Team Reeve and Champions Committee initiatives, special events, corporate matching gifts, and donor relations.
Where is that, is what people ask me.
The Foundation is in lovely Short Hills, NJ, conveniently located 2.4 miles from the Mall at Short Hills, and catty-corner to Scotty's Steak House & Comedy Cove.
 Rebecca – Development Assistant
Contributing to the overall efficiency of the Development Department, I assist with various supportive projects and tasks. Some of these have included collaboration on chapter development, and acknowledgements to major donors.
My friends want to know how I got a real job!
In the beginning of Summer 2007, I was looking for an internship with a non-profit organization. Despite searching various websites and newspapers nothing was coming into place. I found out that the Foundation was right in my backyard in Short Hills, NJ, and called to inquire whether or not interns were being hired. Consequently, I had interned for the past year in Short Hills and DC and now am a full time staff member!
 Beth - Information Assistant
As the Information Assistant, I assemble packages to send to people who contact the Information Specialists. I also handle the shipping of many, many Paralysis Resource Guides (both English and Spanish versions). I can send a single copy or cases. Paralysis Resource Guides can be sent around the corner or around the world. While there is no such thing as an "average month," any given month I can ship between 1000 and 2000 guides to individuals and organizations around the world.
 Rob - Manager of Online Communications
I handle everything that goes on the website from look and feel to writing and editing stories, and all email communications. Yes, I'm the guy who sends all these emails -- to better inform you!
I tell people where I work, and they say, How do you like it? I love it. There is so much going on here, so much energy coming from everyone, and it all passes through the website. I can truly say I am not the same person I was when I started here.
 Julie - Senior Web Producer
It all boils down to making the website pretty, functional, informational, and motivational so that our users come away feeling empowered to help themselves and others living with paralysis.
Question I asked myself: Why do I want to work here?
From my personal experiences, I can first-hand see the differences non-profits for people with disabilities can make in the lives of not only those affected, but improving the family unit they belong to. To be able to forget about a disability you or a loved one has, for even a day, a couple of hours, due to the work of the Foundation, that's priceless. Now, I get the chance to be a part of this process.
 Sheila - Library Director
I manage library services including selecting and cataloging books and videos for the collection, interlibrary loans and direct loan programs. I oversee the distribution of our free book –the Paralysis Resource Guide. I also work on special projects like our Quality of Life Grants database and the Paralysis Task Force. I maintain and catalog the Foundation’s photo collection and the Public Relations department’s video collection.
People want to know how big the Foundation is. After telling people that there are only about 33 employees here, I tell them that one of the things I like best about the Foundation is the small size. I like the pitch in and do a bit of everything attitude that you need to have around here. It means I’ve gotten to do lots of things outside of the normal library duties—from helping with the operations of the Resource Center to exhibiting at conferences and volunteering at fundraisers. I also got to start the library collection from scratch—a great experience.
 Nikia - Receptionist
My duties are answering the phone, routing calls, checking voice mail messages and forwarding them for return calls and other services, mail logging and sorting, and keeping candy in the candy jar. Keeping candy has been the hardest task, but I have lots of helpers here to keep me on my toes.
People ask me all the time what is it that I do? I tell them my duties; but I tell them, as best as I can, the things that everyone does. I say the Paraylysis Resource Center informs people of services and organizations that are available to people with disabilities and their care givers. The PRC sends out information packages, free books, runs a Quality of Life grants program and they have a lending library that allows you to borrow books, DVDs etc. The Information Specialists handle calls for people in need of information ... and so much more.
 Angela - Associate Director of Operations
Paralysis Resource Center programmatic operations.
Question I'm most often asked is, Did you ever meet Christopher and Dana?
Yes, and they were both genuine lovely people, who really took the time to impact the world of paralysis and make a difference. Now, we are here to fulfill the dream.
 Harold - Information Specialist
The question I get asked most often after I tell someone I work for the Reeve Foundation is: What's an Information Specialist?
Since being hired by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center as an associate Information Specialist about 3 years ago, I've provided resources and general information on paralysis to individuals looking for help and direction -- in two languages, since I'm fluent in Spanish. My Latino background has been an asset in this type of work. It allows me to reach a segment of individuals who are disabled on their level. Being paralyzed for over 17 years gives me a unique outlook on living with paralysis and makes me a visible spokesperson for the type of work we do. I just hope my positive personality is infectious with the people I deal with while working here.
 Jennifer - Information Specialist
As an Information Specialist I provide individuals with helpful resources, support, and information on spinal cord injury, paralysis, and other related conditions. People can call, email, or write requesting information on a variety of issues and topics.
One of the most common questions I get from people who call us is, are our resources free?
All of the resources we provide are free of charge to the individual. We also have a toll-free number people can call (1-800-539-7309) and ask to speak to an Information Specialist. Our Paralysis Resource Guide publication is also available and provides quick reference information on a variety of topics and issues related to paralysis.
 Kathy - Information Specialist
I assist individuals, family members, friends, caregivers and professionals in finding authoritative information, resources, and tools to help them. I hightlight information that they may not seen or considered that will be useful in their daily activites.
People, especially healthcare professionals and other foundations, want to know how we are funded.
We receive donations to the Foundation from sources including individuals, corporations, foundations, and through special events. We have several programs funded by collaborative grants with the U.S. governmental agencies including: NATCN by the Department of Defense, NeuroRecovery Network, Paralysis Resource Center, and some grants in the Quality of Life program through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Donna L. - Information Specialist
I provide information and resources in response to questions regarding spinal cord injuries, stroke and other conditions that result in paralysis.
A question often ask by people calling our hotline is, Do you have rehab facilities that I can come to for physical therapy?
I tell them that while we do not have rehab facilities, we are very much involved with research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries as well as funding programs such as the NeuroRecovery Network program that provides physical therapy through locomotor training on a treadmill. I am currently enrolled in the NRN program myself, and will enthusiastically give details of the program if given the opportunity!
 Priti - Associate Director of Community Outreach
I am responsible for the multicultural outreach program and also participate in the Quality of Life Grants process. I am responsible for the development and implementation of programs which reach out to the many diverse communities across the United States. There are many services and interventions that people of diverse communities are unaware of because of language barriers or cultural stigmas related to disability. We are breaking down these obstacles and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis and their families.
The question which I am most asked is if I ever get to see the Reeve family?
Matthew and Alexandra are members of the Board of Directors and sit on the Quality of Life Committee, so I do get to see them at the Committee meetings when we review the grants requests twice yearly, as well as at special events.
 Lin - Communications Associate
Every day is different here. One day I can be interviewing students for our internship program or working with designers on our brochures and other collateral pieces. Most days, I'm working with our PR agencies to push the Foundation brand and message in national press and through the Multicultural Outreach Program, spearheading the Ambassador Program, and keeping up with our network of nearly 4,000 friends on the Foundation Myspace and Facebook pages.
My favorite part of my job is exhibiting at conferences to let the community of people with disabilities know about the PRC's resources and meeting the very people who benefit from our services. While exhibiting at the conferences, a lot of people ask me why we continue to have the Foundation after Christopher's death. I remind them that the Foundation's roots stretch back to 1982 and while Christopher was gracious enough to lend his name and passion to the cause, the Foundation has been searching for a cure for over 26 years and will continue to do so until that cure or cures are found.
 Jesse - Multimedia Developer
I'm responsible for filming and editing of video content for our site.
People most often wonder if it's hard or depressing to work in the area of disability. I tell people that it is the exact opposite. So many of the people that I've had the opportunity to meet and work with are more vibrant and motivated than most able-bodied people. I am continually amazed and inspired by the people I meet and by the science and technology being created to further improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Rose - Public Education Manager
I make sure we are represented at conferences by doing public outreach for the Paralysis Resource Center. Question I'm most often asked is, "What is the Paralysis Resource Center?" Our resource center was the brainchild of Dana Reeve to help people with paralysis, their families and loved ones have a place to turn to when they feel all alone and need answers, resources and support from people who genuinely care about them.
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