Kim Hindery – Executive Director
Kim Hindery is a visionary leader, seasoned advocate, and dedicated changemaker with over 19 years of experience advancing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families. As Executive Director of the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF), she leads national efforts to provide critical resources, education, and advocacy that improve the lives of children with neurologic conditions. A strategic and results-driven executive, Kim excels in building high-impact partnerships, fostering collaboration, and driving transformative programs that shape the future of pediatric neurology care.Â
At CNF, Kim oversees a growing network of more than 90 advocacy organizations, uniting them in a shared mission to deliver essential social and emotional support to families. She leads the development of innovative educational initiatives that empower families and healthcare professionals, ensuring that comprehensive, patient-centered care remains at the forefront of CNF’s mission. Under her leadership, CNF has expanded its national reach, strengthened its partnerships, and solidified its role as a premier resource in the child neurology community.Â
Kim holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Saint Louis University, as well as a Master’s in Administration from Xavier University. She is also SAFe6 POPM certified, further demonstrating her expertise in program management, operational strategy, and organizational leadership. Before joining CNF, Kim’s career as an intervention specialist was defined by her ability to empower children and families to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential.Â
A recognized national leader in patient-centered research, Kim was instrumental in establishing the parent council for the I-ACQUIRE phase 3 clinical trial in 2019, pioneering a model for meaningful family engagement in clinical research. She continues to collaborate with leading clinicians and researchers to develop inclusive, patient-sensitive materials and enhance recruitment and retention strategies. Her contributions have been widely recognized, including the publication of a groundbreaking paper in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics: “Parent Council for a Pediatric Stroke Rehabilitation Clinical Trial.”Â
Kim’s expertise and influence extend beyond CNF. She is an active voice in national healthcare policy and patient advocacy, serving on multiple advisory boards. She was a former member of the FDA’s Patient Engagement Collaborative and currently holds a seat on the FDA’s Patient Engagement Advisory Committee, where she provides critical insights into the patient and family experience. Additionally, she serves on the AACPDM Community Council, where she shares her specialized knowledge in caring for a child with complex neurologic conditions and shaping best practices for patient and family engagement.Â
Kim’s passion for advocacy is deeply personal. Her youngest daughter was diagnosed with LEMSPAD Syndrome, an ultra-rare genetic condition, as well as polymicrogyria and schizencephaly, two additional rare brain conditions that have resulted in the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. This lived experience fuels Kim’s commitment to ensuring that families navigating complex medical challenges have access to the knowledge, resources, and support they need.Â
Kim is deeply committed to driving systemic change and ensuring that families of children with neurologic conditions are seen, heard, and supported. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys reading, volunteering in her daughters’ schools, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She resides near Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.Â
Lindsey Taveren, MBA – Chief Financial Officer
With over 13 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, Ms. Lindsey Taveren is a seasoned leader at CNF, renowned for her ability to leverage financial strategies and emerging technologies to drive us toward our vision of a world in which all children affected by neurologic disorders reach their full potential. Her impressive track record includes working at American Academy of Neurology where she drove major investments in finance technology systems and provided fiscal management to the American Brain Foundation, the Child Neurology Foundation, and the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. With a strong academic foundation, Ms. Taveren holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business where she specialized in finance and entrepreneurship.
Nyechi Oleka – Director of PR and Marketing
Nyechi Oleka is a strategic and dynamic marketing and communications leader with over a decade of experience in relationship management, community engagement, and digital marketing. As the Director of Public Relations & Marketing at the Child Neurology Foundation, she develops and executes impactful media strategies, strengthens brand visibility, and drives meaningful engagement across digital and traditional platforms.
With a background in psychology and conflict management, Nyechi takes a thoughtful, people-centered approach to storytelling and outreach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master of Science in Conflict Management from Sullivan University. Her career spans nonprofit and healthcare sectors, where she has built engaged communities, led multi-channel marketing campaigns, and fostered key partnerships to elevate mission-driven initiatives.
An experienced public relations strategist, Nyechi has spent over seven years developing media relations strategies, crafting compelling content, and enhancing community engagement efforts. She has successfully led marketing and branding for fundraising campaigns and high-profile events, including Sneaker Ball Lex: A KOTD Affair, which has raised over $70K for local initiatives in a three year span. She is also the Founder of the Sneakers With Everything Project, a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment.
Since 2018, Nyechi has served as the Vice President and Public Relations Coordinator for Strengthening Transformations, Inc., an organization committed to bringing generational change to women and girls—a cause that is deeply personal to her. Through this work, she has helped elevate the organization’s visibility, expand its reach, and strengthen its impact in the community.
Beyond her professional role, Nyechi is an active community leader. She is a member of the Junior League of Lexington, where she serves on the 2025 Community Projects Committee, and is part of the Neighborhood Healers Cohort, Class of 2024. Passionate about fostering connections and amplifying voices, she continues to drive initiatives that create lasting impact through strategic communication and authentic storytelling.
Vivian Medrano – Social Worker
Vivian was born and raised in sunny California. She enjoys doing outdoor activities and reading a good book in her downtime. She has worked in the social service industry for over four years and has been in direct patient care for over 13 years. Her specialty has been in providing families with the best support and resources she can while also being the lending hand to guide them through the process. Vivian is passionate about what she does and hopes to always make a positive impact on those around her.
Brad Thompson – Peer Support Specialist
Brad Thompson works in the CNF Peer Support Program as a Program Specialist. He is married and has two adult children and two grandchildren. Brad’s daughter is 33 and has special needs, including a seizure disorder and intellectual delay. As a licensed counselor, Brad has spent the last 25 years focused on serving families of children with special healthcare needs. Nearly 5 years ago, Amy Brin asked Brad to join CNF’s peer support team to provide peer support to the families CNF helps. His favorite sports teams are the Texas Tech Red Raiders (his alma mater), the Dallas Cowboys, and San Antonio Spurs.