Meet the Team

Meet the Co-Founders

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Ashlyn Thompson

Co-Founder and Executive Hope Director

Meet Ashlyn
Portrait of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a beige top, captured in a bright indoor setting.

Emily Whiting

Co-Founder and Executive Hope Director

Meet Emily

Our Inspiration

Emery Thompson and Charlotte Whiting are the true original co-founders, at the then ripe ages of 11 months and five-years-old. They might not have filed the legal paperwork to officially start the 501(c)3, but they are the inspiration behind the Parent Empowerment Network.

Emery was diagnosed with a rare condition called bladder exstrophy at her fetal anatomy scan before she was born. Her unique medical journey has literally taken her around the world, including a massive surgery in the United Kingdom. While Emery is known for being the first American to undergo the surgery, she’s just as famous for her abundant red curls and contagious smile.  She is a fierce fighter and the inspiration behind Ashlyn’s drive to support families on their own advocacy journeys for their children. 

Emery

Meet Emery
Charlotte also had a fateful fetal anatomy scan which showed head-to-toe anomalies at just 20-weeks gestation. Whether she would survive long after birth, and what survival looked like, was unknown. Despite all odds, she spent her first three-months in the NICU fighting for her life through five major surgeries. She then went on to have more than 20 procedures before receiving a diagnosis of Hardikar Syndrome, an ultra-rare disease with less than ten documented cases around the world at the time of Charlotte’s diagnosis.

Charlotte

Meet Charlotte

Meet the Board of Directors

Kara Casavan

President

Meet Kara
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Jasmina Tadic, CFP

Treasurer

Meet Jasmina

Ashley Milbourne

Secretary

Meet Ashley
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Danielle Matter

Meet Danielle
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Terrie Koch, RN

Meet Terrie

Gage Righter

Meet Gage

Abby Zachritz

Meet Abby

Dr. Pedro-José López E.

Meet Dr. PJ
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Ashlyn Thompson

Co-Founder and Executive Hope Director

Ashlyn is a fearless crusader endeavoring to transform parents of children with medical complexities into capable, courageous advocates. She’s inspired by her daughter, Emery, who was born with bladder exstrophy. Emery nearly died twice at just seven-weeks-old after her major closure surgery, due to a series of unfortunate accidental errors, and has since inspired increased safety protocols at the hospital. 

Unwilling to accept Emery’s fate of facing probable life-long incontinence, Ashlyn discovered a surgeon in the United Kingdom who performs a bladder neck reconstruction procedure which was not offered in the United States at the time. The Thompson family became medical tourists in early 2023 and Emery is the first-ever American to undergo this surgery. 

But wait, there’s more. Unwilling to settle for the fact that Americans could not easily access this surgical option for their children with bladder exstrophy, Ashlyn collaborated with her U.K. surgeon to bring the procedure to the States, and it is now offered in Cleveland, Ohio. You can hear the full story here. 

Beyond her amazing medical parenting journey, Ashlyn is also a wife, mother to her older son, and has an extensive marketing and communications professional background. 

Portrait of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a beige top, captured in a bright indoor setting.

Emily Whiting

Co-Founder and Executive Hope Director

Emily is a beacon of hope. She meets you at your greatest time of need and empowers you to relentlessly pursue the best care for your child and family’s medical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.  Her daughter Charlotte was diagnosed at age five with Hardikar Syndrome, after already undergoing more than 20 major corrective surgeries. Affecting a known population of about nine in the world at the time, this ultra-rare disease involves more than 20 specialists and four hospital systems across the United States in Charlotte’s regular medical care. Charlotte’s journey is far from over as she will need a minimum of ten more procedures and lifelong care management.  Emily captured the beginning of their journey in the book She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with her Child with Medical Complexities. She has since brought the Hardikar community together as more receive the diagnosis around the world. Learn about the power of community here. Beyond her medical parenting journey, Emily is also wife, mother to three other precious babies, and has a communications background as a public speaker, author and team leader. 
A cheerful young girl with curly red hair, wearing a white dress, playing and smiling in an open grassy field.

Emery

Emery was diagnosed with a rare condition called bladder exstrophy at her fetal anatomy scan before she was born. Her unique medical journey has literally taken her around the world, including a massive surgery in the United Kingdom. While Emery is known for being the first American to undergo the surgery, she’s just as famous for her abundant red curls and contagious smile.  She is a fierce fighter and the inspiration behind Ashlyn’s drive to support families on their own advocacy journeys for their children. 

Charlotte

Charlotte also had a fateful fetal anatomy scan which showed head-to-toe anomalies at just 20-weeks gestation. Whether she would survive long after birth, and what survival looked like, was unknown. Despite all odds, she spent her first three-months in the NICU fighting for her life through five major surgeries. She then went on to have more than 20 procedures before receiving a diagnosis of Hardikar Syndrome, an ultra-rare disease with less than ten documented cases around the world at the time of Charlotte’s diagnosis.

Kara Casavan

Kara is a passionate leader in healthcare experience design and family support, with over two decades of expertise spanning patient experience, child and family development, and public health initiatives. As the Director of Experience Design & Family Support Services at Riley Children’s Health, she leads a team of more than 70 professionals across patient experience, child life, bereavement, creative arts therapies, school programs, guest relations, and language access services. In this role, she works closely with executive leadership to drive innovation in patient-centered care, quality improvement, and family engagement across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings.


Prior to her work at Riley, Kara played a pivotal role in advancing maternal and child health as a Program Manager at the Indiana University School of Medicine, overseeing initiatives focused on reducing infant mortality and improving early childhood developmental screening. She has also made a lasting impact in the social services sector through her work with the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, where she specialized in child welfare, forensic interviewing, and abuse prevention.


Kara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development, a Master’s in Health Leadership, and is currently an MBA candidate at the Kelley School of Business. A recognized expert in patient experience, she has served as faculty for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), providing quality improvement expertise and family-centered perspectives on pediatric healthcare initiatives. She has contributed to multiple national publications, research projects, and conference presentations, reinforcing her commitment to bridging the gap between families and healthcare systems.


Beyond her professional expertise, Kara’s dedication to the Parent Empowerment Network (PEN) is deeply personal. As a mother of a medically complex child, she has lived the emotional highs and lows that come with navigating the healthcare system. Her firsthand experience fuels her commitment to ensuring that families feel empowered, supported, and heard. She believes in the power of community and advocacy to transform the medical journey for parents and children alike.
Kara is honored to serve on the PEN Board of Directors as President, bringing both her professional leadership and personal passion to help shape a future where no parent feels alone in their journey.

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Jasmina Tadic, CFP

Treasurer

Jasmina can’t help but feel that her involvement with this mission was meant to be. The timing was perfect, the treasurer role was much needed and Jasmina has seen time and time again that advocating skills can be life-changing. And then to see how Ashlyn and Emily have turned their challenges into opportunities to help other families, she was compelled to be part of the team. And, she continues to be impressed by the accomplishments of the Parent Empowering Network!

Jasmina is a recently retired wealth advisor from a leading financial firm who generously shares her skills with this mission. Jasmina played an integral role in the rise of an award-winning company providing transformative guidance to many families. She also has a passion for kids and helping those in need of any age, both of which are invaluable to the Parent Empowerment Network.

With a heart of service, Jasmina embraces her clients and friends like family and jumps into the caregiver role whenever needed.

Ashley Milbourne

Ashley Milbourne is a passionate advocate for families navigating the challenges of complex medical diagnoses. As the mother of a medically complex child, she has firsthand experience with the emotional and logistical hurdles that come with such a journey. Since her daughter Maren’s diagnosis with Bladder Exstrophy in 2020, Ashley has been deeply involved in the rare disease and medical parent community, ensuring that families receive the support and guidance they need.

Ashley and Ashlyn formed a steadfast bond soon after their daughters’ diagnoses, leaning on each other through the highs and lows of surgeries, procedures, and daily life with resilient red-headed daughters. Their shared experiences solidified Ashley’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the Parent Empowerment Network (PEN), a resource she knows families desperately need.

Professionally, Ashley works full-time in the health insurance and employee benefits industry at her family’s business, Benefit Coordinators. When she transitioned to this role in 2009, she had no idea how invaluable her expertise would become in navigating the complexities of medical insurance for her daughter. Now, she leverages her knowledge to help other families facing the same daunting insurance battles, turning her personal struggles into a source of empowerment for others.

As a guest co-host on Empowered by Hope, Ashley shares her insights, experiences, and unwavering support for parents on similar journeys. She is honored to serve on the PEN Board of Directors, believing wholeheartedly that every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth. Helping parents find hope amidst uncertainty is not just a mission for Ashley—it’s a privilege she embraces with gratitude.

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Danielle Matter

“I am all too familiar with autoimmune conditions, with multiple people in our family having diagnoses, including myself. But from that, I know that a positive spirit, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a dose of encouragement can be wildly impactful as you navigate the ups and downs of chronic conditions. Two of my best friends, Emily and Ashlyn, are providing all of the above to families and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Danielle is the glue that brought co-founders Ashlyn and Emily together. Without her, there would be no Parent Empowerment Network because the two founders would never have met! A childhood friend of Ashlyn’s and former co-worker of Emily’s, she is a radiant light of positivity and hope amidst her own juvenile autoimmune disease diagnosis. 

Danielle is the Director of Brand Experience and Education for a global beef brand, Certified Angus Beef. AKA, she is an event planning and marketing extraordinaire who uses her incredible talents to help us grow.

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Terrie Koch, RN

“What I value most about the Parent Empowerment Network is working for an organization in whose mission I truly believe in with people that are passionate about what they do!”

Terrie works with parents at the “moment of impact,” when they learn their unborn child has unique medical needs. She is a registered nurse working with Maternal Fetal Medicine OBGYNs at Cleveland Clinic. She was there for Emily throughout the pregnancy with Charlotte, visited them both in the NICU and has been a steady friend since, even helping Emily cope with two miscarriages. 

Terrie has a heart filled with love and compassion, as a mother who lost her own daughter at 37 weeks pregnant. Terrie has helped countless parents mourn the loss of the healthy child they envisioned, and re-frame goals for moving forward. 

Gage Righter

Gage Righter is an associate attorney at Critchfield, Critchfield, and Johnston, Ltd in the firm’s Estate Planning and Probate practice groups. With a deep passion for helping others and a dedication to making a positive impact, Gage is proud to contribute his background and experience to the mission of Parent Empowerment Network. As an estate planning attorney, Gage helps individuals and families secure their futures by ensuring their assets are protected and their wishes are honored. Gage is particularly inspired by Parent Empowerment Network’s work of supporting families and providing them with the tools and support they need to navigate life’s challenges.

 

Throughout his career, Gage has always been driven by a willingness to help others, taking on each case with care and compassion. His approach is grounded in building strong relationships with individuals, listening carefully to their concerns, and offering thoughtful, strategic solutions tailored to their unique needs. Whether guiding individuals through the complexities of estate planning or offering reassurance during difficult times, Gage’s goal is always the same—to provide clarity, support, and peace of mind.

 

For Gage, working with the Parent Empowerment Network is a natural extension of his desire to give back and make a difference. His commitment to the Parent Empowerment Network’s mission reflects his belief in the power of community and service, and he continues to be motivated by the opportunity to help others protect what matters most.

 

Abby Zachritz

Abby Zachritz, also known as Advocacy Abby, is dedicated to helping families secure financial resources for medical treatments, emergency needs, wheelchair-accessible vans, specialized equipment, and more. Her advocacy journey began in 2014 when her child survived a near-drowning incident, which led her to search for grants and financial assistance for families facing similar challenges.

After nearly a decade of gathering information, Abby officially launched Advocacy Abby in 2024. That same year, she co-founded Connect, home to the world’s largest living database of grants, allowing users to search by location, diagnosis, and need. This groundbreaking resource supports individuals with disabilities, rare diseases, and conditions such as ALS, cancer, and cerebral palsy.

Abby now serves on the Board of Directors for Parent Empowerment Network, where her expertise in grant funding and resource navigation directly supports their mission—to be the first stop for families facing a new diagnosis or medical crisis. By ensuring that families have immediate access to financial aid, advocacy tools, and essential support, Abby helps strengthen the network’s ability to provide critical, real-time assistance when it matters most.

In addition to her work with grants, Abby is a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, teaching families and organizations how to access financial assistance while sharing her personal story of resilience and hope. Through her efforts, she has helped thousands find life-changing resources, reinforcing her mission to make financial support accessible to those who need it most.

Dr. Pedro-José López E.

Head of the Pediatric Urology Department

UH & Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital Cleveland USA

Professor of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology

Case Western Reserve University & University of Chile

Former President of the Chilean Society of Pediatric Surgery (SChCP)

Former President of the Ibero-American Society of Pediatric Urology (SIUP)

 

Dr. P.J. López has a specific interest in complex reconstructive urological pathology and minimally invasive surgery. He is also involved in facilitating the smooth transition from pediatric to adult practice by improving the management of adolescents with complex urological pathology. One of his career goals is to be at the forefront of scientific development by establishing the scientific basis and reflecting it in a first-class clinical service where the experience and journey of the patient and their family are at the center of attention. A special area of interest is the ability to orchestrate teams where leadership is the basis of shared work. This is why he is part of the editorial boards of 5 journals, has published more than 45 book chapters, edited 2 books, 2 academic websites, and published more than 120 scientific articles. He is also a recognized international speaker and is regularly invited to renowned scientific meetings. He is an active member of more than 10 scientific societies and currently serves on the board of 2 of them.

PJ’s commitment to compassionate care is just one of the many ways he aligns with the mission of Parent Empowerment Network. His diverse experience in providing top notch pediatric urology care at institutions around the world, provides PEN with indispensable insights.

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