Neuro Challenge Foundation Staff
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s team is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.
Jennifer Bitner
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer joined Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s as Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, bringing with her more than 24 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. An innovative and influential leader, Jennifer is passionate about building strong partnerships and collaborating with community leaders to drive meaningful, lasting change in the lives of those served by the organization.
Her diverse nonprofit background includes key roles with nationally recognized organizations such as the March of Dimes and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2017, Jennifer transitioned into animal welfare as Executive Director of the Pensacola Humane Society, where she spent five years leading impactful programs and operations. She is a graduate of the prestigious Best Friends Animal Society’s Executive Leadership Program and served on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations.
As CEO of Neuro Challenge, Jennifer is focused on advancing the organization’s mission and vision. She leads fundraising efforts, partnership development, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, while supporting a dedicated team in delivering high-quality programs and services to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Jennifer’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to service, community, and achieving mission-driven results.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending quality moments with her husband and family, embracing the joys of togetherness and creating lasting memories.
Donita Pace
Office Manager
Donita brings over two decades of experience in higher education, where she specialized in residential life and student development. Throughout her career, she managed residence halls and played a key role in developing over $30 million in new housing facilities, including major projects in Sarasota. Her professional journey has taken her across the country, with positions at Wright State University, Oberlin College, Northwest Missouri State, New Mexico State, and New College of Florida—each enriching her deep connection to student engagement and campus life.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she was born and raised. Her family, including her parents and two sisters, still reside in the Dayton area.
For the past 17 years, Donita has called Sarasota home and fully embraces the Florida lifestyle. From beaches and sunsets to flamingos and seashells, she continues to enjoy the area with the curiosity and joy of a tourist. Most recently, she contributed her skills and passion for service to Meals On Wheels of Sarasota, furthering her commitment to community-focused work.
April Spagnuolo-Moschini
Program Director
April is a visionary leader, known for her creative innovations which inspire programs that encourage Full Life Engagement. Specifically, she is credited with creating a Multi-Sensory room with experiences benefiting people with Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, Vision Impairment, MS, Down Syndrome, Autism, and more.
April has several years of experience as a Certified Activity Director in Long Term Care Settings. Her dedication to best practices and customer service resulted in the pursuit of an Assisted Living Administrator’s License.
April’s commitment to non-profits allowed her to focus on writing and administering grants, while developing programs that improve the Quality of Life for seniors or people with disabilities. April received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and began her career as a High School Teacher. She continues to be driven by the love of learning, discovery, and motivating others.
In her “me” time, April enjoys time with family, gardening, kayaking, and creating art.
Traci Willingham
Community Relations Director
Traci is a valued and long-standing member of the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s team, having joined the organization in 2018. She brings more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a strong background in fundraising, marketing, event planning, and operations. Her expertise in building meaningful community partnerships and executing impactful events has helped further the mission of Neuro Challenge and enhance the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.
Traci has spent her career applying her skills and passion to causes that make a difference. She is especially committed to serving the Parkinson’s community and is proud to play a role in spreading awareness about the valuable programs and services that Neuro Challenge provides throughout the region.
Born and raised in Sarasota, Traci has deep roots in the local community and a strong understanding of the area’s unique needs and opportunities. Her extensive experience in fundraising and marketing, combined with her natural ability to connect with others, makes her a vital part of the organization’s continued growth and outreach.
Outside of work, Traci enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children. Together, they love exploring the outdoors, taking family trips to the mountains, and visiting Florida’s state parks to immerse themselves in nature and create lasting memories
Leah Barber
External Affairs Director
As Director of External Affairs, Leah leads strategic stakeholder engagement and community relations to advance the organization’s mission and broaden its reach. With over 15 years of experience in patient advocacy, government affairs, health policy, and coalition-building, she has a proven track record of cultivating high-impact partnerships and elevating stakeholder voices to inform organizational programs and initiatives.
A graduate of Florida State University with Master’s degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Public Administration & Policy (MPA), she is a recognized leader in the Florida health landscape with extensive experience managing complex, cross-functional collaborations. Prior to coming to Neuro Challenge Foundation, she worked for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy.
Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending time with her children, family, friends, and pup, Daisy. She loves cooking, fitness, the great outdoors, travel, live music, and college football (GO GATORS!).
Diane Conti
Lead Care Advisor
Diane joined the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s as a Care Advisor in August 2021, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to the role. With an extensive background in nonprofit work across Illinois and Florida, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families navigating neurologic conditions.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. Diane’s passion for this field was deeply influenced by her personal experience supporting her father-in-law after a traumatic brain injury, as well as her professional work with medical clinics. These experiences have shaped her strong belief in the power of community resources, education, and support networks in helping individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners thrive.
Diane is committed to empowering others to reach their goals and live their fullest lives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, soaking in sunsets, traveling, and getting lost in a good book.
Sue Lassiter
Care Advisor
Originally from Maryland, Sue spent a 42-year career in healthcare in Eastern North Carolina, where she developed a deep connection to the Southern community. She began her journey as a bedside nurse after earning her BSN from D’Youville College and advanced into leadership roles, ultimately serving for 20 years as President of a 114-bed community hospital in Ahoskie, NC. Along the way, she earned a Master’s in Nursing from East Carolina University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the Medical College of Virginia.
After retiring to Ocala in 2019, she continued her passion for helping others through fitness. She is certified in teaching water and strength classes, offers personal training, and holds a certification as a Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Specialist. Leading fitness classes for the Parkinson’s community has become one of the most rewarding parts of her post-retirement journey. Sue joined Neuro Challenge Foundation as a Care Advisor in 2025, to further support the Parkinson’s community she cares so deeply about.
Sue has one daughter and enjoys nature photography, gardening, knitting, crocheting, and finds peace in the quiet beauty of sunrise and sunset.
Lisa Gallucci
Care Advisor
Lisa joined Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s as a Care advisor in July 2026. She brings with her over two decades of leadership experience in human resources in public television and the senior living industry, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in finance, and nonprofit management.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is certified in Alzheimer’s quality care practices. She’s driven by a genuine desire to make life better for the people she serves, believing that meaningful service, creativity, and compassion, can strengthen communities and enrich lives. A desire strengthened during the time she cared for her grandmother with dementia.
Creativity runs through everything she does. A lifelong artist, dancer, and instructor, she taught for more than twenty years and in her spare time is a published author of children’s and science fiction fantasy books.
Margaret Ann Behrends
Development Relations Manager
Margaret Ann joined Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s in July 2025 as the Development Relations Manager, focusing on generating financial support to help grow the organization. Margaret Ann has 25+ years of development and production experience in New Jersey and Florida. She has built relationships with individuals, businesses, and community organizations, written federal, state and local grants, and managed special events and project fundraisers for local non-profits since moving to Sarasota in 2010.
Margaret Ann transitioned into non-profit development work in 2001 after a career in television and radio production. She is looking forward to using her experiences to contribute to the many people who Neuro Challenge Foundation serves.