Dan Tapper — President

Dan’s involvement with the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance dates back to his younger brother Jeff suffering a massive stroke in the summer of 2017; as Jeff’s recovery has progressed (and continues wonderfully), Dan has been inspired to work with people who are committed to promoting awareness about brain injuries and providing support to their families. As Public Relations Manager at Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc., Dan has worked extensively in a number of medical-related areas. He lives in Suffield with his wife Doreen, an educator in the Suffield public school system, and their son Sam, a student at Southern Connecticut State University.

David Lemkuil — Vice President

David is the husband of Susan Lemkuil and was a primary caretaker following her successful brain surgery procedures. He is an owner at Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil, Inc. and remains very active in the community. David is involved with West Hartford Rotary and Catholic Charities and serves as Chairman of the Salvation Army board, just to name a few. However, the CTBTA is his passion. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and coaching his children's various sports teams. David holds a B.S from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

David Forrest — Treasurer

David is a retired electrical engineer. He held numerous management positions in his 32 years at Northeast Utilities (now Eversource) and 11 years at ISO New England. He has a long history of volunteering including serving on the Southington Board of Education, the Board of Directors of Leadership Greater Hartford and the Board of Directors of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. David lives in Wethersfield with his wife and son and has two married daughters and four grandchildren. David’s daughters had a close friend, Jess, who referred to David as dad. Jess succumbed to Oligodendroglioma brain tumors after battling courageously for 6-years which included multiple surgeries, radiation and chemo treatments. 

Gregory Shimer — Secretary

Greg's wife, Tracey Gamer-Fanning, was diagnosed with a primary Brain Tumor in September of 2006. He has been her primary caregiver since then, raising five children and several animals at the same time. Greg is an Account Director for one of the top digital marketing firms in Connecticut, Rebel Interactive Group, a top-tier digital group with domestic and international clients. He is a Past-President of Rotary International, former Chairperson of the Brooklyn Economic Development Commission, former board member of the Northeast Economic Alliance, and an adjunct member of the Quiet Corner Democrats. He received a B.S. in Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy from Eastern Connecticut State University. His spare time, a sparse reality, is spent with his kids, traveling, cooking, visiting farmers markets with his wife, reading, working around the house and more.

Alexandra Flowers, MD — Director

Dr. Flowers recently retired after dedicating her professional career to caring for patients with brain tumors. She went to medical school in Bucharest, Romania, completed neurology residency in Buffalo, New York, and neuro-oncology fellowship at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She worked at the Cleveland Clinic, and in 1996 came to Connecticut as the first fellowship trained neuro-oncologist in the state. In the 21 years as a neuro-oncologist at Hartford Hospital she had the privilege of caring for hundreds of patients with brain tumors and provide support for their families. She spearheaded the creation of the brain tumor survivors support group at Hartford Hospital and was on the organizing committee for the annual Fred Cohen Symposium.

Dr. Flowers has always been an advocate for brain tumor patients and joining the CTBTA Board of Directors allows her to continue this work. She has experience in clinical research and as a Board Member she plans to use her expertise to evaluate research projects to be funded by CTBTA.

Kim Hodnett — Co-Founder and Director

Kim's mom, Sue Heath, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme IV in December 2003. Together with her sister Stacey, father and brother in-law Ron, they were blessed to be primary caregivers throughout Sue's courageous 11-month battle with brain cancer that took her far too soon in October 2004. As a founding member of the CTBTA, Kim hopes to raise awareness and much needed funding for brain tumor research. She earned a B.S. in Marketing and has held various marketing and analysis positions, including over six years experience in the medical communications industry. Kim currently lives in Glastonbury.

Cheryl Italia — Director

Cheryl was the primary caregiver of her husband, Christopher when he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme IV in May 2014. She learned everything and connected with CTBTA for support through his two year battle.  After losing Chris in May 2016, she joined our staff for 11 months in administrative support and development.   Now she joins our board to continue her fundraising efforts. Cheryl is a Senior Manager for Beautycounter, Santa Monica, California and lives in Rocky Hill with her youngest daughter, Lauren who is a student at Bryant University.  Her oldest son, James is completing his Chemistry PHD from Boston College.  Her son, Nicholas works for Price Waterhouse Cooper in Manhattan, New York.

Susan Lemkuil — Director

Susan is an owner of Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil, Inc. - a real estate insurance firm in Hartford, CT. She was diagnosed in February 2007 with an Oligodendroglioma. She underwent three successful brain surgeries, one at St. Francis and two at Yale.  Susan also completed one year of chemotherapy at Yale from 2014-2015. 

Susan received her B.A. from Boston College and her Master's from St. Joseph College. She is married with 3 children.

Stacey Mairano — Co-Founder and Director

Stacey was a primary caregiver to her mom, Sue Heath, from December 2003-October 2004. Stacey's untiring strength, care and compassion throughout her mom's illness parlayed into her desire to help others dealing with brain cancer. Her work through the CTBTA helps mollify the effects this disease has on patients and caregivers alike. Prior to staying home to raise her 4 children, Stacey received her B.S. from Central Connecticut State University and worked for 10 years in specialty insurance marketing.

Andy Pace — Co-Founder and Director

Andy's wife Jennifer was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma in February 2006. As Jen's primary caregiver during her recovery from surgery and subsequent radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Andy understands the importance of the caregiver role and the support that is critical to ensuring a patient's successful recovery from a tumor diagnosis. Andy and Jen are the proud parents of two children, Luke and Cate. A Hartford native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut and RPI, Andy is currently a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Conning Asset Management in Hartford.

Jennifer Pace — Co-Founder and President Emeritus 

Jen was diagnosed in February 2006 with an anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumor. After receiving surgery, radiation and chemotherapy she became one of the founding members of the CTBTA. She is committed to raising awareness about brain tumors and brain cancer, as well as raising money for research. Prior to her brain cancer diagnosis, Jennifer worked as a marketing director in New York City's fashion industry. After moving to Connecticut to begin raising her family, she has held a variety of part-time positions with WFSB's Channel 3. Her most important role is that of wife to her husband Andy and mother to her children, Luke and Cate.

Katie Trainer — Director

Katie's father, Tom Trainer, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor in May 2018.  Throughout his courageous eight-month battle, he remained an inspiration to seize the day, be a fearless leader, and remember to laugh during each round of golf.  Katie's involvement with the CTBTA before joining the board included participation in several fundraisers.  She looks forward to providing support and hope to families embarking on a similar journey.  Katie is currently the Music Department Leader for the North Branford Public Schools and the Band Director at North Branford High School.  She received both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and her Master of Music Education from The Hartt School, and she earned her 092 Intermediate Administrative certification from Sacred Heart University.  Katie lives with her husband, Matt, and their cat JJ.  They spend most of their "free" time directing their nationally award-winning co-op marching band.