Jill Brook, Director and Mike Brook, Director

Jill and Mike Brook both studied advanced statistics at Princeton University, where they met, became rollerblade buddies and graduated with honors before getting married. Jill went on to further study research methodology and data analytics at UCLA and then worked as a statistician and nutrition researcher while searching for relief from her yet-unrecognized MCAS and related medical conditions. Mike excelled at a career combining software development with data science, working for large companies.

Confronted with the challenges of a 17-year diagnostic delay and the scarcity of medical awareness around MCAS, Jill and Mike committed themselves to improving the landscape for future patients. They found purpose and community among MCAS patients, physicians, and researchers striving to advance understanding and support in a field lacking broad-scale institutional backing.

They quickly learned their skills were in high demand. Jill currently devotes full-time to this work, in addition to volunteering as host of The POTScast and Research Liason/Board member to non-profit Standing Up to POTS. Despite Mike’s role as Data Scientist for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, he also spends a great deal of time working on projects for the MCAS community and volunteers as editor of The POTScast. The Brooks live in northern California with their dog Toby, where they like to hike and XC ski, usually discussing their next plan to foster better outcomes for those affected by MCAS.

Robert Blettner, Director

Robert Blettner is a loving father, FAA-commended pilot, and mostly-retired business owner who has spent his life practicing what he always taught others: “just do the best you can with what you have to work with.” He now makes this vital work possible through his financial generosity and legal and organizational support.