November 2025
We are pleased to welcome several new Family Liaisons to the Foundation. Family Liaisons help to improve the Foundation’s outreach to both families and professionals at the national level. Liaisons volunteer to build relationships, network, collaborate and disseminate information. If you are interested in becoming a Family Liaison or if you would like to get in touch with your state’s Family Liaison, please email [email protected].
Aubrey Williams, Kansas
Aubrey Williams is a 27-year-old individual with CHARGE syndrome from Kansas City, Kansas. She works as an Instructional Assistant for the Kansas State School for the Blind, and has Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University, where she was a member of the Bulldog CHARGE Syndrome Research Lab. Aubrey enjoys reading/writing, watching crime and comedy shows, spending time with family, doing family history research, and traveling.
Aubrey is passionate about education and the field of Deafblindness, and is excited for the opportunity to be more involved with the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation and work alongside Takrima Sadikot, the other Kansas Family Liaison, to support families in her state.
Aubrey says, “I was not expected by doctors to do many things such as walk, talk, eat, live independently, go to mainstream school, but I have proved them wrong and want to help others facing the challenges I did.
“As an individual with CHARGE syndrome, the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation has provided me with a wonderful community that I consider family, a lifetime of friendships, and the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of professionals. It has given me a voice, and I know it has meant a lot to many families like mine. I love to be able to give back so the Foundation can continue the important work it has done. I also feel like it’s important for adults with CHARGE to be involved and have a voice in decision making.”
Shawn Herrick, Kentucky
Shawn Herrick lives in Kentucky with her husband, Raymond, and sons Cole and Parker. They enjoy walking their dogs, hiking on easier trails, watching movies, hanging out with extended family and friends, and traveling together. Shawn describes her family as valuing their loved ones, friendships, and supportive community. They are also big dog lovers – with dogs who keep them laughing with their silly antics such as letting themselves in whenever they please. Raymond, Cole, and Parker also keep the fun going with their quick wit and silly jokes.
Shawn says, “the Foundation is my ‘go to’ for all things related to CHARGE syndrome. In Cole’s early years, I clung to the hope, education and support provided by the Foundation. I was completely overwhelmed with his medical needs and the Foundation helped me navigate this unfamiliar path. As Cole progressed, not only was I benefiting from the Foundation, but Cole began to benefit by meeting others who are like him. So, I volunteer to give back and build relationships in our community.
Staci Petralba, Nevada
Staci lives in Nevada with her husband Noah, daughter Addison, and son Benjamin. She is an audiologist and her husband works in the food industry on the strip. They met in Hawaii and after getting married, decided to move back to the mainland. Shortly after moving to Nevada, they had their children. As a family, they enjoy swimming, riding bikes, hiking, going to playground playing Roblox, and watching Dancing with the Stars.
Staci says, “when Benjamin was born, it was quite a shock to learn that he has CHARGE syndrome. The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation and [my] Family Liaison were a huge help in helping us navigate our new reality and it is my honor to give back to the CHARGE community! [I want to] help support other families who have a loved one with CHARGE syndrome and help raise awareness of CHARGE syndrome.”
Stefanie Gould, Alaska
Stefanie Gould lives in Alaska with her husband Jordan, son Carter, and daughter Clara. They like to hike, travel, play games, watch movies while eating loads of popcorn, have fun, be silly — and they love to laugh.
Stefanie says, “I don’t want any future families to feel so alone like we did at diagnosis. I feel like with my journey so far, I can really be a lot of help as a navigator on health and family support.”
