Meet the Founder
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TRUDIE C A LOBBAN, MBEFounder & CEOTrudie is recognized as a world expert at representing patients and their carers as well as working closely with all those involved in the care and treatment of people affected by cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. She has contributed to medical papers and books as well as presenting at national and international meetings from Japan to USA and Norway to South Africa. In 1993, Trudie Lobban established STARS (www.stars.org.uk) as a result of her own daughter being diagnosed with Reflex Anoxic Seizures (RAS). Trudie brought together a multi-disciplinary group of professionals consisting of paediatricians, geriatricians, neurologists and cardiologists to form the STARS Medical Advisory committee. May 2004 saw the first Arrhythmia Awareness Week and the establishment of Arrhythmia Alliance A-A). The Arrhythmia Alliance (www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk) is a coalition of charities, patient groups, healthcare professionals, Department of Health, Government and industry allies all working together. |
Meet the US Team
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FRANCESCA LOBBANExecutive Manager & Global LiaisonFrancesca is the Executive Manager of Arrhythmia Alliance and its affiliated charities – AF Association and STARS (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures) – USA; as a native of the United Kingdom she also serves as the liaison between the U.S. chapter and the headquarters in the United Kingdom. Francesca has worked for the organization as a full-time employee for over ten years, however, she has been involved right from its infancy; Francesca volunteered throughout her childhood and teens. Francesca has a First-class BSc honors degree, from Kingston University, London. Francesca has travelled the world representing the charity and has presented at various meetings and undertaken media interviews. Francesca has the knowledge and history of the charities as well as the experience of living with an arrhythmia herself. |
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SHARONICA GAVINCommunity Education ManagerSharonica came to Arrhythmia Alliance with five years of experience in cardiology and as a senior intern majoring in the field of Public Health at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Due to her passion for the organizations mission, following graduation she yielded the position as the Community Education Manager for the United States audience. Sharonica is responsible for managing all patient inquiries throughout the United States, providing patients and caregivers with needed resources as well as grant development for the organization. She provides empathy, knowledge and direction for our patients |
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SAMANTHA OUGHTREDProgram & Communications CoordinatorSamantha Oughtred is the Programs and Communications Coordinator for Arrythmia Alliance. Sam has a background in graphic and web design, media technologies, program development, and recruitment. Her passion for charitable organizations began with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), where Sam has been continually involved since 2012. Samantha also co-founded and served as Executive Director for an organization that served families in crisis and at-risk youth. Samantha recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ashford University where she studied Marketing and Public Relations. |
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JESSICA BONILLA GARCIADigital Marketing & Communications CoordinatorJessica Bonilla Garcia is the Digital Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Arrhythmia Alliance. Her background includes graphic and web design, content management, digital marketing and non-profit work. Jessica got her taste for giving back by helping the local Latino community while working as the art director for a local bilingual magazine. She is also an advocate for young immigrants through the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition. Jessica has always had a passion for non-profit work and is excited to bring her knowledge of digital marketing and communications to help raise funds, inform, educate and save lives. |