Gregory Suter, BA (Executive Director)

Gregory Suter currently serves as Executive Director of the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre (HNDC). He has dedicated his life to the care and treatment of people with Huntington disease and their family members. He provides oversight for our volunteer, multi-disciplinary medical team and the general operations of HNDC, to include administration and fundraising. “Over the past 35  years, I’ve learned a lot from people who have HD; I’ve learned patience, the ability to listen carefully, and a greater appreciation for life.” Since 1987, Gregory has been involved directly with the monthly HD out-patient clinics, HD genetic testing program, and support group facilitation in four states. He oversees the brain/tissue donation program, education sessions and in-service implementation, and HNDC clinical and observational research studies. A member of the Huntington Study Group (HSG) research consortium since 1994, Gregory has served as a study coordinator for multiple HD studies to include PHAROS, PREDICT, COHORT, HORIZON (HORIZON PLUS), PREQUEL, CREST E, 2CARE, FIRST HD,  ARC-HD, FuRST 2.0, Natural History Study, HD-Charge, LSA, KINECT-HD, KINECT-HD2, PROOF-HD, and vUHDRS.

In 2014, he was elected by his peers to serve as Study Coordinator Representative on the HSG Executive Committee.    “I take the role and responsibilities of a study coordinator very seriously. I understand that it is often the coordinator that not only is responsible for the study components specifically, but also key in the recruitment and retention of subjects in multiple studies at the same time. Communication is very important; and I’m not afraid to ask questions…” Yes, Gregory is a guy that makes juggling multiple responsibilities look easy, while at the same time, someone who isn’t afraid to ask questions to save time…and time lost is lost forever. He knows time is precious to our HD families.

William M. Mallonee, MD, FAAN (Neurologist)

An Oklahoma native and graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, William Mallonee, MD, is a Board Certified Neurologist in private practice at the Hutchinson Clinic. He serves as a volunteer for the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre and is Medical Director. Yes, he’s the rare physician who volunteers his valuable time monthly, for he knows time is precious to our HD families. He is an expert in the care and management of persons with Huntington disease, and in the 40 years of working with Huntington disease, he has seen people with HD from 32 states, Canada and Mexico – approximately 7000 people – and is now seeing third and fourth generations of families with HD.  “This is a rare, progressive disease, with not a lot of options for treatment.  Sometimes just adding information and support by letting people know we are there for them and their family makes a big difference…it is a privilege to assist them on their journey that is Huntington disease”.  In large part driven by the interest of our HD patients and their family members, the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre became more involved with research under his guidance. A member of the Huntington Study Group (HSG) since 1994, he has served as site Principle Investigator for many observational and clinical HD research trials.  “Research holds the key to new treatments and an eventual cure. I’m happy to play a part in advancing the scientific knowledge, while offering hope to the next generation at-risk for HD.” 

Norberta Robertson, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)

Norberta Robertson, aka “Birdie”, began her involvement with HNDC many years ago as an event volunteer. Her interest in Huntington’s disease quickly moved forward in 2012 when she joined the HD Clinic Medical Team as a volunteer Social Worker for the monthly HD clinic. In late 2014, she stepped into the research arena in a clinical trial as a Capacity Rater. Looking for a change out of mainstream case management duties, in May, 2015, Birdie joined the staff at HNDC as a full time Social Worker and research assistant. “Early on as a volunteer, I experienced that even small assistance to someone with HD brought about significant differences in the quality of life for that person, their caregiver and the family as a whole.” She is a Washburn University graduate, obtaining her Master’s degree in Social Work from Wichita State University. Her experience includes working with severe and persistent mental illness adults (SPMI), serious emotional disorders (SED), elder care, and substance abuse. In addition to her duties as Social Worker, she currently facilitates the Wichita monthly HD support group, is active with HNDC fundraising and is a co-coordinator for clinical trial research and the observational study, ENROLL-HD.

Katie Williams (Site Research Manager)

Katie Williams, MEd (Master of Education in Exercise Physiology), joined the team at HNDC as a Research Assistant in August 2018. Katie began her research career at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita in 2009, initially as a Research Assistant in the Pediatrics department and later as a Clinical Trials Project Manager for the entire campus. It was during this time that she first became involved in Huntington’s Disease research and became acquainted with HNDC. In 2013, she transitioned to a part-time position at Wichita State University as the Senior Institutional Review Board Administrator to dedicate more time to her family. "When the opportunity arose in 2018 to work at HNDC, I eagerly seized the chance to be part of this family. This is a group of individuals who genuinely care about the population they serve and work tirelessly to support them."

Macyn Fox-Gracy (Administrative Assistant)

Macyn Fox-Gracy joined the HNDC team as an Administrative Assistant in March 2020. She brings adaptability and creative problem-solving skills to her role. Previously, she served as a CMCA Certified Community Manager for over 12 homeowner associations at HOA Management Services. Macyn brings a wealth of experience in the non-profit and volunteer sectors, having dedicated many years to initiatives such as the Catholic Charities' Choose Respect program—sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—which aimed to help adolescents develop healthy relationships to prevent dating abuse, among numerous other organizations. "I was so excited for the chance to work with a team that've dedicated their careers to serving others. It's truly fulfilling work and the best of both worlds."

Marcia Findley, RN (Registered Nurse)

Huntington disease has always been a part of Marcia’s life. As a child, she witnessed how the disease deeply affected the family of a close friend, giving her an early and personal understanding of its impact on both individuals and their loved ones.

Marcia began her nursing career in 1975 after earning her Licensed Practical Nurse credential from State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO, and went on to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing at St. Mary of the Plains College in 1985. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in emergency services, intensive care, obstetrics, and leadership roles, serving as both a staff nurse and an ER supervisor.

Following her retirement from hospital-based nursing, Marcia jumped at the opportunity to join the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre team, where she has served as a Research Nurse since 2015. In this role, she contributes to international clinical trials including ENROLL-HD, KINECT-HD, KINECT-HD2, and PROOF-HD, all aimed at improving treatment and quality of life for individuals living with Huntington disease.

Bringing decades of nursing expertise along with compassion, dedication, and a personal passion for making a difference, Marcia is honored to support families affected by Huntington disease.

“I have known about Huntington’s Disease for most of my life, and having the opportunity to work with a clinic that directly supports these families is incredibly rewarding. The strength and resilience of these individuals and families is truly inspiring.”

Brandi Ritchie, RN (Registered Nurse)

Brandi is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in emergency medicine, patient care, and clinical research. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Hutchinson Community College in 2006 and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University in 2020. Over the course of her career, Brandi has served in a variety of roles, including Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Staff Nurse, Assistant Nurse Manager, and House Supervisor, gaining broad expertise across healthcare settings.

Since 2015, Brandi has been part of the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre (HNDC) team, where she works as a Research Nurse. She is actively involved in international Huntington disease studies, including ENROLL-HD, KINECT-HD, KINECT-HD2, and PROOF-HD, which focus on improving treatment options and quality of life for families affected by Huntington disease. With compassion, professionalism, and a personal investment in the mission, Brandi is honored to support patients and families on their journey.

Juliet Drost, MPT (Physical Therapist)

A native of Stillwater, OK, Juliet Drost, MPT, received her Master of Science degree in physical therapy from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO in 1999.  She spent the early years of her career in Houston, TX, where she had the opportunity to work at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in their outpatient neurological facility working with people with various neurological diseases and traumatic injuries.  She first encountered Huntington’s disease after her aunt was diagnosed in 2011.  Currently, she has extended family members who have HD. She is passionate about applying her many years of skills and knowledge as a physical therapist, directing her knowledge to help support and improve the lives of people and caregivers living with Huntington’s Disease.

Crystal Wedel, M.A., CCC-SLP/L (Speech Language Pathologist)

Crystal is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a strong background in supporting children and families. She began her career in the Blue Valley School District in 2013 before joining Rainbows United, Inc., where she worked from 2014 to 2019. In these roles, she provided individualized speech and language services and collaborated closely with families and multidisciplinary teams. In 2019, Crystal shifted her focus to raising her four young boys. She was introduced to the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre (HNDC) in 2019 after attending the annual Walk of Hope. Inspired by the mission and community, Crystal officially joined the HNDC medical team in 2023, bringing with her warmth, compassion, and a strong interest in learning and helping others. Crystal earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Kansas in 2013 and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Wichita State University in 2011.

“It is an honor to be part of this team that helps individuals and families navigate the challenges of HD, celebrate their wins, and helps them feel supported through it all.”

Debbie O'Conner, RN (Registered Nurse) 

Debbie O’Connor, RN, learned about a nursing need at the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre from a friend in 2008. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science at Wichita State University and is a longtime Wichita resident. Currently serving as Nursing Manager of Patient Care Services for a large Wichita physician group, she has experienced an extensive nursing career full of challenges. Complimenting her nursing career, Debbie is an active community volunteer. She felt her involvement with the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre would be a great way to provide service to the HD population. Believing that each day provides new information and insight, Debbie continues to learn about the disease from those she encounters with HD. “Difficult times have helped me understand that things that you worry about, when compared with the challenges of others, are often of no importance whatsoever.” Through the multiple drug studies in which she has played an active role, Debbie has witnessed the benefits of study participation and research advancements. She strongly believes that getting HD families involved is key with Huntington’s disease and is excited about the work being done at HNDC. “My relationship with Huntington’s patients has literally changed my life, in both outlook and expectation, and I am thankful for the opportunity to put my talents to work in helping those with HD.”