Thursday, November 21, 2024

Call: 814.790.9483
PO Box 9343 • Erie, PA 16505
info@gradysdecision.com

About

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Executive Team

  • Ryan Smith

    Founder & President
    Ryan Smith is the president and founder of Grady’s Decision. After the birth of premature twins in 2008, and the loss of his son Grady 52 hours later, Ryan was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support he received during his NICU journey that he created an organization to pay it forward to others going through similar experiences. Ryan’s vision and leadership has taken this organization from the infancy stage to a completely volunteer 501(c) (3) organization.

  • Jean Burns

    Vice President
    I am a NICU nurse with over 30 years of experience and am currently the Director of the NICU at UPMC Hamot. I first met the Smith family when I took care of Grady and Gianna and have been involved with Grady’s Decision for many years. I fully support the Grady’s Decision Mission and have seen first hand how many NICU families are touched by their support and compassion when a family is faced with having a premature or sick newborn.

  • Laura Mangus

    Secretary
    Laura has been on the love team for several years. She became a member of the Grady Board in 2022 and is now the Head of the Erie Love team. Laura says, “Coordinating the families connection to Grady’s and to hear each of their stories is an honor.” Laura enjoys volunteering at each of the Grady events.

    Laura lives in Fairview with her husband Matthew and 3 kids, Brayden, Preston, and Raelyn as well as their dog Soliel.

    Laura is a Veterinarian, currently practicing as a Public Health Veterinarian for the United States Department of Agriculture.

Board of Directors

  • Erika Pluta

    Board Member
    I am currently a Social Worker at Saint Vincent Hospital on the maternity floor. I was introduced to Grady’s Decision while working in the NICU. I met Ryan as he was there meeting with another family and was in absolute awe by his organization and what they provide for families at their toughest times. I am currently the mother to 2 boys ages 8 and 6. I am new to being a part of the Grady’s board and just recently joined last year. I am passionate about Grady’s Decision and their mission as I see how this organization can help families first hand.

  • Katelyn Goodenow

    Board Member
    I became part of the Grady’s Decision family in 2018 when my son, Cade, was born and within 24 hours of birth was flown to Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh where he spent the next 80 days in the NICU. Grady’s was there for my family through our journey and I was so glad to be able to give back by joining the love team in 2020, and then the board in 2022.

    In addition to my role as a board member I am a wife and mother. I also work in the mental health field as a behavior consultant and mobile therapist.

  • Danielle Sculley

    Board Member
    Danielle joined the Grady’s Decision Board in 2022. However, she has been heavily involved for the last several years with Grady’s Decision serving as a Love Team Member, as well as, Chairing the annual “Bags for Babies” bingo event and most recently Co-Chairing the “Miracles and Mike Walk and Family Carnival.

    Danielle is married to her husband, Kevin and they live in Summit. Together they have 3 children, Ryan, and twins Madilyn and Owen. All 3 of the Sculley children were Grady’s babies due to their complicated gestation and premature births.

    Danielle is a full time Speech-Language Pathologist. She works for IU5 and serves the 3-5 age group population in local homes, daycares, and preschools. She also works as a Birth-3 Early Intervention Evaluator as a per diem job.

  • Charles Lawrence

    Board Member
    Chuck Lawrence joined our Love Team in 2022 to connect with our Grady’s dads and was asked to join the Board of Directors in 2024. Chuck and wife Emelia have two children, Ethan and Bella, their Miracle who spent 17 days at the St Vincent NICU and introduced them to Grady’s Decision. Chuck works at Erie Insurance as a Senior Analyst and enjoys traveling with his family any chance he gets.

  • Renee Martin

    Board Member
    Renee was introduced to Grady’s when she had her son, Alexander. He decided to make his debut 2 months early in November of 2018. Not long after she became a volunteer on the love team, volunteering at fundraising events and recently a board member since March of 2023. One of her favorite things to do is reach out to the families and offer words of encouragement and support or just be a shoulder for them to lean on. Renee is married to her husband, Patrick and they live in Lawrence Park. Together they have one child, Alexander and two cats Gizmo and Callie. If she is not volunteering for Grady’s or working as a nurse in the long term care setting, she’s spending time with her family.

Board of Directors