Leadership
Lara Pullen, PhD
Dr. Pullen earned her PhD in immunology from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. She is a freelance medical writer who has a longstanding interest in systems biology, particular the intersection of the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system. She has a son with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
L.J. Tan, MS, PhD
Dr. Tan is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). Prior to joining the IAC, he was the director of medicine and public health at the American Medical Association (AMA), a position he held since 2008. Dr. Tan is an immunologist and the father of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Maria Picone, BA
Ms. Picone has over ten years of experience managing operational and strategic ventures in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. She is the co-Founder of Formed, Inc., a software development company that builds health-focused, web-based applications. She has a daughter with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Laura Hartwell Berlin, PhD
Dr. Hartwell Berlin earned her Ph.D in molecular biology while studying in an immunology laboratory at Loyola University of Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. She currently teaches immunology as an adjunct professor at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She brings to Chion Foundation extensive experience serving on a not-for profit board. She has also spent many hours considering the challenges faced by individuals with PWS.
Charles Johnston, MD
Dr. Johnston is the Foundation's Chief Medical Officer. He is an Internal Medicine and Pediatric physician with a long-time interest in children and adults with unusual syndromes, including Prader-Willi Syndrome. He was educated at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, and his current specialty is coordination of care for patients with special needs.