FOR SUPPORT, CALL 1-866-APF-3635 (273-3635)
July, 2026
The American Porphyria Foundation is delighted to welcome back Nicole Castellano as Executive Director following an extended medical leave. Nicole began serving as Executive Director in September 2024 and continued in the role until stepping away in late 2025 to focus on her health.
During Nicole's absence, Tom Pletkovich served as Executive Director and provided extraordinary service to the Foundation. He ensured that the important work of the APF continued without missing a beat and spearheaded the launch of the Foundation's new website, which Nicole says will be coming in the next few months. Nicole is deeply grateful for Tom's leadership, dedication, and many contributions during her time away.
Nicole's first day back included a fitting and exciting opportunity: appearing for the second time on The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television, where she joined Montel Williams for a conversation about erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria—EPP and XLP. The segment highlighted the realities of living with these conditions, important research underway, hope for future treatments, and the programs and resources the APF provides.
"I am enormously grateful to Desiree, Tom, our APF Board members, and to everyone in the APF community who supported me during my medical leave," Nicole said. "I'm so happy to be back doing the work I love with my porphyria family, and I’m tremendously excited about the future of the APF."
Executive Director
Nicole Castellano
Patient Engagement Team
Paxton Cumming, Patient Engagement Coordinator
Desiree Lyon, Patient Engagement Advisor
Yvette Strange, Patient Engagement Assistant
Physician Engagement Team
Mary Schloetter, Physician Engagement Coordinator
Nicole Castellano, Physician Engagement Advisor
Joseph Heflin, MD, Physician Engagement Advisor
Media Team
Andrew McManamon
Claire Richmond
Social Media Team
Samantha Oviawe, Social Media Director
Paxton Cumming, Social Media Administrator
Debra Knapp, Social Media Administrator
Office Administration Team
Samantha Oviawe, Office Administrator
Member Advisory Board
Steve Ferry
Justin Hamilton
George Hodder
Carrie Hunter
Mike Kenworthy
Debra Knapp
Andrew McManamon
Claire Richmond
Terri Witter
Nancy Pometta
Vonda Ulfig
Keisha Johnson
Deborah Fedele
Rich Israelsen
Charles Davis
George Ragsdale
Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers and Member Advisory Board. You are the heart of our mission. Your compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference every day. Because of your efforts, thousands of patients, families, and healthcare professionals receive the education, resources, support, treatment information, and research updates they need. You also play a vital role in raising awareness of porphyria and helping ensure that those affected have access to the care and hope they deserve. Thank you for your dedication, generosity, and the countless ways you help improve lives. We are deeply grateful for all that you do.
