Board of Directors
The ICA Board dedicates their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to ensuring ICA mission fulfillment.
Meet the Members of the ICA Board of Directors
Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) Board of Directors include people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), family members, physicians, and professionals. The ICA Board guides strategic planning and organizational direction. Board members offer support for and spur interest in programs and services, and provide fiduciary oversight of organizational activities. This group of volunteers dedicates their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to ensuring ICA mission fulfillment.
Amber Carter-Frauenhofer
Amber has served on the ICA’s Board of Directors since 2022. In addition to her work on the board, she also serves as the Liaison to the Medical Advisory Council, represents the ICA at the Global IC/BPS Patient Advocate Group, participates in Peer Reviews, and runs an IC Support Group in the Central Florida area.
Amber was diagnosed with IC/BPS in 2005, and as a long time IC patient, Amber has found solace and motivation through engaging with and offering support to other IC patients. She credits the ICA for always providing valuable evidence-based information and resources to navigate the complicated disease.
In her spare time, Amber enjoys traveling, reading, property renovation and interior design, cooking, and spending time with her family. She currently resides in Orlando, FL, with her husband (Jesse), dog (Dolce), and two cats (Bella & Esprit).
Amber has a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and has extensive experience working as Paralegal in civil litigation, municipal law, contracts, and real property.
Callie Krajcir
Ilka Ross
After receiving an interstitial cystitis diagnosis 6 years ago, Ilka developed a strong desire to promote widespread education on IC in an effort to streamline diagnostic procedures and extend support to her fellow IC patients in the form of advocacy.
Her expertise is in Operational Management of mental health facilities, with a current focus on implementing applied behavior analysis as a treatment for adolescent children with ASD, as well as serving as Chief Operating Officer of New Beginnings Ptg, LLC.
Natasha Boswell
Natasha is a Partner in KPMG’s Banking and Finance Services practice based in New York and also a long-time IC patient. As a career professional and mother of three daughters, Natasha has struggled with symptoms of the disease for years. Through her work with the Board, Natasha hopes the ICA will continue to promote research and treatments that will help millions of women and men achieve the quality of life they deserve.
Dan Deardorf
Dan is an executive in the biopharmaceutical industry with over 25 years of development and commercialization experience. He has spent a majority of his career focused on locally delivered therapies for painful conditions at companies such as Genzyme and Flexion Therapeutics; currently serving as CEO of Glycologix. Glycologix is developing a novel, clinical stage, biopolymer instillate for the treatment of IC. Dan was drawn to the company when he became aware of the devastating impact of IC and the incredible need for better diagnosis and treatment. He earned a BS in Biochemistry at California Polytechnic State University and an MBA in Healthcare Management from the Wharton School of Business.
Dan lives outside of Boston and is an avid cyclist and fly fisherman.
Janelle Faba
Janelle Faba is a technology professional who has worked in the Financial Technology (FinTech) industry for 20 years. She has held various senior management roles in the industry and is currently a VP of Information Security at a Fortune 500 FinTech organization. She holds many professional certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). She has a Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MS-ISM) from ASU. She resides in Arizona with her husband. Together they have six children; two adult children and four living at home.
Janelle was diagnosed with IC in 2001, and through her work with the board, Janelle hopes to promote awareness of the condition in the medical and general community and to help all patients find hope and relief.
Chris Meenan
Mr. Meenan has over 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Mr. Meenan has worked as a senior scientist, leading research and product development focused on peptide-based therapeutics for Unigene Laboratories, as well as process development and manufacturing technology transfer. Mr. Meenan ultimately took on the role of Director of Business Development, leading licensing initiatives for Unigene. After leaving Unigene, Mr. Meenan consulted for several small and start-up companies in the areas of translational research, CMC and business and corporate development, and continues to function on advisory boards. Mr. Meenan joined Urigen Pharmaceuticals (now Vaneltix Pharma) in 2014 as Vice President of Corporate and Product Development. Vaneltix Pharma specializes in diseases of the lower urinary tract and is currently running clinical trials on its Alenura product for the treatment of painful flares of IC/BPS. Mr. Meenan earned his BS in Recombinant Gene Technology from SUNY Fredonia, MS in Molecular Genetics from Drexel University, and an MBA in Marketing from Montclair State University.
Heather Tuttle
As a long-time IC patient, Heather was interested in learning more about the Interstitial Cystitis Association. Coincidentally, she was also looking to advance her skill set and pursue Board opportunities at the time the ICA Board was seeking new members. It felt like the perfect opportunity to make a contribution to the ICA.
Heather is an inspirational leader with a 25-year track record of setting direction and driving delivery excellence for all aspects of Human Resources. Heather has extensive knowledge of the Global Mobility subject matter, gained from leading multifaceted global mobility programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Heather also has significant experience in International Benefits and Global Compensation, in roles that require extensive international expertise and cross-functional collaboration.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cities.
Eryca Zaiser
Eryca was born and raised on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro area. She studied Human Development and Family Studies through Arizona State University’s online program. In February 2024, she was diagnosed with IC. Since then, she has undergone numerous treatments, including various medications, cystoscopies with hydrodistension, Botox, pelvic floor physical therapy, bladder instillations, intermittent catheterization, and, most recently, a nerve stimulator. Eryca is passionate about helping IC patients navigate their diagnosis.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her cats, Zoey and Zorro, going thrift shopping, and cheering on the KC Chiefs and KC Current!
Eric Zarnikow
Eric Zarnikow is Executive Director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), a state agency focused on helping to make postsecondary education more accessible and affordable for Illinois families. ISAC provides comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families—giving them access to the tools they need to make the educational choices that are right for them. Then, through the state scholarship and grant programs ISAC administers, including the state’s flagship Monetary Award Program, ISAC can help students make those choices a reality. Eric is a former Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he led the Office of Capital Access, responsible for all the agency’s programs and operations concerning financial assistance to small businesses, 800 employees, and a $90 billion loan and investment portfolio. Prior to his work with the SBA, Eric spent over 25 years in the private sector, including serving as Senior Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and Treasurer at ServiceMaster. Eric serves on several commissions and Boards and is currently a trustee of The College Board, serving on its Executive, Finance and Investment Committees and as chair of its Audit Committee. A certified public accountant, Eric holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and an MBA from Drake University.