Who We Are
As you read about the Not A Dry Eye Foundation Board of Directors, you will discover the common themes that drove and inspired them to join the board. Each personal account reveals a desperate search for answers and relief from the pain, disabling symptoms, and constant worry of severe Dry Eye. Determined not to lose hope, each of them searched until they eventually found help. In the process they discovered they were not alone. In time, as they progressed on their individual journeys of healing, they joined in the common cause of raising awareness about this debilitating condition.
Natalia Warren, Chair
Natalia was diagnosed with Dry Eye in October 2010. Her symptoms quickly became worse, and by August 2011 she was no longer able to keep her eyes opened because of extreme pain, despite seeing many specialists at some of the leading eye clinics in the United States…Read more
Diana Adelman, Treasurer, Executive Director
Diana suffered with Dry Eye for many years and, as she aged, her symptoms worsened. In June 2013, she woke with a bright red right eye. A doctor told her it was a virus that would go away on its own. It did, but returned the following week. For the next 3 months, Diana suffered…Read more
John A. McAree, M.D., Director
Dr. John A. McAree received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina and has practiced medicine for many years in Grand Haven, Michigan. He was diagnosed with Dry Eye during his residency and other comorbidities in 2018. Dr. McAree joined the Not A Dry Eye Foundation Board to emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis of Dry Eye, MGD, and related comorbidities, and their treatment with targeted, effective therapies…Read more
Shelley Hussey, Director
Shelley Hussey joined the Not A Dry Eye Foundation board of directors in 2024 due to her strong desire for bringing more awareness to Dry Eye Syndrome, and to compassionately assist those suffering from Dry Eye. Shelley leads the Foundation’s patient advocacy programs…Read more
Sydney Reed
Sydney Reed is a patient advocate based in Northern California. After being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in her teens, Sydney dedicated her career to advocating for disabled people and improving the systems that impact their lives. Sydney is a founder and the former operations and creative director of Generation Patient, a nonprofit driving meaningful, systems-level change for young adults with lifelong conditions. For seven years, Sydney built the organization from the ground up, overseeing operations, program development, marketing, and communications to grow its national and international presence, all without funding from the pharmaceutical or insurance industries. Sydney holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations. In addition to her advocacy work, Sydney is a passionate artist and digital illustrator.
Former Board Members
Susan Howell
Susie Brockman
Kristen Leighton
Arlene Mellion
Paul Norris