Solve M.E. Staff

Listed in alphabetical order. 

Afifah Ayub Headshot

Afifah Ayub

Clinical Data Coordinator

After graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems in May of 2020, Afifah received an offer from a local pharmaceutical research company, DM Clinical Research, for the position of Research Data Coordinator. This position helped spark her interest in the realm of Clinical Research and paved the way to her current role at Solve M.E. as a Clinical Data Coordinator. Afifah aspires to further her education in Public Health and attain a PhD in Epidemiology within the next five to ten years. 

In her freetime, she enjoys reading, watching “Gravity Falls”, planning trips, going on drives, spending time with her family, writing, modifying her Spotify playlists, or scrolling through reddit.

Ilise Friedman Headshot

Ilise Friedman

Director of Advancement

Ilise Friedman has worked in development for over two decades, most recently in the independent school sector: at Turning Point School, where she served for 5 years as Director of Advancement, and previously at Campbell Hall School, where she spent 10 years as Associate Director of Advancement.

She received her BA in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz, graduating with honors. After working as an Executive Assistant after college, she found her calling to help others by serving as the Director of Development for Gateway Center of Monterey County, an adult residential and vocational facility. At Gateway, Ms. Friedman was responsible for the organization’s grant writing, foundation relations, and fundraising events.

Ms. Friedman has managed numerous volunteer committees and finds great joy in working with community members from a diverse range of backgrounds. From 2001-2005, Ms. Friedman worked as the Gala Director for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in New York and Rhode Island. She also served as a volunteer manager for the Salvation Army immediately following the 2001 terror attacks.

She has also worked as a Development Officer for the Starlight Children’s Foundation; an Outreach Volunteer post-hurricane Sandy via SeabrightRising.org and Habitat for Humanity. She also served on the scholarship panel for the Nordstrom Foundation, granting $10,000 scholarships to high school juniors in Los Angeles County who exhibited exemplary community service.

In her spare time, you can find Ms. Friedman on the beach collecting seashells with her daughter, and on new adventures, either in a book or on a plane, traveling near and far.

Erin Gary Headshot

Erin Gary

Manager of Human Resources and Operations

Erin brings over a decade of experience in the for-profit sector. Throughout her career, she has always harbored a deep passion for non-profit work. After earning her degree in Organizational Management, she seized the opportunity to transition into the non-profit sector.

Currently, she proudly serve as a valuable team member at Solve, where she channels her expertise and commitment into making a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by ME/CFS and Long Covid. She am passionate about driving change, fostering social responsibility, and creating a better world for all.

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H. Timothy Hsiao, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer, Head of Research Strategy and Alliances

 

With more than two decades of research and scientific management experience, Tim joins Solve M.E. with the passion to strategically accelerate M.E./CFS research with and for patients, their families, and the broader community that share the interest in combating infection-associated chronic illnesses. Tim believes that medical research not only enriches the collective knowledge of humankind but also, more importantly, brings hope to patients.

Immediately before joining Solve M.E., Tim exercised leadership to steer the research and alliance strategy in a non-profit setting and mobilized the government, research foundations, and private sector stakeholders to partner and advance medicine together. Previously, Tim oversaw a multi-million-dollar portfolio of federal investments in scientific research as Program Director for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, Tim worked in science policy for the NIH Office of the Director, small business innovation for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), and epigenetic research for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). He has been recognized by awards such as the NIH Director’s Award, NCATS Director’s Award, NIAID Merit Award, the U.S. Department of State Embassy Science Fellowship, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship. Tim holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry from Yale University.

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Karman Kregloe

Associate Director of Communications

Karman Kregloe is a multi-genre writer with a lifelong passion for storytelling and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of New Mexico.

Throughout her career, Karman has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate the intersection of media, culture, and advocacy. Before joining Solve, she was a philanthropy content writer and development campaign strategist for a variety of national nonprofits, including PBS, NARAL, and the DNC. She later served as the editor-in-chief of an MTV-owned LGBTQIA+ entertainment news site and was the producer of several original series for the Logo TV network.

Karman is a singer-songwriter who performs at venues around Los Angeles. Her eponymous debut EP is available on most streaming networks.

Emily Taylor 2024 Headshot

Emily Taylor

President, Chief Executive Officer

Emily Taylor brings over two decades of unwavering commitment and expertise to her role as CEO of Solve M.E. With a career deeply rooted in health policy, grassroots advocacy, and community empowerment, Emily has dedicated herself to advancing medical research and patient voices in the realm of ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses.

A key member of Solve’s leadership team since 2016, most recently as Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement, Emily has been instrumental in driving impactful change, including the publication of pivotal white papers, advocating for increased NIH research funding, and successfully securing $1.25 billion for Long Covid research. She serves as a policy and advocacy advisor, fostering critical partnerships with Members of Congress and federal agencies to amplify the voice of those with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and infection-associated chronic conditions on Capitol Hill.

Emily’s signature programs include “Solve Advocacy Week,” a nationally recognized campaign that has evolved into a cornerstone event in the field, “EmPOWER M.E.” and the Long Covid Patient Leadership Advancement Network (LC-PLAN). She has also spearheaded legislative efforts, including the introduction of H.R. 7057, The Understanding COVID-19 Subsets and ME/CFS Act, the first-ever legislation for ME/CFS research funding.

Prior to her tenure at Solve, Emily served as the director of policy and advocacy for an award-winning autism organization, where she achieved remarkable success in overhauling disability, early intervention, and education policies. Throughout her career, Emily has been a catalyst for change, celebrating legislative victories, securing millions grant funding, and building groundswell to address the most pressing challenges facing communities.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Emily is deeply connected to the mission of Solve through her lived experience as a caregiver, inspired by her mother’s courageous battle with ME/CFS and chronic autoimmune conditions. She received a B.A. with honors in politics and international relations from Scripps College in Claremont and earned her M.A. in American politics from Claremont Graduate University.

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Amanda Martin

Engagement Manager

Amanda holds a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan and two bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Global Studies from Arizona State University. She has experience in policy analysis, hospital administration, and exercise science. Prior to joining Solve M.E., Amanda owned a small business in health behavior consulting.
 
In her role as Engagement Manager, Amanda works as a critical project manager, advocate, event producer, and community relations contact. She collaborates closely with community and patient leaders, leading scientists, and members of Solve M.E.’s Lived Experience Taskforce.
 
During her free time, Amanda loves exploring hiking trails, watching Disney movies with her son, or backpacking through new countries with her husband.
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Leslie E. Phillips, PhD

Consulting Senior Advisor

An epidemiologist specializing in clinical epidemiology, research study design and analysis, and best practices for data collection, Leslie is accomplished in helping organizations navigate complex epidemiologic questions, providing insight and support to better understanding the ME/CFS landscape. Leslie holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Washington. She has served in a variety of analytic and leadership capacities in research and public health and, in addition to epidemiology, has expertise in survey research, health equity, population health, and Lean Startup methodologies.

At Solve, Leslie is focused on “getting under the hood” to identify data insights that can be translated into actionable next steps. As a Seattle resident through many a grey, wet winter, Leslie has developed an excessive addiction to coffee and an impressive collection of GORE-TEX.

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Elissa Regan

Associate Director of Advancement

Elissa has worked in nonprofits for nearly two decades including positions in resource development, volunteer management, and organizational support. She has served in organizations that focus on equity for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, resources and case management for refugees and asylees, and appreciation and inclusivity of culturally diverse populations. In these positions, she been privileged to stand alongside and staff, clients, volunteers, interns and community groups working toward their missions.

In her current role, Elissa is honored to steward Solve’s loyal donors, friends, families, and patient communities.

Monique Wike

Monique Wike

Executive and Advocacy Manager

Monique Wike brings extensive experience in political organizing and advocacy to her role as Executive & Advocacy Manager at Solve M.E. Her background includes grassroots campaigns, national electoral efforts, volunteer coordination, and human resources.

Since joining Solve M.E. in October 2022, Monique has managed advocacy week, engaged stakeholders, and worked on coalition building. Her expertise in campaign strategies has been pivotal in amplifying the voices of those affected by ME/CFS and ensuring their needs are represented in policy discussions.

Monique’s previous roles include serving as the National Electoral Organizing Manager for the Sierra Club, working on political campaigns at various levels, and working in recruitment and human resources.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and has completed coursework towards a Master of International Affairs at the University of California, San Diego.

On a personal level, Monique contracted Long Covid in April 2022 and the support she received from the community as she learned to navigate living with an energy-limiting illness motivates her to dedicate herself to creating meaningful change for others living with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other related illnesses. She is committed to fostering a supportive community and driving impactful advocacy initiatives.

Monique lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, daughter, a shih-tzu named Maddie, and a rescued calico cat called Abigail.

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