Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Staff

  • Meri-Margaret Deoudes

    CEO

    Meri-Margaret Deoudes brings more than 25 years of transformative leadership in the nonprofit sector to her role as CEO of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). She has a proven track record of guiding nonprofit organizations through strategic growth, forging impactful corporate alliances, and designing innovative programs that engage patients… Read More
  • Aleena Ahmed

    Communications and Marketing Manager

    Aleena Ahmed is the Communications and Marketing Manager for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. She was previously a proofreader and copy editor for Barton Cotton Graphics Inc., in Baltimore, Maryland.  She completed her bachelor’s in English from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and went on to attend graduate school… Read More
  • Allison Aitken

    Patient Education, Outreach and Support Manager

    Allison is a dedicated public health professional with over five years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has led initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and expand education for those in underserved communities on critical health topics. With a strong background in HIV treatment,… Read More
  • Valérie Aldana, MPH

    Senior Research Project Manager

    In her role, Valérie supports the implementation of BCAN’s research and grant activities, including post-award management and tracking award deliverables and outcomes. She also works collaboratively in project management and oversight, support of new or existing funding initiatives and processes, award management and reporting, monitoring programs and awards, as… Read More
  • Joslyn Brown

    Senior Development Manager and Walk Director

    Joslyn is a California native, but has recently made her way to the East Coast. Earning her degree in Communication Studies from Cal State Northridge, it was there that she met a professor who sparked her passion for nonprofit work.  She worked as a Development Associate at a nonprofit… Read More
  • Stephanie Chisolm, Ph.D.

    Director of Education and Advocacy

    Stephanie brings many years of experience in urology and education for patients and health care providers to BCAN.  She received her PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2000. She has been a University professor, a public health educator and an advocate for patients. Read More
  • Anne Collins, MPH

    Research Project Manager

    Anne Collins, MPH is BCAN’s Research Project Coordinator. She is responsible for supporting the implementation of BCAN’s research and grant activities, including pre-award activities and coordination and tracking of post-award deliverables and outcomes. Prior to BCAN, Anne served as a Master’s-level Research Associate at RTI International. She has experience… Read More
  • Imani Corley

    Research Program Officer

    Imani Corley holds a Master’s of Public Health degree with a concentration in Global Health from George Mason University, a Master’s of Health Science from Meharry Medical College, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. Imani’s career spans roles in clinical research, public health initiatives, and… Read More
  • Bernadette Fitzsimmons

    Volunteer and Chapter Manager

    Bernadette K. Fitzsimmons is a native Washingtonian with over 25 years’ experience working and volunteering in associations, and advisory boards in medical research, health promotion/advocacy and program management.  Since joining BCAN in 2018, Bernadette has overseen an increase in the number of research grant award applicants and is passionate in… Read More