Board of Directors
Leadership Guided by Experience, Empathy & Compassion
The Cheyne’s Brain Foundation Board combines TBI experience, clinical expertise, and nonprofit leadership working together to ensure families receive the support they need every step of the way.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Join the Community
Founder / President
Karen Macbeth
BA (Sociology), MA (Global Health) | Dr PH Candidate
As an experienced advocate and researcher in the fields of sociology and global health, I am dedicated to bridging the gap between lived experiences of caregiving and academic research to drive policy changes that uplift the well-being of caregivers and those with disabilities. Leveraging my personal journey as a caregiver and my academic pursuits, I aim to contribute to a world where caregiving is recognized as a cornerstone of health and social systems. My mission is to foster an environment that values and supports caregivers through evidence-based policies, innovative program development, and inclusive health systems design. I hope to shine light on the challenges and triumphs of caregiving, advocating for sustainable solutions that honor the dignity and resilience of every individual in the caregiving ecosystem.
Western Expansion Coordinator
Bob Schrimpf
MA in Pastoral Ministry
Bob Schrimpf serves as Chairman of the Board, providing strategic leadership and governance oversight to support the organization’s long-term mission and growth. He brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic partnerships, and organizational development, with a particular focus on scaling mission-driven initiatives. Bob has extensive experience working with boards, senior leadership teams, and key stakeholders to advance vision, accountability, and sustainable impact. He is based in San Diego, California.
Treasurer
Maggie Wilcsek
Maggie Wilcsek brings over 40 years of experience in the financial industry to Cheyne’s Brain Foundation. Her career spanned banking, investing, and financial representation, and included holding Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. Though retired from her financial career, she remains active as a licensed income tax preparer.
Faith and family are central to Maggie’s life. She has been married for over 41 years and is the mother of three children, as well as a proud grandmother of six. Guided by compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to service, Maggie is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by severe traumatic brain injury, especially those with limited access to resources.
Secretary
Allison zu Hone
RN, BSN
Allison zu Hone has been an RN for 15 years serving a variety of patients of all ages in the home, hospital, case management office and missionary settings. She has also done private caregiving for multiple patients with brain injuries and cognitive impairments for extended periods of time, including her dear friend Cheyne. She has a heart for serving others, especially those that may be forgotten or hidden from the world but are incredibly precious in the eyes of God. She lives in San Diego and is a wife to an incredible husband, a mother to their beloved son, and she loves playing volleyball for fun.
Board Member
Caitlin Kohlhaas
Cate Kohlhaas is a small animal veterinarian working in private practice in San Diego. Cate earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science from UCLA in 2010 and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in 2015. Cate then served for eight years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. She earned a certificate in Global Health from the Uniformed Services University and a Master of Art in Global Health from UCSD in 2023. Cate learned about Cheyne and Cheyne’s Brain’s mission of caring for caregivers and TBI patients in 2023 as a classmate of Cheyne’s mom at UCSD.
Board Member
Sofia Jaber
BS (Human Biology)
Sofia is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego, with a strong background in scientific research. While new to the field, she is interested in healthcare and committed to supporting caregivers and families navigating the impacts of traumatic brain injury. Sofia brings a passion for learning from and contributing to the TBI community, helping the foundation advance its mission of education, advocacy, and family-centered support.
Board Member
Johanna Long
“I’m a proud aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother. Supporting this foundation is deeply personal to me, inspired by my nephew’s journey with traumatic brain injury and my commitment to helping families feel seen, supported, and hopeful.”
