Joan Bishop has been with Oley since 1985 (nearly it’s inception) and has served in many capacities. Currently as Executive Director, Joan handles the multitude of tasks it takes to keep Oley running and growing, including budget planning, building relationships, fundraising, board development, and coordinating the annual conference. She is dedicated to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission and welcomes your ideas, comments and criticisms. Feel free to pass along any suggestions you may have for the annual conference, or anything that may assist her with ensuring Oley reaches everyone who needs us. Joan can be reached at bishopj@mail.amc.edu.

Roslyn Dahl is Oley's Director of Communications & Development she has served Oley members for thirteen years. She is responsible for producing Oley publications and managing Oley’s Web page and information clearinghouse. She works closely with other staff members and volunteers to raise funds for the Foundation and to promote its services to an ever-growing audience. Call on her to research your questions or to share ideas for Oley publications or promotions. Roz can be reached at dahlr@mail.amc.edu.

Cathy Harrington has been Oley's Administrative Assistant since 1998, and for 12 years before that the Secretary for Albany Medical Center’s Division of Clinical Nutrition. She has experience in patient care, extensive knowledge of the homePEN arena and a strong desire to support Foundation activities. Cathy manages the member database, answers most of your calls, and meets all of the day to day needs of the Foundation office. She is the glue that holds us together, so be friendly when you call! Cathy can be reached at harrinc@mail.amc.edu

We are pleased to welcome Lisa Crosby Metzger as editor with this issue of the LifelineLetter. Lisa has worked in book and magazine publishing for a number of years and is pleased to apply her skills at “such a worthwhile organization.” Lisa has experienced two short bouts on HPN, which sustained her through difficult pregnancies. As a result, she’s been a member of Oley for almost 15 years. She’s heard such good things about the Oley membership over the years that she’s eager to meet many of you at our annual conference. Send your thoughts and ideas to Lisa at metzgel@mail.amc.edu.

Katie Swensen is Oley's new Outreach Coordinator. She is studying biological sciences at SUNY Albany and brings a unique perspective to Oley. Her relative has been an HPN consumer since a midgut volvulus left him with extreme short bowel at age five. As Katie puts it, "It is undoubtedly the impact of growing up in a TPN household and the difficulty in leaving it that has brought me home to Oley in my adulthood." Katie’s charming, personable nature, and experience in the daily impact of living with HPN are a great asset for the Oley team. She is eager to hear your input and ideas. Join us in making her feel welcome! Katie can be reached at swensek@mail.amc.edu