Employee Spotlight

Tracy Adams, Operations Manager

Tracy has been with HFA since 2022 and is a part of the Meetings Team, where she serves with Pat Brown.  Her position at HFA as Operations Manager focuses on meeting planning and having all the supplies and materials needed to run a successful conference. She is pleased to be a part of HFA to help, educate, and advocate for the Hemophilia community.  She has a strong background in the nonprofit world, as she has had a lengthy career working for a nonprofit hospital in Colorado.

Here at HFA, the team works tirelessly to help those with Hemophilia to ensure they are heard, understood, and cared for with the services they need.  We serve the bleeding disorder community.

In her spare time, she is an avid crocheter and yarn spinner, for which she has won several blue ribbons for her handspun yarns at her local county fair. She is also a weaver. You can find her most Saturdays at her local Starbucks, hosting her crochet group and teaching others to crochet.  Her group is currently working on crocheting 600 baby hats for their local area hospital NICU’s. She is passionate about giving back to her community and helping others in need.

Danielle Amoah, Development Manager

Danielle Amoah brings over a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience as a Development Manager at HFA. Her blend of heart and strategic focus has driven her success at organizations like The Posse Foundation, United Way of Greater Houston, and the Houston Health Foundation.

Her work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of community. She approaches every challenge with a solutions-focused mindset—whether it’s rallying resources, engaging donors, or supporting colleagues. Her ability to align mission with strategy has made her a trusted leader and advocate in the nonprofit space.

At HFA, she’s focused on building partnerships that fuel the organization’s mission to support people with bleeding disorders. For Danielle, it’s always about creating a real impact for communities and donors.

Danielle calls Houston home but loves bringing New York energy to Texas warmth. A proud mother of three and wife to her college sweetheart, Danielle finds balance in family life and personal passions. Whether it’s diving into the rhythms of afrobeat, classical, jazz, and reggae, practicing her Spanish, or enjoying a swim, Danielle lives with joyful intention.

Janet Chupka, Vice President of Education

The desire to help others learn about their health and improve their quality of life with a bleeding disorder attracted Janet Chupka, Vice President of Education, to her career at HFA. Her approach emphasizes prioritizing the needs of others, fostering personal growth, and leading with humility and compassion. As Vice President of Education at the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), Janet’s leadership is characterized by a genuine care for individuals affected by bleeding disorders and a commitment to engaging and empowering patients through education and support. 

Her journey at HFA began in 2011, where she managed the FitFactor and Blood Sisterhood programs. In 2016, she became HFA’s Programs Director, overseeing all of HFA’s education and programming initiatives. 

Janet’s dedication to women’s health led her to the role of Principal Investigator for the Females in Research Sharing and Translation (FIRST) project, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in 2019, and for two of HFA’s cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These initiatives reflect her passion for the community by addressing the unique needs of women with bleeding disorders and ensuring their voices are heard in research and in working to improve health outcomes of those with bleeding disorders and their families.

Janet’s leadership style is deeply rooted in a caring heart and a servant-first mentality. She listens attentively, values individuals for who they are, and fosters an environment where others feel supported and empowered. Through her actions, Janet demonstrates that leadership is not about authority but about helping others with empathy and dedication. 

Janet enjoys music, cooking, walking, and spending time with her family outside of work. She is active in her church community and serves on the Vestry (board of directors). She approaches daily with a positive attitude, purpose, and a smile.

Ray Riordan, Advocacy Director

Ray Riordan has spent his career where community meets policy—bringing people together, listening closely, and ensuring unheard voices find their place in decisions. Now serving as the Director of Advocacy at the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), Ray brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, grassroots organizing, and health equity work to the bleeding disorders community.

Ray’s journey into advocacy was never just about policy; it’s always been about people. Whether helping a community navigate tobacco-free ordinances, supporting families in rural towns, or coaching volunteers through their first visit with an elected official, Ray is most at home when he’s helping others find their voice—and use it.

In his current role at HFA, Ray leads efforts to elevate the stories and concerns of individuals with bleeding disorders. He develops advocacy campaigns, works directly with patients and families, and builds partnerships with legislators and allies nationwide to drive meaningful policy change. From the Hill in Washington, D.C. to town halls in small communities, Ray focuses on building impactful connections.

Before joining HFA, Ray worked at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) with the North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch as Director of Local Policy and Program Development. There, he supported communities across the state in creating healthier environments through tobacco-free policies—whether that meant collaborating with local school boards, housing authorities, or small-town mayors. His work required strategy, trust, listening, and the ability to turn complex issues into actionable solutions.

Ray has also held leadership roles with the North Carolina Rural Health Leadership Alliance, The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End-of-Life Care, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). In each position, his goal has been consistent: to improve health outcomes by building relationships and creating policy that reflects the lived realities of the people it affects.

At ACS CAN, Ray led successful grassroots campaigns that resulted in critical tobacco prevention funding—the first win in the state in years. He trained volunteers to speak with confidence, helped communities organize around key legislation, and worked behind the scenes to keep public health a top priority among lawmakers. His time there reinforced what he’d always believed: that when people are given the necessary tools and support, they can move mountains.

Earlier in his career, Ray served in the North Carolina Governor’s Office, overseeing volunteerism and national service programs. Working with nonprofits, faith-based groups, and local government leaders, he helped coordinate statewide service initiatives. He managed millions in federal grants—all to address unmet community needs.

Ray’s educational background in Organizational Communication (M.S., NC State University) and Sociology (B.A., SUNY New Paltz) has shaped how he approaches his work. He sees systems and relationships—how they interact, where they break down, and how to make them better. But above all, Ray believes in people: in their ability to advocate for themselves, to lead change, and to build stronger communities together.

Ray lives with his family outside of work in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. He’s a proud youth and high school football coach, a role that lets him mentor young athletes and give back to the community that means so much to him. Coaching, like advocacy, is about seeing potential, building trust, and showing up—values that guide him both on and off the field.

What drives Ray is simple: a deep commitment to standing alongside people and helping them be heard. Whether supporting a caregiver testifying at a legislative hearing or assisting a young advocate prep for their first lobby day, he brings the same energy, empathy, and experience.

At HFA, Ray continues to do his best—bring people together, break down barriers, and push for a future where everyone can live healthier regardless of their diagnosis or ZIP code. And while the policies may change and the challenges may evolve, Ray’s focus remains the same: lead with heart, listen with intention, and never stop advocating for what’s right.

Michael Yencho, Sr. Multimedia Content Manager 

When you ask Michael Yencho what fuels his work, his answer is community, creativity, and connection. As the Senior Multimedia Content Manager at the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), Michael brings passion, precision, and purpose to every video, graphic, and story he shares on behalf of the bleeding disorders community.

“My career has always been rooted in using media to uplift nonprofit causes,” Michael shares. “But seeing the passion and resilience of the bleeding disorders community has been unlike anything else I’ve experienced. Hearing your stories and meeting so many of you at events has brought this work to life in ways I never expected.”

Michael’s role goes beyond managing HFA’s social media platforms. He leads all aspects of multimedia content creation—from video and photography to graphic design and storytelling. Whether capturing moments at advocacy events or creating impactful educational videos, Michael’s work is driven by one central goal: to amplify the voices of the community.

“The kindness and love this community has for each other is incredibly inspiring. It pushes me to advocate harder, to help the undiagnosed find treatment, and to create content that educates and offers comfort. It’s an honor to help tell these stories.”

Outside of his work at HFA, Michael is a passionate musician. He plays cello in a symphony orchestra and string quartets along Florida’s east coast. When he’s not behind a camera or on stage, he’s likely cheering on the Florida Gators or attending a music festival.

“Music is my passion, but content creation is like oxygen—I need it to live. Expressing myself creatively, whether through a symphonic piece or a digital campaign, drives me.”

Michael also credits the collaborative spirit of his colleagues for making the work even more meaningful. “I’m so grateful for our incredible team at HFA, especially my communications teammates Nassim and Melissa. It’s a privilege to serve alongside people who care so deeply for the community.”

Reflecting on his time at HFA, Michael is proud of the team’s impact and hopeful for what’s ahead. “It’s been a privilege not only to learn about and honor the ‘bad blood’ history, but also to witness and help share stories of a thriving community.”