Our Team
Christopher Eskew
Christopher Eskew is the Founder and President of the American Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum Family Foundation. Living with Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum himself, Christopher has spent much of his life navigating the unique challenges that can accompany a rare diagnosis. His personal experiences inspired a lifelong passion for advocacy and ultimately led him to establish the Foundation to ensure that individuals and families affected by BWSp have access to the support, education, and community he wished had been more readily available throughout his own journey.
What began as a personal mission to help others has grown into a national effort focused on connecting families, raising awareness, and advancing research for Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum. As President, Christopher leads the Foundation's strategic initiatives while working closely with families, medical professionals, and researchers to improve resources and outcomes for the BWS community.
Professionally, Christopher is an accomplished automotive industry leader with extensive experience in fixed operations, service management, team development, and customer experience. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence. His ability to mentor teams, improve processes, and foster meaningful relationships has contributed to success in high-volume service environments and continues to influence his leadership approach within the Foundation.
Christopher resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia in the historic home built by his great-grandfather. He remains dedicated to ensuring that no individual or family facing Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum has to navigate the journey alone
Susan Bellina
When Susan's daughter was diagnosed with Beckwith-Weidemann Spectrum Disorder, the path forward wasn't always clear, but the need for action was. As a sitting board member of American
Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum Family Foundation, Susan turns that personal journey into a platform for change.
She believes that no family should navigate this diagnosis alone and work tirelessly to expand the organization’s reach and resources. By combining the perspective of a parent with the strategic mindset of a Special Education professional, Susan helps ensure that American
Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum Family Foundation remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for progress in the BWSp community.
Amanda Lawn serves as Secretary for the American Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum Family Foundation. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters, including her daughter Avril, age 10, who has Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum (BWS).
Amanda earned both her Bachelor of Science in Food Marketing and her MBA from Saint Joseph’s University. Professionally, she is a National Business Development Manager for Taylor Farms, where she brings experience in leadership, strategic planning, communication, and relationship development.
Since 2016, Amanda has volunteered with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as a parent resource and family outreach supporter, helping connect and support families navigating a BWS diagnosis. Through her role on the Foundation Board, she is passionate about strengthening family connections, supporting awareness and education efforts, and helping the organization grow in a meaningful and organized way for the BWS community.
Amanda Lawn
Millie Occhionero is honored to serve on the American BWS Foundation, bringing both professional expertise and deeply personal dedication to the board. Residing in Upstate New York with her husband, Nick, and their daughter, Esme, who was diagnosed with BWS at birth, Millie navigates the unique complexities and triumphs of the BWS journey every day. She is eager to leverage her background in strategic communications and philanthropy to champion the Foundation’s mission, driving vital research and providing a compassionate resource for families navigating similar paths.
Millie holds a bachelor's degree in creative arts and journalism from Siena College, Loudonville, New York, and a master's degree in communications from Syracuse University. She has spent over a decade in the nonprofit healthcare and communications field.
Millie Occhionero
Samantha Jeffries
Samantha Jeffries is a Cleveland, Ohio native, devoted wife, and proud mother of four daughters. A devout Catholic, fitness enthusiast, and avid concertgoer, Samantha brings both professional experience and personal passion to her advocacy work within the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome community.
Her professional background includes work in higher education, experience serving as a child advocacy lawyer, and supporting the operations of her husband’s Lemon Law practice. Samantha’s journey with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome began when her third daughter, Sandy, was born on July 23, 2019, with the clinical features of BWS. Following Sandy’s diagnosis after birth and a whirlwind stay in the Cleveland Clinic NICU, Samantha and her family began receiving care through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in January 2020. Sandy underwent tongue reduction surgery in 2021, and Samantha remains deeply grateful for the care and support their family received through CHOP.
Samantha is honored to serve on the BWS Board and is passionate about supporting other families as a Family Advocate through the American Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Family Foundation.