Board of Directors

Rehana Ahmed-Saucedo, PH.D., MD

Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota

Rehana Ahmed-Saucedo received her Ph.D. in epidemiology and her MD from the University of Minnesota. In 2006, she received the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation Medical School Roza Steer Breast Cancer Research Award. She coordinated the “Weight Training in Breast Cancer Survivors” study that examined the effects of twice weekly progressive strength training in 88 recent breast cancer survivors on the development of lymphedema, changes in body composition, health-related quality of life, and hormonal risk factors for cancer recurrence. The results of this study have been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Cancer.

Roger Feldman, PH.D

Blue Cross Shield Professor of Health Insurance, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota

Professor Feldman was a Marshall Scholar at the London School of Economics and holds a PhD in economics from the University of Rochester. His research covers the organization, financing, and delivery of health care with a focus on health insurance. He also studies competition among health care providers and insurers. Dr. Feldman’s experience in health care policy includes serving on the Senior Staff of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors.

Melissa Lundquist, MSW

Facing Cancer Together

Missy Lundquist is a Co-Coordinator of Facing Cancer Together (FaCT), a program that helps families gain understanding, strength, and hope as they journey through the cancer experience together. Missy is a licensed social worker and received her Master of Social Work from Fordham University in New York City where her career mainly focused on work with families and children. Her background includes development and coordination of support programs for women with breast cancer. Missy chairs the Board of Directors.

Barbara Miller-Maclin, RN, BSN, OCN

Regions Hospital

Barb Miller-Maclin is the Coordinator of the Regions Hospital Breast Health Center in St. Paul. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa and is a member of the Metro Minnesota Oncology Nurses Association and the Oncology Nursing Society.

Susan Pappas-Varco, R.N. M.A.

Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, University of Minnesota Medical Center

Susan Pappas-Varco is recognized as one of Minnesota’s leading experts in the field of patient care and breast cancer. She has given over 50 presentations to a variety of community groups, breast cancer survivors, and health professionals and has received several patient service awards from the University of Minnesota. Susan has been a member of the steering committee for the Twin Cities Race for the Cure for the last 10 years. In addition to a nursing degree from University of Minnesota at Mankato, Susan also has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

Anna Marie Piccolo, BA

Owner- Side by Side Fitness

Parent Educator - United Hospital

Anna Marie has over spent over 20 years in the health and fitness industry. She is certified as a Health/Fitness Instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine, as a Medical Exercise Specialist by the American Academy of Fitness Professionals and is also certified as a BLS Instructor by the American Heart Association. Anna Marie also serves on the Advisory Board for programming for Adults 50 and older at Century College. Anna Marie is a breast cancer survivor and continually encourages women to adapt exercise into their lifestyles.

John Rahn, B.S.C. , MBA

John received his BS in Commerce from the University of Iowa and M.B.A. from Drake University. His work experience, prior to retirement, was primarily in the banking industry. John also served as adjunct faculty for local community colleges. He has had opportunities to work in the not-for-profit arena for several organizations, some of which include Spencer Family YMCA, Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation, Spencer Community Theatre, Camp Foster YMCA, Friends of Iowa Public Television and Leave A Legacy - Iowa. John serves as the Treasurer of Survivors’ Training.

Brian Southwell, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Minnesota

Professor Southwell received his Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Much of Brian’s research as a faculty member has focused on understanding how people engage with information related to health and science. He also holds an appointment in the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, and previously served as a research fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. He has published articles on skin cancer prevention, colorectal screening, and other public health topics. He also currently serves on a number of journal editorial boards, including the board of Health Communication.