Staff

Deborah Shelton
Executive Director

Deborah M. Shelton is grateful for the privilege that she has each and every day to contribute to the ACPMP Research Foundation her deep knowledge and extensive professional experience in drug development with a focus on rare cancers. Deborah has spent over 25 years as an FDA regulatory advisor to a diverse set of stakeholders, including patients and caregivers, researchers, drug and device developers, and legislative bodies. In her professional capacity, Deborah has helped this diverse group of stakeholders to navigate the complex considerations and regulations pertinent to clinical research, and the testing and commercialization of cutting-edge pharmaceuticals and medical devices directed at enhancing the timely diagnosis and effective treatments for cancers and other serious diseases. She is an honors graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law, a frequent presenter at FDA-related conferences and has authored numerous publications on various topics of interest in the regulatory sphere.

As with all of her colleagues at ACPMP, Deborah’s personal journey with appendix cancer inspired her to dedicate her time to ACPMP. Deborah’s spouse is a survivor of appendix cancer. She was diagnosed in August 2018 and underwent CRS/HIPEC that October. For several years prior to her spouse being diagnosed, Deborah had been actively engaged in patient advocacy and issues involving the need to incentivize innovation for the development of therapies to treat cancers and other diseases where there is critical unmet medical need. Her spouse’s subsequent diagnosis with ACPMP and their collective personal experience with the numerous challenges presented following that diagnosis has further fueled Deborah’s zeal for that work, taking the fight now to both a professional and personal level.

Deborah’s primary focus in her work at ACPMP is in further developing the ACPMPs research grant program, clinical trial network, and the organization’s scientific and educational initiatives.

Deborah resides in Silver Spring, Maryland with her spouse (Kate), Deborah's 85-year “young” mother, and their two rescue dogs. In her spare time, she loves exploring salt marshes by kayak with Kate, exploring beaches, and reading Nordic detective novels with a good cup of strong coffee in hand.

Click here to see Deborah's video for Giving Tuesday

Alyssa Strackbein
Operations Manager

Alyssa has a wealth of diverse experiences and a deep personal connection to the cause. Her journey over the past decade has seen her explore various roles, each contributing to her unique skill set and abilities. From managing an art gallery and artist program, where she was able to foster relationships within the creative community, to community operations for a coworking space, where she excelled in ensuring a productive and harmonious environment for professionals from diverse backgrounds and providing meaningful events to foster community.

Recognizing her affinity for technology, Alyssa then ventured into the field of digital strategy and web development, joining an IT consulting company. Her expertise in developing digital strategies and crafting engaging online experiences proved invaluable in helping businesses achieve their goals.

However, it was Alyssa's personal experience that truly inspired her to dedicate her time and talents to ACPMP. In 2021, her spouse began her battle with appendix cancer, although the battle started long before she was diagnosed. Sadly, her spouse, Jennifer, passed away on September 26, 2022. Witnessing firsthand the challenges and impact of this disease, Alyssa developed a profound understanding of the urgency and importance of appendix cancer research and felt working for ACPMP was meant to be.

With a deep-rooted connection to the cause, she is committed to advancing research, raising awareness, and supporting individuals affected by appendix cancer.

Alyssa resides in Norfolk, Virginia with her cat, Slim. Outside of work, she finds solace in meditating, reading in her hammock, photography, visiting art galleries, taking walks with friends, and being in nature.

Margaret Najerian
Operations-Development Assistant

Margaret brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector to her role as Operations-Development Assistant at the Appendix Cancer Research Foundation. With a primary focus on supporting the development department, Margaret excels in event strategy and planning, educational outreach, director and board support, and donor relations. Her expertise in leveraging systems to streamline organizational processes has been applied across all levels of nonprofit administration. Notably, she led a team of developers in designing a fully customized database, demonstrating her ability to integrate technology with organizational needs. Margaret is enthusiastic about applying her extensive knowledge of systems and process optimization to help ACPMP achieve its goals.

Margaret's personal connection to cancer fuels her dedication. Having close family and friends who were originally misdiagnosed, she is honored to be part of an organization that equips physicians, patients, and caregivers with the tools to advocate for optimal treatment sooner, while simultaneously funding and supporting research aimed at finding a cure.

Margaret lives in Glenview, IL with her partner and their beloved pup. She enjoys film photography, family dinners, and long weekend strolls, drawing inspiration from the landscaping and architecture in her neighborhood.