Board of Directors

Michael has held executive leadership positions at various companies including the Advanced Technology Group/Cognizant, Deluxe Corporation, and Cap Gemini Consulting. His professional expertise is in the areas of sales, marketing, and operations. He holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from Missouri State University and a master’s degree from Webster University. Michael is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Myasthenia Gravis Association, reflecting his commitment to advocacy and support for those affected by myasthenia gravis. Active in the Kansas City community, he is the co-founder of the Sporting Blue Valley TEAM Soccer program, which is designed for children with special needs. Michael and his wife, Dorothy, live in Overland Park, KS, and have 3 daughters and 3 grandsons. Michael and his family were impacted by myasthenia gravis after his father battled it for many years, which further fuels his passion for supporting the MGA Board Members and their initiatives.

Brodie is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Business Finance and a B.S. in Molecular Bioscience. Since 2009, he has been active in the clinical research industry and is currently serving as a Senior Site Relationship Manager with Immunovant. Additionally, Brodie is involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association, where he collaborates with the Board of Directors and engages with MGA Board Members. He resides in Overland Park, KS.

Stephanie is a graduate of Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, where she earned her B.A. in Business Administration. She currently serves as an executive assistant at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. Since 2014, Stephanie has contributed her expertise to the MGA Triple Crown Showdown committee, which supports the Myasthenia Gravis Association. She lives in Olathe, KS, with her husband, Jeremy, and enjoys running, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her friends, as well as engaging with the MGA Board Members.

Derek is vice president of commercial lending at OakStar Bank in Overland Park, KS. He has a B.S. in Financial Controllership from Kansas State and has worked in the field of finance since 2005. In addition to his professional commitments, Derek is also involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association as part of the MGA Board Members, contributing his expertise. He lives in Overland Park, KS with his wife, Nina, and has two children.

Keith is a graduate of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. With over 15 years of experience in the mutual fund and print output industries, he recently shifted his career path. Currently, he serves as a permanent substitute at Mill Creek Upper Elementary, with plans to obtain his teaching certification to become a permanent teacher. Since 2016, Keith has actively participated as a volunteer for the MGA Triple Crown Showdown and has been involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association, contributing to their mission alongside other MGA Board Members. Keith resides in Belton, MO, with his two dogs, Patra and Sosisi.

Joe is an attorney and member of Lewis Rice LLC, practicing in the area of business and civil litigation. He serves as a legal advisor to the Board of Directors for the Myasthenia Gravis Association, where he collaborates with MGA Board Members to support the organization's mission. Joe earned his B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas and his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. He lives in Overland Park, KS with his significant other, Jessica, and her son, Dominic.

Megan left her hometown in Nebraska and headed to the University of Kansas, known for its journalism program and school spirit. Here, she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Communications with a minor in psychology. After four years filled with countless campus jobs (including a memorable stint as an orientation assistant!) and forming forever friendships, she interned at Children’s Mercy, a top-ranked pediatric hospital that had captivated her from the beginning. Working with providers and understanding families' needs allowed her to see how even a marketing team can impact lives. This experience resonated deeply with her purpose, especially as she learned about the Myasthenia Gravis Association and its Board of Directors, where the MGA Board Members are dedicated to finding answers for some of the toughest health care concerns and providing hope for those affected.

Al Dimmitt lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife Kay and their two small dogs. As a retired community college teacher and administrator, he has a keen interest in reading about science, history, and fiction, as well as keeping up with technology. Al and Kay are passionate baseball enthusiasts, proudly holding Royals season tickets. Additionally, Al is actively involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association, where he serves on the Board of Directors, contributing his insights as one of the dedicated MGA Board Members.

Lyndsey is the Director of Awesomeness and Co-Owner of Team Cocktail, a local apparel and travel company. She graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management. Lyndsey was on the first planning committee for the Triple Crown Showdown and has been actively involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA) as one of the dedicated MGA Board Members ever since. She loves bringing people together, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams! Let's go Cyclones! Lyndsey lives in Blue Springs, MO.

Graham Naasz is a dentist from Overland Park, KS, who became interested in the treatment and research for myasthenia gravis thanks to a close mentor from dental school. Born and raised in Kansas City, Graham is an avid fan of the Royals, Chiefs, and Jayhawk basketball. As a new member of the Board of Directors for the Myasthenia Gravis Association, he is excited to contribute to the multi-disciplinary treatment approaches alongside other MGA Board Members.

Dr. Mamatha Pasnoor is a neurologist and professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center. As a certified member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Pasnoor holds sub-certifications in neuromuscular medicine and neurophysiology. After completing her fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, she earned her medical degree from Osmania Medical College and completed her residency there as well. Dr. Pasnoor is dedicated to providing compassionate care for neurology and neuromuscular patients, and she is proud to be associated with the Myasthenia Gravis Association, where she collaborates with other skilled professionals, including MGA Board Members, to enhance patient care and support.

Ashley Steele has joined the MGA Board of Directors as one of the new MGA Board Members. Ashley serves as the Assistant Marketing Events Manager at Polsinelli, located in Kansas City, MO. She obtained her B.S. in Business Management and Marketing from Northwest Missouri State. Growing up in Independence, MO, Ashley is a passionate Chiefs fan! When she’s not traveling for work, she enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Harvey, as well as her niece Molly and her nephews Mason and S.J. In addition, Ashley’s family has been affected by myasthenia gravis, as her dad was diagnosed with the condition in 2020.

For more than a quarter of a century, Dr. Tom Vansaghi has served in a variety of senior-level positions in public service, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. He began his career as a volunteer on a gubernatorial campaign (Mel Carnahan in 1992) that led to a series of leadership roles in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he worked in state government with the Office of the Governor and Missouri General Assembly. He was later recruited to lead government relations, fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and public and community relations for a regional state university, Northwest Missouri State University, in 1999, followed by an urban/suburban community college district, Metropolitan Community College, in 2004. In 2013, he was appointed as the executive director of the North American Primary Care Research Group, an international association of primary care physicians dedicated to promoting the triple healthcare aim of enhancing the patient experience, improving the health of the population, and reducing costs. By 2015, Dr. Vansaghi became a tenured professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where he engages undergraduate students in critical thinking to prepare them for meaningful lives leading nonprofit organizations. He also serves as the director of strategic planning for the college and has been involved with the MGA Board Members of the Myasthenia Gravis Association. Additionally, he has served as a senior fellow at the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, teaching graduate seminars and courses on nonprofit fundraising since 2010.