Leigh Fickling, JD, MEd, MS, serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Children with Diabetes. Leigh is responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the organization and for the oversight and implementation of the organization's strategic plan. Leigh's daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013 at the age of three. Leigh is a subject matter expert in the implementation of accommodations for people with diabetes in the classroom, workplace, and beyond. The Friends for Life conferences are the highlight of the year for the Fickling family and they can't imagine trying to dia-beat-this without their circle of friends.

Jeff Hitchcock is the founder, president, and Chief Executive Officer of Children with Diabetes. After earning a degree in computational mathematics in 1981, Jeff worked in high tech and traveled the world, meeting Brenda, who would become his wife, in Africa. In September of 1989, their first child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two. Jeff worked in defense related industries until 1995, when he started a small internet company and launched Children with Diabetes to share his family's experience caring for a child with T1D. Jeff also serves on the Board of Directors for the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC). Jeff received the 2021 ISPAD Hero Award for his work on Children with Diabetes.

Jen Hanson, BKin, BEd, MEd, CDCES, has grown up with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed in 1987, she has never let diabetes stop her from pursuing her passion. Jen’s early beginnings as a campfire-loving, bug-catching, mud-puddle-jumping, tree-climbing tot sparked in her a love for the natural world that has been fostered and grown into a full-blown passion for everything outdoors. Jen is the Executive Director of Connected in Motion (CIM), and spends her days organizing retreats and adventure programs for adults with type 1 diabetes. She also works with the CIM Team to run Friends for Life Canada. Jen became a CDE in 2017 focusing on diabetes and exercise. Jen loves volunteering with Children with Diabetes as it gives her an opportunity to work with youth with diabetes and give them the gift of connection.

Rachael Jacques is an accomplished nonprofit professional with a BA in Community Health Education and extensive experience in fundraising, development, and program management. Living with type 1 diabetes and growing up with a brother who also has the diagnosis, she brings both a personal understanding and professional dedication to supporting all individuals and families in the T1D community. In her most recent role as National Director, Corporate Partnerships at Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Rachael cultivated and managed strategic partnerships with leading companies driving significant revenue for research and advocacy efforts aimed at finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Prior to that, as the Director of Development and Programming at the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, she successfully set strategy for fundraising efforts and managed a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at supporting children and families facing mental health challenges. Now, as Director of Advancement at Children with Diabetes, Rachael is excited to bring her expertise in development and fundraising to further the organization’s mission and create lasting change for children and families impacted by type 1 diabetes.

Ashlyn Mills serves as CWD’s Events and Programs Manager. Ashlyn has been living with type 1 diabetes since 2015 when she was diagnosed at the age of 19. She quickly found her tribe in CWD and attended her first FFL conference less than one year after her diagnosis. By trade, Ashlyn is a licensed physical therapist assistant but the connections diabetes created quickly changed her career path. Ashlyn is passionate about helping people with diabetes and their families connect so they don’t have to do it alone. In her spare time, Ashlyn loves to run, bike, visit Disney World, and camp with her family.

Jordan Squibb is a Creative Director focusing on post-production for a video and live events production company. He was introduced to type 1 diabetes when he met his wife, Sasha, over 10 years ago and has used his background to tell stories of those living with T1D. He attended his first FFL in 2022 and was instantly hooked and realized there was a lack of video content and wanted to help. You can find Jordan wandering around the conferences with a camera capturing memorable moments. Jordan is a fantasy movie, video game, and sushi-loving dog/cat dad.

As the Creative Director at Children with Diabetes (CWD), Sasha Squibb loves sharing the CWD Smiley and spreading joy through her work. She leads social media, The Weekly Diabetes newsletter, and all marketing efforts. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, Sasha is deeply passionate about providing education and support for the T1D community and their families, always striving to create a sense of connection and ensure no one feels alone in their journey.

Marissa Town, BSN, RN, CDCES, is the Clinical Director for Children with Diabetes (CWD). Marissa oversees the medical content for CWD’s website and programs at Friends for Life (FFL) conferences. She collaborates with healthcare professionals and other diabetes organizations to help CWD and FFL provide current, evidence-based diabetes education and support for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. Marissa has lived with T1D since 1989 and has worked in various diabetes education roles, including adult and pediatric clinics, industry, and clinical research. She is passionate about health equity and helping improve quality of life for people affected by diabetes.