CWD Staff
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.
A finicky connoisseur of hotel meeting space, cappuccino, and kid-friendly cheese and fruit platters, Laura Billetdeaux is CWD's Vice President. Since the first CWD event in June 2000, Laura has organized Friends for Life conferences, always keeping in mind the true purpose of Children with Diabetes — education and support of families with type 1, and always keeping in mind why it all works – the efforts of so many dedicated individuals. Laura lives in Manchester, Michigan with her husband Neal.
Beth Levering is a part-time Project Manager and Administrative Assistant for Children with Diabetes. Beth was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 21, shortly after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Communication degree. She lives in the Cincinnati area and is married and a mom to three - two boys and a girl. Beth co-created a support group in the Northern Cincinnati area called “Sisterhood of the Defunct Pancreases" for adult T1 women. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, spending time outdoors, and traveling to new places.
Matthew Point, MS, is CWD's Director of Advancement and Programs. In this role, he manages corporate sponsorships, fundraising efforts, and the coordination of CWD's events, such as our renowned Friends for Life conferences. Matt's journey with CWD began in 2013 when he attended his first event, Friends for Life Orlando.
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.
Indicates CWD staff member with diabetes