It’s time to meet the Breakthrough T1D KSMO staff! We’re excited to introduce our 9 amazing chapter staff members who are dedicated to Breakthrough T1D’s mission of a world without type 1 diabetes.

Sherri Lozano
Executive Director

Sherri joined Breakthrough T1D in 2011 as the Associate Executive Director and moved into the Executive Director role in April of 2016.  She has more than 20 years’ experience in fundraising and nonprofit management.  She holds a B.S in Business Administration – Marketing & Finance and an M.P. A. – Nonprofit Management from UMKC Bloch School.  She is a lifelong Kansas City area resident.

Tori Freeman
Development Director

Tori joined the Breakthrough T1D in 2012 and is currently the Development Director for the Kansas and Missouri Chapter. She began her career with Breakthrough T1D in Des Moines, IA where she lived and worked for 4 years before moving back to her hometown of St. Louis and joining the local chapter there. She first became involved with Breakthrough T1D as a volunteer and fundraiser with her family after she was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 10. She earned a BS-BA Degree in Management and Marketing with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management at Drake University. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, Mike, and two dogs, Watson and Scout.

Chris Reilly
Community Engagement Manager

Christina began volunteering and fundraising with Breakthrough T1D shortly after her 4 year old daughter’s diagnosis in 2003.  She “officially” joined the staff team in 2006.  While the title has changed several times, all 15 years she has served the chapter as an Outreach/Community Engagement Manager.  A major component of this role is working closely with newly diagnosed families, teens and adults to make sure they receive education and support throughout their life stages with T1D.  Christina was also diagnosed with T1D at the age of 45 and now has a new diabetes perspective in addition to mom and Breakthrough T1D employee.

Marlo Martin
Community Engagement Manager

Marlo joined Breakthrough T1D in 2015.  She volunteered for years before that when her youngest daughter Kara was diagnosed with T1D in 2011 at the age of 9.  She loves to meet and support newly diagnosed and experienced families with everything Breakthrough T1D has to offer.  She also loves learning about all of the latest T1D technology and research.  Marlo attended the University of Kansas and earned her B.S. degree in Biology.  She and her husband Trevor live in Shawnee and both of their daughters attend KU.

Kayla Taszarek
Development Manager

Kayla joined the Breakthrough T1D Kansas & Missouri team in 2019 as a Development Coordinator and moved into the role of Development Manager in 2021 where she now leads the One Walk program. Kayla is passionate about Breakthrough T1D’s mission as both she and her mom have type 1 diabetes. She attended Maryville University where she earned her B.S. degree in Business Administration and is currently working on her M.A. in Nonprofit Administration through Lindenwood University. Kayla currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her husband, John, and two cats, Kuzco and Pacha.

Becky Smith
Development Manager

Becky’s involvement with Breakthrough T1D began soon after her son Hunter was diagnosed with T1D in 2014 at the age of 8.  As a volunteer she has been active in supporting One Walk, Dream Gala and various events and community advocacy, often helping families navigate sports with T1D.  Becky has a background in product development, B2B and B2C marketing and joined the staff in May 2022 with a focus on corporate development. Becky attended the Ohio State University and earned her B.S. in Retail Operations and Marketing.  She, her husband Andy, son Hunter and crazy snoring dog Shell-belle live in Kansas City, MO and her son attends Rockhurst High School.

Rachael Wernsman
Development Manager

Rachael joined the Breakthrough T1D Kansas and Missouri chapter in 2022 as a Development Manager. Before her role at the chapter, she worked on the Breakthrough T1D National Fundraising Programs team for 2 years, providing support to chapter teams around the country. Although Rachael does not have a direct type 1 diabetes connection, she fell in love with Breakthrough T1D’s mission and has met some of the most courageous T1D champions during her time at the organization. Rachael grew up and attended college in Central Illinois, but now resides in St. Louis, MO.

Madison Mueller
Development Coordinator

Madison joined the Breakthrough T1D Kansas and Missouri Chapter in 2021 as a Development Coordinator. She feels very connected to Breakthrough T1D’s mission as her younger sister, Morgan, was diagnosed with T1D in 2012 when she was 8 years old. Madison attended the University of Alabama where she earned her B.S. Degree in Finance and led volunteer fundraising programs for non-profit research organizations. She is originally from the Chicagoland area, but now resides in Kansas City, MO.

Ashley Rusch
Finance & Data Specialist

Ashley was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska where she graduated from Omaha Central High School.  Prior to joining the staff, Ashley served on the gala and walk committees for Breakthrough T1D before becoming the Office Manager is 2016.  Ashley spent nearly 10 years in residential and commercial property management and has earned certifications in management both locally and nationally.  Ashley and her husband Adam reside in Council Bluffs, IA, and they have two children; Caleb and Natalie.