Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic is excited to welcome our newest team members!

Danielle Cohen (she/her) is the Associate Executive Director for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Danielle has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit development space, working for organizations such as American Heart Association, Virginia State University, Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, The Steward School and Legal Information Network for Cancer. Additionally, Danielle previously worked for Breakthrough T1D as Development Director from 2015 to 2019 in the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Chapter. Danielle’s experience ranges from special events to peer-to-peer events, corporate development, and major and individual giving. Most recently, Danielle has been the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Services Inc. The Breakthrough T1D mission hits home for Danielle, as she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 16 years ago. Danielle and her husband Brett live in Richmond, Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond as well as a master’s in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Gabriella Abbate (she/her) is the Development Manager on the Signature Events team with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Gabby started her career in children’s books, where she worked as both a bookseller and an editor and supported publishing employees through event planning as Co-Chair of the Engagement Team. In 2003, Gabby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at eight years old. Shortly after, she started volunteering with the Westchester, NY Breakthrough T1D Chapter for Walks, Galas, and other fun events. Having recently joined the Breakthrough T1D staff full-time, Gabby can’t wait to be a member of the Mid-Atlantic community and continue to support the mission of turning Type One into Type None. In her free time, you can find Gabby in an Escape the Room, taking ice skating lessons, or playing with her mischievous cat, Vasa. She’s also an Anne Arundel County CASA volunteer and runs an Etsy shop selling custom care packages.

Jessica Flynn (she/her) is the Development Coordinator for Peer-To-Peer events including the Breakthrough T1D One Walks and the Ride to Cure Diabetes. Jessica first became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 2019 when her family received a Bag of Hope for her then 3-year-old daughter, who was newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D.) Quickly forming bonds with the Mid-Atlantic chapter, Jessica became an Outreach Volunteer, supporting families with newly diagnosed children. Jessica is dedicated to raising awareness for T1D and advocating for the research that will cure diabetes. She also seeks to provide comfort through camaraderie for those who are managing a life-changing T1D diagnosis. Jessica, her husband Ryan, also living with T1D, and their daughter, Nuala, reside in Catonsville, Maryland. Jessica received her undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design as well as a master’s in arts administration from the University of New Orleans. She joins us after nearly 15 years as a graphic designer and project manager at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Hope Yehl (she/they) is the Development Coordinator for Signature Events. They graduated from the University of Virginia in 2021. After completing internships at Women Unite! in Chicago and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders in Boston, Hope’s passion for nonprofit work and improving the lives of others was sparked. Currently, Hope resides in Richmond, Virginia with her multitude of houseplants and her cat, Rosie. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, and playing board games with friends.