Board of Directors
Susan Halla – she, her, hers
President
Susan is an architect, designer and small business owner who is passionate about all things mid-century. She’s also passionate about supporting her trans son and furthering trans-inclusivity in the world. She lives in St. Louis with her amazing husband, two incredible sons and three ungrateful cats.
Jordan Braxton – she, her, hers
Vice President/Development & Fundraising Chair
Jordan has been an activist in the St. Louis LGBTQIA community for over 35-years, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and Intersex and Trans Rights. Jordan is on the Board of Pride St. Louis, Inc. as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach and the Vice President of St. Louis Black Pride. Jordan currently works at Vivent Health as a Prevention Specialist doing education and outreach for the prevention of HIV/STI. Jordan is also known in entertainment and fundraising circles for her illusion of the incomparable Dieta Pepsi. As Dieta, Jordan has used her talents to raise money for several of our LGBTQIA organizations including Doorways, Food Outreach, St. Louis Efforts for AIDS, Metro Trans Umbrella Group, and the Transgender Memorial Garden.
Rebecca Zingarelli – she, her, hers
Treasurer
Rebecca is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and works professionally with teens – adults who need help with mental health wellness. She currently owns her own private practice in the city of Cincinnati, OH where she lives with her husband and trans daughter. Rebecca is passionate about helping parents and guardians of trans kids navigate the rewarding, yet challenging, journey of being a safe and supportive advocate for their child. Rebecca enjoys reading, snow skiing, jigsaw puzzles, rock climbing, and nerd game nights.
Cassie Grimsley-Ackerley – she, they
Chapter Chair / Grant Writer
As an LGBTQ+ advocate and proud parent of a transgender child, Cassie is very grateful for this opportunity to join TransParent as a new committee member. She is eager to volunteer her time and any applicable skills to further the mission of this organization, as trans and gender diverse kids need our loving support and deserve to live and thrive as their most authentic and beautiful selves. She would best be described as an assertive, yet compassionate parent and spouse who loves theater, meditation, listening to audiobooks, curating children’s book collections, and putting together puzzles with her family.
Caroline Rowland – she, her, hers
At-Large Board Member / Social Media
Caroline is the chosen parent to an awesome transgender young adult. She loves to read and write, surfs TikTok and plays video games, loves cooking, crafting and animals. She hopes to foster a safe landing zone for kids who come out to their parents and raise the safety, knowledge and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community.
Committee Members
Garrett Kiriakos-Fugate – he, him, his
Marketing & Communications Writer
Garrett is excited to be involved with an organization that helps LGBTQ folks in this time when laws are being passed that limit their rights. He specifically wanted to join TransParent because many of the anti-LGBTQ policies are targeting trans kids and youth. Garrett is a bookworm and loves learning about queer and trans history, art, and communities. He’s especially been interested in drag and how it’s been an art form that challenges gender norms in ways that are playful, joyful, and liberating.
Willow Benz – she, her, hers
Webmaster
Willow is a software engineer by trade, and a mother of two wonderful teenage children. In her free time, you can find her enjoying the outdoors on her bicycle riding the roads and trails around St. Louis or playing on her bass guitar. She brings her decades of experience with web site development. As a transgender woman and parent of a transgender child, she also hopes to contribute her unique perspective to the organization.
Advisors
Kim Hutton – she, her, hers
Founder and Emeritus Board Member
Kim Hutton is a business professional, Mom of two boys and founder of TransParent. Her mission is to make the experience of raising a gender expansive child of any age easier through support, resources, and visibility. Happily married to Brian for over fifteen years, together they are raising a bright, confident and funny transgender son who transitioned at the age of seven. Kim is currently enjoying retirement with her family.
Sonja Goen – she, her, hers
Emeritus Board Member
Sonja Goen is a business professional by day and trans advocate by night. Sonja brings a unique combination of logistical understanding and project management skills to her position as Board President. She has spoken on the need for establishing parent support mechanisms at the Philly Trans-Health Conference, the Transgender Spectrum Conference and the National GLMA Conference. She has served as a member of the Board since 2015.
Sharon Vermont – she, her, hers
Medical Advisor
Sharon Dunski Vermont is a pediatrician, writer, mother of a transgender son, and transgender ally/advocate. She joined the Transparent Board in 2015 and is also a member of The World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Sharon is actively trying to make changes in the way hospitals and physicians treat transgender patients. She has written several articles about supporting transgender children and is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the Transparent organization.
Interested in joining one of our committees? Click the button to apply – we’d love to have you.
