EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Melissa has been involved with the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation since learning her son has hemophilia in 2003. She began volunteering, and has served as Hemophilia Walk Manager and Program Coordinator before becoming Executive Director. Melissa graduated from Texas A&M University, where she met her husband Brian. She and Brian have two children, son Kyle, and daughter Sarah. She is thrilled to be serving the bleeding disorders community of Texas.

DEVELOPMENT & OUTREACH MANAGER

Tara has been with the chapter for five years, leading fundraising efforts, organizing the Unite Walk, and fostering connections within the community. A native of the Greater Houston area, Tara is passionate about supporting individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, entertaining, camping, and attending concerts.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Heidi has worked for the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation since 2008. She is privileged to serve such an amazing community! It is important to her to raise awareness for the bleeding disorders community as well as help provide families with education, support and advocacy. Heidi graduated from Texas A&M University. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have four children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing tennis.

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Trish Amerson is a dually certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner. She received her master’s degree in nursing as a pediatric nurse practitioner from UT Health San Antonio in Texas, and received her post-master’s certificate as a family nurse practitioner from University of Texas at Arlington in Texas. 

She has been a nurse practitioner for 25 years with the majority of her practice providing care to patients of all ages with bleeding disorders at the South Texas Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Treatment Center in San Antonio, Texas. Trish is passionate about the bleeding disorder community and was active in the community by volunteering as medical staff at the Texas hemophilia camp, member of the camp board, serving and speaking at the Texas Bleeding Disorder Conference, participating as a member of the State of Texas Bleeding Disorder Advisory Council, and attending regional and national conferences.

Trish retired from the South Texas Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Treatment Center in 2023. She is now enjoying time with her husband traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.