The Faces Behind myFace
Bill Villafranco
Executive Director
For more than a decade, I’ve been involved with myFace as a donor, board member, board president, and now as Executive Director. I’ve had the privilege of meeting people of all ages who face rare and challenging conditions with grace and resilience, hearing their moving stories firsthand. My goal is to further myFace’s extraordinary work, ensuring that individuals with facial differences have the support they need to shine and thrive. I’m committed to expanding access to our programs and events, supporting more families, and building meaningful partnerships with hospitals nationwide. Together with the dedicated myFace team, we’re designing innovative awareness campaigns, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening outreach to build a more inclusive future for our community.
Karen Lazarus
Director of Campaign Development
With more than a decade of experience at two international nonprofit organizations, I know the tremendous impact that quality comprehensive care and support can have on the life of individuals and their families. myFace does, too, and I am proud to be part of an organization with such a strong and focused mission. As the Director of Campaign Development , I am committed to helping myFace lead, plan and implement development initiatives to increase our exposure and raise the funds we need so that we can continue to educate the public on our work and provide the individuals and families we serve with access to the resources, support and care they need – and deserve. It is an honor to work with such a passionate, committed and talented team.
Dina Zuckerberg
Director of Family Programs
myFace’s mission reflects my passion and my passion reflects the mission. As Director of Family Programs, I bring my life experience of growing up with a craniofacial difference to the programs I help implement for the individuals and families we serve. Whether it’s through our emotional support groups, online educational series, family networking events or public awareness initiatives, my goal is to advocate for the craniofacial community and make sure their voices are heard. I want everyone with a facial difference to know myFace is here for them, and that they are not alone. I’m thrilled to call myFace my family.
Karen Lazarus
Director of Development
With more than a decade of experience at two international nonprofit organizations, I know the tremendous impact that quality comprehensive care and support can have on the life of individuals and their families. myFace does, too, and I am proud to be part of an organization with such a strong and focused mission. As the Director of Development, I am committed to helping myFace lead, plan and implement development initiatives to increase our exposure and raise the funds we need so that we can continue to educate the public on our work and provide the individuals and families we serve with access to the resources, support and care they need – and deserve. It is an honor to work with such a passionate, committed and talented team.
Jackie Smith
Senior Program Officer
I am dedicated to creating and implementing dynamic programs that foster resilience, promote inclusivity and address the unique challenges faced by children with craniofacial differences and their families. It’s through both this approach and my bilingualism in English and Spanish that has me especially excited to connect with and support Spanish-speaking families at myFace. I am committed to myFace’s mission of celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, and championing the rights of every child to thrive.
Rena Rosen
Senior Program Officer – Chicago
Rena Rosen, based in Chicago, Illinois, brings over 35 years of lived experience as someone born with a craniofacial syndrome. A passionate advocate for inclusion and equality, Rena has spent over a decade boldly sharing her story to drive change. She worked as a preschool educator for 16 years and served as the first Inclusion Coordinator for JCC Chicago, where she fostered belonging and addressed community access needs. Co-author of The Courage to Be Kind, Rena has spoken widely on her experiences and created the “Knit for a Unique Fit” initiative, connecting people with limb differences to crafters of custom gloves. In 2023, she received the MyFace Courage Award and now works to expand MyFace’s programming in Chicago, offering care and support to those in need.
Elissa Young
Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Elizabeth Gruber
Marketing and Database Assistant
As an early career professional within philanthropy, I am deeply committed to using my skills to make a tangible difference. myFace’s dedication to holistic care, education, and awareness in the craniofacial community resonates with me profoundly. As the Marketing and Database Assistant, I aim to foster meaningful connections, promote our initiatives, and contribute towards inclusivity, awareness, and positive change. myFace provides a community and necessary resources to a group of resilient individuals and I’m glad I can do my part to contribute towards our mission.
Naomi Levinshtein
Program Assistant
Born with a craniofacial condition, I have grown up with the support of the myFace community. This lifelong connection has given me a deep understanding of the challenges families face throughout their care journeys and the vital support that myFace provides. With a background as a multidisciplinary artist and social media advocate, I am passionate about using storytelling and creativity to amplify the voices of those with facial differences and disabilities. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, beautiful, and included, and I am honored to contribute to myFace’s mission to create a more inclusive and understanding world.
