Meet the Board

Karl Shaikh
Chairman of the Board

I believe in the latent potential we all have.
I have helped some of the largest organizations in the world, as well as some of the most promising startups and non-profit organizations with their strategy, strategic thinking, and planning. I totally get entrepreneurs & Non-Profit Orgs, and they get me! I work with leaders to help them address strategic issues, and unleash organizations' latent potential.

Full Bio:

Heather McGehearty Founder / Board President

Heather is the mother to four young children all dyslexic. Heather started organizing parent support groups in 2013 when her oldest was identified with dyslexia, these efforts later grew into the nonprofit StandUpLD in 2016. She is not new to advocacy or school struggles, as she herself has dyscalculia, and had to advocate for herself to receive accommodations in college math. Heather now holds a bachelor's degree in Social science from the University of the Ozarks.

Full Bio:

Eric McGehearty
Co-Founder / Spokesman

Eric McGehearty is the CEO of Globe Runner, a top-performing, full-service digital marketing agency based in Dallas, Texas. The company, founded in 2009, is one of the most prominent digital marketing companies in Texas and continues to grow.

Full Bio:

Julie Chance
Board Secretary

One of her gifts is seeing the uniqueness in each individual. She believes full potential is best achieved
by leveraging these unique strengths. She is passionate about helping bring this message to young
people – especially those with learning differences whose unique gifts are too often overlooked.

Full Bio:

Mary Kohnle

Mary Kohnle inspires young people with learning differences to explore and develop their talents and strengths. Parents typically see the brilliance in their children that others may miss, so she has a passion for mentoring parents. She believes all students with learning differences can learn to learn when given encouragement, compassion, and research-based intervention.

Full Bio:

Beth McGaw, M.Ed.

After her youngest son was diagnosed with learning disabilities and attention issues, Beth McGaw has been an outspoken advocate for individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders for the past 24 years. She believes in the power of finding each individual’s strengths to help them succeed in whatever they decide to pursue in life.

Full Bio:

Coach Mark Malcolm

Mark Malcolm has worked with young people as a teacher and as a football coach for over 40 years. He is honored and excited to have the chance to serve on the StandUpLD board because he believes the opportunity to provide educational resources is an opportunity to absolutely change lives.

Full Bio:

Amy Cushner

As an educator in the field of learning differences, Amy Cushner brings passion and knowledge to her work on StandUpLD board. Amy is currently Head of the Upper Elementary (3rd -5th grades) and Associate Head of School at The Shelton School and Evaluation Center in Dallas, TX.

Full Bio:

Crystal Turner, OTR

Crystal has been an occupational therapist for 23 years in many settings, including pediatrics school systems, for 23 years. She also is wife and mother to three middle school age boys who she has helped with various learning challenges. Because of her professional and personal insights, she has a passion for supporting LD students and helping teachers/parents navigate how to help them work in their strengths.

Full Bio:

Stand UP LD Is..

a non-profit support network for parents and educators seeking resources to support and inspire children with learning differences.

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