Development of education, advocacy, community, & innovative initiatives, we develop practical tools and resources that help individuals build knowledge, strengthen self-efficacy, and navigate health challenges with greater confidence.
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Guided by a commitment to health equity and global collaboration, we seek to reduce disparities in access, foster connection across communities, and expand opportunities for learning and support. We believe that meaningful change is created when individuals are empowered, communities are engaged, and solutions are developed for the highest good of the collective.
Guided by Experience.
Grounded in Evidence.
We believe every individual deserves access to knowledge, support, and meaningful opportunities to participate in their own health journey.
We believe that understanding oneself is the foundation for informed decision-making, personal agency, and sustainable wellbeing.
Verdade is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by rare, invisible, chronic, and complex health conditions.
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Meet the Leaders Behind the Mission
The Verdade Board of Directors is distinguished by the integration of lived experience and professional expertise. As individuals personally impacted by rare, invisible, chronic, and complex health conditions, our board members understand the realities faced by the communities we serve.
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This perspective informs a commitment to lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and meaningful advocacy. Board members bring expertise across healthcare, technology, education, research, leadership, and business. Each is recognized for professional accomplishment and dedication to advancing positive change.
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Together, we work to reduce disparities in access, strengthen education, foster collaboration, and support initiatives that improve outcomes for individuals and families worldwide.
Dr. Hollie Robichaud, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, RMT
Co-Founder
hollie@verdadefoundation.org
Dr. Hollie Robichaud is widely recognized as a global nurse leader, ambassador, educator, author, and researcher. Her work focuses on rare disorders, invisible illness, and chronic conditions. Her areas of expertise include women's health, integrative nursing, and whole-person care. Dr. Robichaud is an author and co-author of professional and scholarly publications. She contributes to research studies and collaborative projects that strengthen evidence-informed practice and improve health outcomes.
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Serving as a global conference chair, moderator, speaker, and strategic collaborator, Dr. Robichaud advances innovation in healthcare through leadership, education, and advocacy. She collaborates with healthcare leaders, researchers, nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academic partners across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Her work supports international initiatives focused on integrative therapies, health education, patient advocacy, and equitable access to care.
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Through every endeavor, she remains committed to a simple belief: everyone deserves to be informed, connected, supported, and understood.
Jon Flanders
jon@verdadefoundation.org
Co-Founder
Jon Flanders is best known as an IT security and compliance professional. His background includes cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, IT operations, project management, and organizational leadership.
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In his current role, Jon works focuses on CMMC implementation and other Government Compliance for a large machine tools distributor. His work also extends to other IT and Systems Administration work. Much of his work centers on taking complex technical and regulatory requirements and turning them into practical solutions that work for the organization and the people within it.
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Jon holds an Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health, expanding his leadership background into healthcare operations and management. As Co-Founder of Verdade, Jon helps guide the organization’s strategy, operations, technology, partnerships, and long-term growth. He brings his experience in leadership and building sustainable programs to Verdade’s mission of creating meaningful education, resources, advocacy, and support for people living with rare, invisible, and chronic illnesses.
Joey Robichaud
Board Member
joey@verdadefoundation.org
Joey Robichaud's background lies heavily in operations leadership, logistics, supply chain management, business operations, and project management. His experience includes executive and director-level leadership roles focused on process improvement, organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and team development. Through this, he brings a strong foundation in leadership, collaboration, and operational excellence.Â
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Living with invisible chronic health conditions himself, and supporting loved ones and children affected by rare genetic, invisible, and complex illnesses, Joey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to Verdade. His advocacy interests include mental health awareness, trauma-informed support, inclusion, recovery advocacy, and reducing stigma while helping create spaces where individuals and families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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As a Board Member, Joey helps advance Verdade's mission through leadership, community engagement, advocacy, and global relationship-building.