GFPD Fellowships
The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders has long championed research along with family programming and advocacy action in its history. Over the past 12 years, the GFPD has instituted a number of programs to build capacity in both science and practice, leading to comprehensive fellowship programs that impact our Warriors, families, scientific researchers and medical providers.
Warrior Camp Fellow Program
One of the largest fellowship programs at the GFPD is our Warrior Camp Fellow Program. This intensive training and practice program assembles a team of more than three dozen volunteer fellows to oversee four days of hands-on, experiential learning and activity for GFPD Warriors, their siblings and other children attending each conference. Fellows who wish to work with the GFPD apply to the program every two years.
Each fellow chosen for the program receives more than 30 hours of training through a multi-faceted orientation that includes Deaf-Blind simulation, techniques for engagement with individuals with multi-sensory impairments, and understanding of peroxisomal disorders.
As they learn alongside various experts, Fellows also gain hands on experience in the following:
- Multi-sensory loss
- Multiple disabilities
- Multi-system diseases
- Overall impact of a rare disease diagnosis on the family unit.
- Engage with families & experience different family dynamics
- Learn importance of inter-professional practice & teaming
- Build professional network and resources
The next application cycle will be prior to the 2024 Conference. Please contact Abby Pelster at Abby@thegfpd.org for more information about the Warrior Camp Fellow Program.
GFPD Early-Stage Investigators and Young Scientists
This program brings early-stage investigators and young scientists to the GFPD Family and Scientific Conferences, where they have the opportunity to share their research, participate in poster presentations, and learn more about peroxisomal disorders. They will also interact with individuals and families affected by peroxisomal disorders.
Please contact Melissa Bryce at Melissa@thegfpd.org with questions or for more information.
Community Engagement Exchange Partner
In 2022, the GFPD is hosting two fellows through a Community Engagement Exchange program at the Department of State. These international interns are focused on health and wellness and will be not only helping the GFPD with various programming but taking the learning from the four-month cultural exchange back to their home countries.
Please contact Melissa Bryce at Melissa@thegfpd.org with questions or for more information.





2022 GFPD Warrior Camp Fellows

Abbey Dyer, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Avae’ Muir, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Bailey Jones, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Bridget Slagle, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Charlotte Griffith, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Claire Kubicek, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Claire Streeter, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Eddio Benitez, Nursing, University of North Carolina
Elizabeth Lamb, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Elizabeth Wheeler, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Estrella Uribe, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Gabriela Myers, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Garrett Schliep, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Omaha
Holly Rockenbach, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Jadyn Cattau, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Jessica Leung, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Kaitlyn Hutchinson, Special Education, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Karissa Boesiger, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Kaylee Flynn, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Lizabeth Larsen, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Logan Bennett, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Madison Han, Pre-Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Maggie Keslar, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Nayeli Cruz Lopez, Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Nyah Thaemert, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Rachel Anderson, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Sarah Frett, Pre-Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Rylie Riepl, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Sarah Mahnesmith, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Butler University
Shelby Neiman, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Sheyla Fierro, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Sydney Hobza, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Sydney Huls, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Tatum Cool, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Victoria Bailey, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Hailey Koenig, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Nebraska – Lincoln