Our Dedicated Team Focused on Helping Brain Tumor Patients

Farnaz Arabshahi, a support group facilitator for the SBTF, has served on the Board of Directors since 2010. As a certified nurse practitioner, Ms. Arabshahi has extensive experience in the field of (brain) cancer and palliative care.

Having over 15 years of diverse medical experience, most notably in the field of Hematology/Oncology, she is affiliated with many hospitals in the local Atlanta area.

Andrew and his family are forever grateful for the work the Southeastern Brain Tumor Association does not only in research, but also to help guide families through a brain tumor diagnosis. Andrew was diagnosed with an Oligodendroglioma on Valentine’s Day, 2021.  After connecting with Brad Roberts, current SBTF Board Member, Andrew found an incredible set of doctors and hospitals to guide his treatment. He is passionate about supporting others as they navigate their own Brain Tumor journey.  Andrew and his wife, Kristina, have two young daughters, Ella Kate and Caroline.  Andrew is an Assistant Vice President with Cox Communications where he has worked since 2015.  Prior to joining Cox, Andrew led consulting engagements for Capgemini.  He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.  

Chris is Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine and sees patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital in metro Atlanta as well as John’s Creek Hospital just north of the city. Chris specializes in the treatment of malignant and benign brain tumors using modern surgical techniques and often non-invasive procedures such as Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. He and his family moved from Pittsburgh to the Atlanta metro area in 2017 with the hope of providing compassionate, high quality care to the residents of Georgia and the entire southeast. As a member of the SBTF Board of Directors Chris hopes to increase the awareness of all types of brain tumors, increase access to reliable high quality resources and support groups as well as advancing critical research efforts to help cure and eradicate brain cancer.

As the Director for Neuro-Oncology and a founding physician of the Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, Dr. Dunbar is front and center with brain tumors and brain cancer. She is never too busy to listen to a patient and never too busy to provide words of inspiration and comfort.

Her active involvement in clinical trials as well as numerous educational outreach and support services are exemplified by her tireless efforts to service organizations like the SBTF. Through her efforts, we have partnered with, and participated in, monthly brain tumor support group meetings at Piedmont Atlanta, as well as patient education programs organized through the ABTA. Dr. Dunbar’s passion for serving others is unequaled.

Nadir Haddadin is a member of the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Board of Directors. Nadir was diagnosed with an Oligodendroglioma in November of 2010 after experiencing a grand mal seizure while driving. After a successful surgery to remove the tumor, Nadir and his family became involved with the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation through the annual Race for Research. In August of 2022, he experienced his second seizure, indicating re-growth of Oligodendroglioma. He completed surgery at UPMC followed by 33 treatments of radiation and six months of chemo. As a two-time brain tumor survivor, Nadir is passionate about raising funds for tumor research, as well as assisting other families through a brain tumor diagnosis. 

Michelle Roback Kraynak is a brain tumor survivor and advocate. While a young twenty-something traveling abroad, she suffered a grand mal seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma in her front left temporal lobe. The surgery to remove the tumor was a success, and she has been a brain tumor advocate ever since.

She began volunteering with the SBTF in 2007 and served as the volunteer coordinator until she was elected to the board in 2011. Michelle has held various officer positions within the organization and also serves as its legal counsel, providing pro bono legal services. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and obtained her law degree from Emory University School of Law.

Lindsey Murray joined the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Board of Directors in 2020 and was elected as Secretary in 2021. She became an advocate in 2017 when her Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Inoperable GBM) and lost the battle after only 7 months. She initially became involved with SBTF in learning the role of primary caregiver and was beyond thankful for the life-changing support the foundation provides to both patients and caregivers. She is passionate about enabling SBTF corporate sponsorships to continue the foundation's vital support to those affected by a brain tumor. Lindsey holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Columbia University. She currently works in corporate venture consulting for startups designing early stage innovative concepts.

Peter Nicholas has been a member of the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2010 and was elected to the officer position of SBTF Vice President in December of 2016 and rose through the ranks. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with an aerospace engineering degree and became familiar with brain tumors in 2008 when his boss was diagnosed with, and subsequently passed away from, a GBM.

Peter was a member of the Board of Directors for only a year when he received his own brain tumor diagnosis in August of 2011. In addition to leading the SBTF’s Corporate Sponsorship Committee, Peter is also on the strategic advisory for the board of the McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation & Research in South Carolina. A huge sports fan, and one of the Foundations’ Top Fundraisers, Peter also has a great interest in the work of those associated with the Epilepsy Foundation.