Members

Our Board and Staff

Stephanie Bryan Kangas

Co-Founder

Stephanie Bryan Kangas is a nonprofit strategist and accessibility advocate with nearly two decades of experience across the arts, education, and healthcare sectors. Living with multiple sclerosis for more than half her life, she brings both professional expertise and lived insight to her mission of expanding equitable access to public spaces and community programs.

She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) from Benedictine University in 2017, specializing in strategic planning and nonprofit development for organizations supporting equitable access for people with chronic health conditions, mobility challenges, and our aging population.

Guided by the belief that just because you don’t see disabled people doesn’t mean there aren’t any — it means they couldn’t get there, Stephanie is committed to changing that reality by helping institutions remove obstacles, understand lived experience, and build spaces where everyone is welcomed, expected, and able to participate.

Elizabeth Bryan Bragg

Co-Founder

Elizabeth Bryan Bragg is a co-founder of Within Walking Distance, where she leverages her extensive background in health and wellness to promote inclusivity and accessibility. A former Licensed Massage Therapist, she graduated from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, specializing in rehabilitation for clients recovering from surgeries and injuries, as well as those managing chronic illnesses and neuromuscular conditions.

Before her career in massage therapy, Elizabeth made significant contributions in the nonprofit sector, working in fundraising and development for notable organizations in New York City, including Columbia Business School at Columbia University, the American Museum of Natural History, and The China Institute.

Elizabeth holds a BA in English from Loyola University Chicago, an MA in Medieval Literature from the University of Virginia, and a post-graduate certificate in Museum Studies from New York University.

Residing in New Orleans, Elizabeth is actively engaged in the local arts community and currently serves on the board of Le Petit Theatre, where she continues to support cultural initiatives and the vibrant creative landscape of her city.

Bella Kirk

Marketing & Communications

Bella Kirk serves as the Director of Communications and Media where she helps bring the organization’s mission to life through digital engagement and social media.

After earning her degree in Business from DePaul University, Bella worked in social media for a cyber security company and later a B2B marketing agency. Alongside her professional work, she’s also a yoga sculpt instructor and does freelance social media work.

Becca Fox

Board Member

Becca Selvidge Fox, brings her expertise as a Certified Divorce Coach and a graduate of both Tulane University and Tulane Law School. She has been actively involved with numerous nonprofits over the years, including the Kohlmeyer Circle and Learn to Live, contributing her insight and commitment to community impact.

Becca also brings a personal understanding of accessibility and mobility challenges through her experiences traveling with a loved one who has mobility issues, informing her advocacy and perspective in her board work.

Sasha Gerritson

Board Member

Bio

Deanie Griffin

Board Member

Deanie Griffin is the Publisher of the Health Care & Life Sciences SmartBrief publications. For over 12 years, Deanie has overseen 50 publications in Health Care, providing a deep insight into this arena. A graduate of Tulane University, Deanie is proud to call New Orleans home once again.

Dr. Jessica Shank

Board Member

Dr. Jessica Shank is the Medical Director, Tulane Cancer Center; Vice Chair of LCMC Oncology Service Line; Maxwell E. Lapham Endowed Chair of Gynecologic Oncology; and Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Shank is a native of Louisiana and received her undergraduate degree in Art and Biology at Tulane University and her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine. Prior to starting medical school Dr. Shank was awarded the Navy Health Professions Scholarship and was commissioned a Naval Officer. After medical school, Dr. Shank completed Internship and Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Naval Medical Center San Diego followed by a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Michigan. After completing fellowship, Dr. Shank served as a Gynecologic Oncologist at Naval Medical Center San Diego for 5 years and was the Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology. Upon retiring from the United States Navy in 2018, Dr. Shank returned home to Tulane as a Gynecologic Oncologist.

Dr. Shank is proud to serve as a board member for Walking Distance as she believes accessibility is important for all people to fully take part in all aspects of life’s experiences.

Jennifer Smith

Board Member

Bio

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