President: Ellie Bennett
Ellie is the founder and president of Cecilia’s Advice since its inception in 2019. When her daughter, Cecilia, was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome in 2017, she turned her attention to advocacy and philanthropy.
Ellie holds a BS in Fashion Marketing and Management, a BS in Nursing, a MS in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a MS in Nursing Education. After her years of nursing and transitioning to a new city, she went back to her roots of her first degree and established the interior design company, Interiors by Elle. After 5 years of creativity and serving clients, she transitioned to a network marketing position with Monat. With that position, she has been able to serve others, work from home, focus on family, attend to the complex needs of Cecilia, and build the non-profit Cecilia’s Advice.
She is passionate about the need to create partnerships with physicians to further research for this rare syndrome. Therefore, all proceeds from Cecilia’s Advice benefit the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, which funds family support, research, and patient engagement efforts internationally.
Ellie and her husband live in Carmel, Indiana with their 4 children. She enjoys fostering relationships, connecting people, exploring the world, wine, culinary (eating it, not making it), and learning something new every day whether that be in her faith, business, or personal growth.
Vice President: Jared Stinehagen
Jared and his wife and three children live in St. Louis, MO where they are active in their church and spend many evenings and weekends at various events for their children. Jared has extensive corporate leadership experience and currently serves as the Director of Asset Management for a private equity management group based in St. Louis. A native of Colorado, Jared spends as much time as he can in the great outdoors and he and Katie enjoy traveling together whenever and wherever they can.
Jared and Katie are exceedingly proud of their niece Cecilia, every family impacted by Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and the work done by all to elevate awareness and support for those navigating the challenges of special-needs children and their families.
Secretary: Gwen Kuhns
Gwen Kuhns is the Vice President of HRIS and Payroll at KAR Global. She has over 20 years of experience in progressive leadership positions driving global HR technology and strategies. She enjoys developing people and building strong partnerships. She holds a BS degree in Accounting. Prior to KAR, Gwen worked at Allegion for 5 years and Roche Diagnostics for 10 years. She was able to travel extensively supporting both companies including an expat assignment in Switzerland.
Gwen is a military wife and mother of three teenagers which all keep her very busy. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Treasurer: Jeff Huitsing
Jeff and his wife, Jill, have three children and live in Carmel, IN. They are active in their church, schools and community and enjoy traveling as a family all around the country. Jeff has coached his son’s travel soccer team for several years and enjoys the chance to have a positive impact on a great group of young men. Jeff has spent over 20 years in the financial services industry, the past 17 at Ronald Blue Trust where he is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor. He holds a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation and has a BS degree in Business Systems from Taylor University. In his spare time, he enjoy skiing, running, watching sports and connecting with family and friends.