In January 2014, Karla accepted the position of executive director. Since then she has made a huge impact on the organization. Karla first learned about RLS in her dual roles as a mother and registered nurse when her daughter, then 11 1/2 years old, began to experience symptoms that doctors could not explain. Karla crossed the country looking for answers before finally finding a knowledgeable doctor, and shortly after, the RLS Foundation. Eager for answers, Karla joined the Foundation's Board of Directors in 2004 and served through 2009. As a board member, she encouraged pediatric RLS research, along with programs to increase awareness and education of RLS in the medical and school communities. Karla believes that much work has yet to be done in disseminating information about RLS to the public and the medical community, and that much more research into its cause and treatment is needed. Karla drives the mission of the Foundation with her leadership, and she is passionate about promoting research for better treatments and a cure.

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Adrianna joined our team after living in Austin only three weeks! When we asked what brought her to Austin, we knew right away we wanted this adventurous woman on our team! She explained that she drove across the country by herself, starting in New Jersey and ending in California, and stopping along the way to decide where she would like to lay down roots. We are so lucky that she chose Austin! Adrianna graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University with a political science degree and a minor in history. She has years of customer service experience, including a “sweet job” managing a team at an ice cream and chocolate shop! She loves to bake, read (huge Harry Potter fan) and listen to true crime podcasts.

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Missy is a longtime Austinite and former educator who joined the RLS Foundation team as an administrative assistant. She taught elementary school for many years and was hoping for a second career where she could make a difference. She has found that with the foundation! Her passion lies in helping people and seeing someone overcome a challenge and achieve a goal. She is excited and optimistic about the progress being made in the research and treatment for RLS patients and their families. Missy feels fortunate to be a part of a team who share their expertise and work together!

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Kaleigh joins the team as the Program Coordinator. While she grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has called Austin home for three years now and is excited to step into this new role. She graduated from Colorado State University with a dual focus on Integrative Visual Studies and Information Technology and is passionate about exploring creative avenues for patient advocacy and expression – specifically in the sleep space. In her free time, you can find her working with animals, tasting espresso at local coffee shops, strolling around a museum, or binge-watching Seinfeld.

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