Executive Office
Jaclyn Pederson, MHI
Chief Executive Officer
With more than a decade of experience in program development, Jaclyn Pederson’s broad knowledge of programming in the public and social sectors includes program and strategic initiative design, fund development, special events, grant writing, and community engagement. A system thinker and positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership principles to develop energized and efficient workgroups that influence significant organizational and systemic change for all affected by pediatric feeding disorder –such as the development of the expanded PFD Alliance. Jaclyn also manages Feeding Matters’ strategic partnerships with numerous professional associations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
Staci Bern, JD
Chief Operations Officer
Staci Bern originally engaged with Feeding Matters serving as a board member after working through feeding difficulties with her own son. Through the years, Staci developed a passion for sharing her experiences to help others and connecting her contacts with Feeding Matters. With over 15 years leading teams through compliance, financial, operational and regulatory matters, Staci joined Feeding Matters as chief operations officer. As an official member of the team, Staci oversees compliance, engagements and contracts, policy and procedural controls, human resources, and organizational planning.
Kathy M. Thomas, CPA
Chief Finance Officer
With a passion for listening and helping others achieve their goals, Kathy M. Thomas joined Feeding Matters as chief operations and finance officer (COFO) after more than 25 years as a certified public accountant helping nonprofits and small businesses remain sustainable and fiscally responsible. As executive director for Cancer Support Community Arizona, Kathy put her skills to use – expanding the nonprofit’s services and successfully launching Program Latino. With Kathy at the helm, Cancer Support Community Arizona marked a 30% increase in program services and a 60% increase in the youth and family program in 2015. In her role with Feeding Matters, Kathy oversees compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, coordinates annual fiscal audits, ensures proper controls are established, and works in partnership with CEO Jaclyn Pederson to facilitate the annual budget and strategic plan.
Gabi Lake
Administrative Assistant
After spending many years as a special education teacher, Gabi combines her passion for neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed care with her skills of organization and communication, to support the overall operations of Feeding Matters. In her role of Administrative Assistant, Gabi supports the CEO as well as the other members of the Team and Staff, Board of Directors, and Councils to ensure effectiveness in accomplishing our mission and vision.