Our Leadership

Theresa “Tracy” Monaco Spitznagle, PT, DPT, MHS, WCS

Chair

Theresa “Tracy” Monaco Spitznagle, PT, DPT, MHS, WCS, is currently a Professor in the Program in Physical Therapy and Coordinator of the Post-doctoral Physical Therapy Residency in Women’s Health at Washington University in St. Louis. A graduate of Marquette University, Dr. Spitznagle next earned her Master’s Degree in Health Science and her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). In the inaugural class of board certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialists (WCS), she was recipient of the Section on Women’s Health Elizabeth Noble Award in 2011. She was also awarded the APTA Humanitarian award in 2018 and the Marquette University Alumni of the Year Award in 2019.

For the entry level doctoral program at WUSTL, Dr. Spitznagle teaches gender related health issues such as pregnancy, urinary incontinence, musculoskeletal pelvic pain, and osteoporosis. Her clinical practice also focuses on gender-related health, and she conducts research related to conditions associated with pelvic floor muscle impairments. Affiliations: Past Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, Member of American Physical Therapy Association and Section on Women’s Health (SOWH), Chair of SOWH Diagnosis Dialog Task Force Committee, Past Education Director of SOWH.

Christina Machaby Lee PT, DPT

Vice Chair — Clinical

Christina is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, currently practicing in pelvic health and orthopedics on beautiful Cape Cod, MA. Christina received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Boston University. Her clinical practice focuses on treating individuals of all genders with urinary, bowel and sexual health, pregnancy-related and postpartum concerns. She has contributed to project development and outreach related to obstetric fistula, including contributing to a training guide entitled “Implementing Physical Rehabilitation Services into Comprehensive Fistula and Maternity Care: A Training Guide for Health Workers” through Mama, LLC. She first became involved with the WFF as a member of the Burkina Faso Viability Committee and currently serves on the Programming Committee in addition to her role on the board.

Christina and her husband Steve served in the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso from 2012-2014, where she first developed her passion for global and women’s health. She previously served as the Nominating Committee Chair and is currently a member of the Social Media Committee for the Global Health Special Interest Group of the Academy of Leadership and Innovation of the American Physical Therapy Association. She regularly serves as a Teaching Assistant with the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and as a Clinical Instructor for physical therapy doctoral students looking to specialize in pelvic health rehabilitation.

Misti McDowell, MPA

Vice Chair

Misti McDowell, MPA, is a global health expert with over 20 years’ experience leading global health programs/projects on HIV, family planning, TB, health systems strengthening, gender and nutrition.  She currently works for the University of Washington as a Program Director where she over sees HIV programs in Africa, Caribbean and Asia.  Prior to working at I-TECH she was living and working oversees managing global health projects in Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Rwanda for 13 years.  Ms McDowell holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Seattle University and a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Nebraska.  Ms McDowell was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal and Kenya.

Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD, FACOG, FACS

Secretary

Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD, FACOG, FACS is The Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology & Geriatrics, past Division Director and current Research Director of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. She is Associate Director of Gynecologic Research for the Center for Research in Women’s Health (CRWH) and past President of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons and the American Urogynecologic Society. She is the past Medical and Quality Officer of the Ambulatory OB/GYN Clinics. She serves as an Editor for the International Urogynecology Journal and Section Editor for Current Geriatrics Report and past Editor of Obstetrics & Gynecology. In 2019, Dr. Richter received the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Distinguished Surgeon Award.

She was the Principal Investigator of the NIDDK-sponsored Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network and the NICHD-sponsored Pelvic Floor Disorders Network since its inception in 2001. She oversees other NIH (R01, R03) and industry sponsored research. She was also the recipient of a 10 year mid-career award (K24, NIDDK) in patient oriented pelvic floor research and mentors many young investigators. More recently she is the PI of 2 PCORI grants awarded to the division and has a Sparkman Global Health Center grant exploring outcomes in vesicovaginal fistula and reintegration outcomes in women undergoing surgery in a country county hospital versus dedicated fistula center in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso. She has 385 publications, many in top journals such as JAMA and NEJM. Dr. Richter is the ACOG representative to the Section for Enhancing Geriatric Understanding and Expertise among Surgical and Medical Specialists (SEGUE) council of the American Geriatrics Society/Hartford Foundation.

Prior to medical school, Dr Richter and her husband lived in Niger. It has always held a place in her heart. After becoming faculty at UAB she started to go to Africa to surgically help women injured in childbirth. She has been to Zambia, Ghana, Liberia, Uganda, Sudan and for the past few years has worked in Danja, Niger. She has a strong interest in treating vesicovaginal fistulas and has visited Africa regularly for nearly 20 years.

Kim C. Speegle, CFA

Treasurer

Kim Speegle brings a unique blend of financial expertise and nonprofit leadership to our board. With a career that spans investment management and community-focused service, she offers a well-rounded perspective to our leadership team. Kim lives in Bedford Hills, NY.

Kim currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board at Bedford Playhouse, a nonprofit arts cinema. During her tenure as Treasurer, she oversaw all financial operations and played a key role in a $6.5 million renovation that revitalized the venue. In 2020, she stepped in as Interim Executive Director during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, securing critical funding and guiding the organization through an unprecedented time.

Her professional background includes managing multimillion-dollar investment portfolios, major corporate accounts, and commercial lending. Kim holds an MBA from NYU and a BA in Economics from Georgetown University, with additional studies at the London School of Economics. Kim’s thoughtful leadership and financial acumen make her a valued voice on our board.

Amechi J. Akosa, MSW, EdS, EdD

Dr. Amechi Akosa brings a vital perspective to our board as a seasoned social worker with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, education, and mental health. In 2018, Dr. Akosa volunteered with the CDC as a Pediatric HIV and AIDS counselor in Kibera, Kenya.

He is a founding member of the Long COVID Research Team at Grady and Emory hospitals in Atlanta, where he also currently serves as a clinical social worker. His work has improved patient engagement and emotional well-being through innovative support programs and strategic partnerships. His career spans roles in hospitals, schools, and public service agencies, where he has provided thousands of hours of direct counseling and case management to individuals and families.

Dr. Akosa holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership, a Master of Social Work, and multiple certifications in trauma-informed care and family support. Whether he’s building programs for underserved communities or volunteering his time to mentor youth, Amechi leads with compassion, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to equity. He lives in Seattle where he can enjoy many outdoor hobbies, including hiking, road biking, marathon running, and tennis. He is an accomplished world traveler who has been to over 70 countries.

Kathleen Davis, MD

Kathleen Davis, MD has seen firsthand that once obstetric fistula patients are treated, they become advocates who educate their own communities in support of safe childbirth.

Kathleen is a retired internal medicine physician with more than 30 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health, health education and program evaluation. In addition to U.S. hospitals, she has taught medicine as guest faculty at hospitals in Uganda, Cambodia, Bhutan, and Laos. She has also provided medical care in mobile clinics in refugee camps in Northern Uganda.

Kathleen has studied international development at Seattle University and has diplomas in International Program Monitoring and Evaluation from Carleton University, Canada and the World Bank and in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Melissa Fleming

Melissa Fleming joined the WFF Board in May of 2016. A lifelong Westchester, New York resident, Melissa, her husband Gregory, and their three children live in Bedford, New York. She attended the Millbrook School and Colgate University. Melissa became involved with WFF upon meeting its founder, Dr. Lewis Wall, in 2008 and learning of his desire to build Danja Fistula Center. Melissa was moved by Dr. Wall’s description of young women and girls suffering from devastating injuries suffered in childbirth and wanted to support Dr. Wall’s efforts to help transform these women’s lives into those of hope and dignity. Melissa and Greg’s advocacy and support were instrumental in raising the capital funds necessary to build Danja Fistula Center in Niger, which opened in 2012. Melissa serves on the Board of Directors of the Bedford Playhouse, an art cinema and cultural center. She is a Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, which supports the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines through strategic philanthropy, focused on education, healthcare, and emergency disaster relief. Melissa is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Bedford Historical Society.

Phillip W. McCreary, PharmD, MBA, MACS

Phillip W. McCreary, PharmD, MBA, MACS, is currently the Medication Access Program Director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, TN.  In this role, Dr. McCreary leverages all available resources to help indigent, uninsured, and underinsured patients gain access to needed medications. He is also a preceptor of PharmD students for Belmont University, Lipscomb University, University of Mississippi, Union University, and University of Tennessee. After earning his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, he then earned his Master of Business Administration from Campbellsville University and later his Master of Arts in Christian Studies from the University of the Cumberlands.

He started his pharmacy career as the Director of Pharmacy at a rural hospital in Central Kentucky for several years before moving to West Africa to work with SIM in various pharmacy and educational roles, where he still works from time to time. He continues to serve on the Health Ministries Team (HMT) with SIM. His passion for the underserved community has helped shape his career.

Joyce McIntyre

Joyce McIntyre is a happily retired nurse, living in sunny Pasco, WA with her husband Wes on a one acre mini orchard, vineyard, and produce farm. The harvests allows her to flourish in her joys of cooking, preserving and sharing meals with friends. When she is not digging in the dirt or pulling weeds Joyce enjoys quilting, repurposing garments, hiking and enjoying her grand-daughter.

Joyce’s career interests started quite young. At ten years old she accompanied her registered nurse mother to an emergency call out one evening to a small South Carolina hospital. She watched as her mom assist an emergency appendectomy. She was hooked on the operating room theatre! Her nursing career has included a variety of roles in the OR at health care centres both large and small throughout the United States.In 2001, she left the O.R. to attend Emory University’s Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN) program. She has had the privilege of applying this knowledge with care for people who have very specific and often overlooked needs. As a fairly new retiree, she excited that she will have the opportunity to continue to use her unique knowledge, skill set and passions to contribute to the work of the Worldwide Fistula Fund.

Liz Crawford

Executive Director

Liz Crawford is the Executive Director of Worldwide Fistula Fund. Serving as the Executive Director of many non-profits, she has overseen the strategic planning, membership, revenue generation, marketing and brand recognition while fostering key stakeholder relationships across the international marketplace. Previously, as Group VP at Naylor, she focused on revenue generation and event services for nonprofit associations, enhancing brand awareness and operational success. She held executive positions in industries serving appraising, branding and licensing, technology, marketing, construction among others, and was involved with strategic development and brand strategies as well as marketing, public relations and planning.