TEAM
Samantha Isaacson
Mother, Co-Founder
Samantha co-founded the Isaacson Family Foundation when her daughter Hannah was just two years old, a year after Hannah was diagnosed with Glut1 Deficiency. Before becoming a full-time caregiver to her four children, Samantha worked in corporate wellness, where she developed a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles. Since Hannah's diagnosis in November 2022, she has dedicated herself to advocating for rare disease awareness and securing funding for research that will expedite treatments for all patients affected by Glut1 Deficiency. Hannah has been following a medical ketogenic diet to manage her condition, highlighting the family's commitment to finding effective solutions and improving the quality of life for those with rare diseases.
Andrew Isaacson
Father, Co-Founder
Andrew co-founded the Isaacson Family Foundation with his wife, Samantha, shortly after their daughter Hannah was diagnosed with Glut1 Deficiency. He plays a crucial role in monitoring new and evolving treatments globally that may benefit Glut1 patients, maintaining regular communication with researchers involved in active projects. Andrew earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University in 2012 and is a licensed attorney in both Massachusetts and New York. Currently, he works as an investment banker, serving as a Senior Vice President at Jefferies. He leverages his expertise to support the foundation's mission and advance research efforts for rare diseases.
Michael Kaplitt, MD, PhD
Head Scientific Medical Advisor
Executive Vice Chair, Neurological Surgery
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Director, Movement Disorders and Pain
Dr. Kaplitt combines surgical expertise with advanced training in state-of-the-art stereotactic techniques to provide patients with effective, minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. He also uses these methods to provide novel treatments for psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as for experimental treatment of major depression and drug addiction, and is using both. In addition, he is an expert in the use of implanted devices for the treatment of medication-resistant complex pain, spasticity, and adult hydrocephalus.
Dr. Kaplitt is also an expert in various surgical therapies for trigeminal neuralgia as well as novel therapies for more complex craniofacial pain. He is recognized for his contributions by leading medical and patient associations, and has repeatedly been named to Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors and New York Metro Top Doctors and regularly appears on the list of New York SuperDoctors. Castle Connolly Top DoctorHe is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, the society for physicians who specialize in this type of surgery. He is on the editorial board of several scientific and medical journals, including the journal Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, the primary international journal in this area, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, the oldest and most important journal in the field of neurological surgery.
Ricara Zahner
Parent and Board Member
The Isaacson Family Foundation is proud to welcome Ricara Zahner to our Board of Directors.
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Ricara's journey into the Glut1 Deficiency community began when her son, Weston, was diagnosed with Glut1 Deficiency just one year ago. Like so many parents facing a rare disease diagnosis, Ricara quickly channeled her love and determination into learning, advocating, and fighting for a better future for her child and others affected by Glut1.
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Through a social media support group, Ricara connected with Foundation founder Samantha Isaacson. What started as an online conversation quickly revealed an incredible coincidence - they lived near one another. The two immediately found comfort, understanding, and strength in their shared experiences as mothers navigating the challenges of raising children with Glut1 Deficiency.
Since then, their friendship has grown into a powerful partnership fueled by a common mission: to accelerate research, advance treatments, and ultimately find a cure for their children and the entire Glut1 community. Together, they bring passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As anyone who knows them can attest, they are an absolute force when working together.
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We are honored to have Ricara join the Board and look forward to the impact her voice, perspective, and dedication will bring to the Foundation's mission.
Chris Zahner
Parent and Board Member
We are honored to welcome Chris Zahner to the Isaacson Family Foundation Board of Directors.
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Chris is the proud father of three boys, including his son, Weston, a fellow GLUT1 warrior. His family's journey with GLUT1 brought them to the Isaacson Family Foundation's Annual Benefit one year ago, where Chris and his wife first experienced our mission firsthand.
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That evening marked the first time Chris met our founder, Andrew Isaacson. As they shared the stories of their children and the challenges their families have faced, an immediate bond was formed - one rooted in hope, resilience, and a shared determination to create a better future for every individual living with GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome.
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Chris brings not only an unwavering passion for advancing our mission, but also extensive executive leadership experience that will help guide the Foundation as we continue to grow our impact. We are incredibly grateful to have his voice, perspective, and expertise on our Board.
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Welcome, Chris—we're so grateful to have you with us.
Jonah Isaacson
Chief Idea Office, Brother of Hannah
Sixth Grader, Multi-Sport Athlete, Dedicated Brother
Jonah is an 11 year old, sixth grader who is an avid athlete and has a love for creativity and making a difference. Becoming the first Chief Idea Officer for the Isaacson Family Foundation is such a huge accomplishment at just 11 years old. His enthusiasm for inventing and coming up with fun, engaging ways to raise awareness for Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome is truly inspiring.
Jonah's innovative approach will bring fresh, exciting energy to the foundation's events and campaigns. The team is thrilled to work with someone who not only has so many ideas but is so passionate about making a meaningful impact.