Board of Directors

Colleen Zak, President is the Founder of the ARPKD/CHF Alliance.  Her oldest child was diagnosed prenatally with ARPKD and given no hope for survival.  She is a passionate advocate and works on behalf for all those affected by this disease.

Rosie Bernardo, Treasurer, has a daughter who was diagnosed at 6 months of age with ARPKD/CHF in 2000. Rosie has a diverse background in Human Resources with Nordstrom and spent 14 years as a professional PGA Tour Caddie.  Upon returning to the United States to northern California she managed her family’s Italian Restaurant for 13 years and currently works as a professional Newborn Photographer. Rosie has been a working board member of the ARPKD/CHF Alliance since 2004.

Gloria Dengler, has worked in the health care industry for many years as a Communications Specialist. Her young adult son was diagnosed with ARPKD at birth. He is doing well and has not had any major issues related to the disease. Gloria lives with her husband and son in New York.

Michelle Lindemann, lives in Iowa and is married to Mike, together they have 6 grown children from previous marriages and three granddaughters who are a real blessing in their lives!  Michelle’s youngest son Weston was diagnosed with isolated CHF at a 2 years of age during a well-child visit.  His liver and spleen were grossly enlarged; it took months of extensive testing before a liver biopsy confirmed his diagnosis.  He is now an adult.  Michelle runs a licensed home child care business.  She really wants to help advance the research the families dealing with ARPKD/CHF.