April 3, 2017

Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization (HDYO) has appointed Catherine Martin, to take on the role of Executive Director of the international non-profit with a mission of supporting young people impacted by Huntington’s Disease.

HDYO was launched in 2012 and has exponentially grown worldwide, through projects consisting of website platform of educational materials, testimonials, education videos and age specific content. HDYO also runs a range of front line support including youth camps, clinic sessions and one to one youth work.

Catherine (Cat) comes to HDYO with 18 years’ experience of working within the non-profit sector. Cat has mainly worked in the youth and community sector with a special interest in young people impacted by trauma and societal barriers. Cat’s varied career includes working at Scottish Huntington’s Disease Association as a Specialist Youth Advisor where she gained additional insight into the greater impact of HD on young people. Most recently Cat was the Quality Improvement Manager for Aberlour, Scotland’s Children’s Charity. She is also the Chairperson of Scottish Huntington’s Association and has been the vice-chair of HDYO since the board’s inception in 2012.

Along with a professional background in working with young people and families impacted by HD, Cat is also personally impacted by HD. Cat’s personal and professional experience of living and working with HD allows her to relate and empathize with the individuals and families that HDYO are reaching every day.

“This is an exciting time for HDYO as we truly could not meet all the demand for our services without hiring an Executive Director. The board unanimously agreed that Cat was the perfect candidate for this role based on her experience both professional and personal along with her passion to make a difference in the lives of young people. The board is incredibly excited to work with Cat with this new role as we see her ability to bring HDYO’s services to many more young people around the globe.” - B.J. Viau, Chairman

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact HDYO Board Chair, B.J. Viau at 952-270-5428 or email at BJ@HDYO.org or reach Cat directly, catherine@hdyo.org

HDYO is a dual non-profit in both the U.S.A and England.

Matt Ellison
Project Founder
HDYO