Meet Our
Board of Directors
Lindsay Spurgeon Founder & CEO
“It all begins with a story. From our experiences we form ideas. When we experience something tremendous and it stays with us, we will carry it with us always. In my case, it was a patient. I can’t tell my patient’s story, but I can share my idea inspired by this little newborn with the rest of the world. There have been many times in my career I have responded to neonatal emergencies where EMS didn’t have the training, the equipment, or both. One of those times, the paramedic told me “we did our best”, and it was true, they did. It broke my heart. No medical professional should be left without tools and training. No patient should be so little they don’t receive proper care. That is why I created NeoHERO™. Whatever your story is, or whatever your idea is, what you do with it can make all the difference.”
Lindsay is a Board-Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Board-Certified Neonatal-Pediatric Transport provider, a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse with Board Certification of Emergency Nursing, and a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.
DeAnna Danley Educator & NRP
“I am honored to be a part of the NeoHERO Foundation™, especially as a former paramedic myself. I have always felt there is a need for specific education related to this special population. As a former NICU mom, NICU nurse, and current NRP instructor, I am excited to ensure today’s EMS providers have the specialized training to care for any newborn baby.”
Darren Hazeltine Strategic Business & Technology
Darren serves as an Enterprise Account Executive at Blackbaud in assisting nonprofit organizations with implementing software solutions to enhance their financial management, expand fundraising networks through CRM databases, peer-to-peer fundraising, website hosting, and optimize donor cultivation and communication strategies. His work at Blackbaud, a leader at the intersection of technology and social good, aligns perfectly with our mission and strategic goals.
Ellen Lebold Board Member
“Accepting a chair position on this foundation was a no-brainer for me. The idea behind NeoHERO™ involves a passion behind the mission, and I wanted to be all on-board. With my small business background, I knew I wanted to be involved with getting the word about this new foundation out in the world. I truly believe NeoHERO™ will be life-saving and I can’t wait to see where our teamwork and education takes this!”
Dr. A. Merchak, MD Medical Liaison
“Neonatal emergencies such as premature birth in the field are high risk and low frequency events. Research has shown that first responders are ill prepared to handle neonatal emergencies. All efforts that support first responders in dealing with those emergencies are supporting the babies, their families, and their communities. That is exactly what NeoHERO™ aims to do. As a neonatologist whose life has been dedicated to such a cause I see creating, supporting, and being part of NeoHERO's™ mission as a must.”
Dr. A. Merchak, MD is the Medical Director of Neonatal Services at Trident Health System. He is Board-Certified in both Pediatrics and Neonatal Medicine, with over 25 years of experience.