Welcome to Our New Board Members: Meg Didier, Tim Johnson, and Nilima Mehta

Global ARCH / Welcome to Our New Board Members: Meg Didier, Tim Johnson, and Nilima Mehta

Welcome to Our New Board Members: Meg Didier, Tim Johnson, and Nilima Mehta

We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to the Global ARCH Board of Directors: Meg Didier, Tim Johnson, and Nilima Mehta. Each brings unique expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing care and support for individuals impacted by childhood-onset heart disease, including congenital and rheumatic heart disease (CHD and RHD), worldwide.

Meet Our New Board Members

Meg Didier

As a CHD patient herself, Meg Didier brings a deeply personal perspective to her advocacy work. Her lived experience has fueled her passion for amplifying patient voices and driving equitable healthcare access. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Meg is a perfect fit for Global ARCH’s mission to empower patient organizations worldwide. 

Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson is a seasoned professional in global health policy and strategy. With more than 10 years’ experience working at the nexus of research, policy and advocacy, Tim has collaborated with international organizations, governments, and patient advocacy groups to improve access to care. His expertise in navigating complex global health landscapes will be invaluable as Global ARCH continues to push for sustainable change and advocate for childhood-onset heart diseases to be recognized on global health agendas.

Nilima Mehta

Nilima Mehta is a healthcare advocate and public health expert with a focus on health equity and access in low- and middle-income countries. She has dedicated her career to amplifying patient voices and driving innovations in healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations. Nilima’s unique perspective gives her a powerful voice in our efforts to bridge the gaps in care and support.

Why Their Leadership Matters

At Global ARCH, we believe that a diverse and dynamic board is critical to driving our mission forward. Meg, Tim, and Nilima embody the values of collaboration, advocacy, and innovation that are at the heart of our work. Their unique experiences and perspectives will strengthen our ability to unite patient and family organizations, promote equity in healthcare access, and ensure that the voices of those living with childhood-onset heart disease are heard.

Looking Ahead

As we welcome Meg, Tim, and Nilima to the Global ARCH family, we are energized by the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to empower our global network of patient and family organizations, advocate for better policies, and improve the lives of millions impacted by childhood-onset heart diseases.

Please join us in welcoming Meg, Tim, and Nilima to the Global ARCH Board of Directors. We look forward to working together to create a healthier and more equitable future for everyone impacted by childhood-onset heart disease. Click here to meet our full Board of Directors.

Kate Doherty-Schmeck

Amy Verstappen, President

Amy Verstappen has been a patient advocate and health educator since 1996, when her own challenges living with a complex heart defect led her to the Adult Congenital Heart Association, where she served as president from 2001 to 2013. She has served as an advisor to the Centers for Disease Control the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the International Society for Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease, and worked with congenital heart patient and professional groups throughout the USA and the world.  Ms. Verstappen received a Masters in Education in 1990 and a Masters in Global Health in 2019.