The Aging with CF Special Interest Group (SIG) is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with CF and empowering them to live their best lives, with a special attention to those who are facing challenges.
Our Mission
To empower and advocate for individuals with cystic fibrosis throughout every stage of life, with particular attention to the experiences of older adults. We are committed to ensuring that people with CF can thrive, maintain dignity, and feel supported as they age.
Our Purpose
The Aging with CF Special Interest Group at Halite Solutions Group is a focused initiative addressing the unique challenges and evolving needs of aging individuals in the CF community. Through targeted resources, support systems, and advocacy, the group aims to enhance the quality of life for adults with CF.
Key Areas of Focus
Advocacy and Awareness
Collaboration
Community Engagement
Community Research and Innovation
Educational Programs
Tailored Resources
​
By fostering connection, promoting education, and advancing innovation, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community for people with CF as they grow older.
Interested in Making a Difference
Join us in supporting the aging CF community—apply to volunteer with our group today!
Meet the Aging with CF Special Interest Group (SIG)
Karen W. Currie, Ph.D.
Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Logistics and Futures Studies | Volunteer | Advocate
San Antonio, TX
Karen Currie is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with over 28 years of active duty and 33 years of total federal service. A logistics expert and strategic thinker, she holds a Ph.D. in Business Analysis from Texas A&M University. Now retired, Karen channels her energy into extensive volunteer work, both nationally and locally. She supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a Peer Connect Mentor and BreatheCon Committee Member and contributes to Halite Solutions Group’s Aging with CF Special Interest Group. Locally, Karen previously supported DaisyCares (a nonprofit supporting pet welfare), chaired her HOA Communication Committee for three years and served on her church's Finance Committee. Currently, she is an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (Alamo Chapter), the Military Women’s Memorial, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (Green Mountain Boys Chapter).
Aging with CF Focus
Diagnosed with CF at age 57, Karen focuses on helping CF patients navigate the transition to assisted living. She is currently developing a resource template to support those moving from independent living due to health changes.
Fun Facts
Karen has been an avid Star Trek fan since its original broadcast in 1966. Her passion for the franchise is reflected in her large memorabilia collection and regular attendance at the annual Star Trek convention in Las Vegas—six times since 2014!
Katie Lott, REHS
Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Volunteer | Advocate | Public Health Leader
Tacoma, WA
Katie has over 25 years of experience in health, with the last 18 years focused on environmental public health. She works to improve health equity by tackling social, economic, and environmental factors affecting well-being. Her work emphasizes advocacy and community engagement, empowering those most impacted to take part in creating solutions.
​
Aging with CF Focus
Although Katie does not have CF, she understands its impact on individuals and families. She believes that equitable access to care, resources, and healthy environments is essential, especially for those living with rare and chronic conditions. She is committed to advancing health equity by recognizing and addressing the environmental factors that influence well-being.
​
Fun Facts
Katie is a mom of two, an avid outdoor enthusiast, and a photography lover who enjoys capturing the world through her lens.
David Redmond
President, Spang
Executive & Growth Oriented Leader | Board Member
Scottsdale, AZ
David has a degree in engineering and over 20 years of experience in global operations and engineering. Along with his role as Vice President, Halite Solutions Group, David is also President, Magnetics Division for Spang & Company. He has also held engineering leadership positions at FireTrace International, Rain Bird and Parker Hannifin. He is energized by finding solutions to complex problems and enabling others to succeed.
​
Aging with CF Theme
While David does not have CF, he is deeply committed to raising awareness that CF is not just a childhood disease. His focus is on supporting older adults with CF by helping them access the resources, tools, and support needed to improve quality of life as they age.
​​
Fun Facts
David once ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain — a testament to his adventurous spirit. He also enjoys exploring the Arizona desert alongside his wife, uncovering its rugged beauty and hidden geological wonders together.
Kristina Robinson
President, Halite Solutions Group (HSG)
Community Connector | Innovative Collaborator | Partnership Builder | Patient Advocate
Scottsdale, AZ
Kristina Robinson is the founder and president of Halite Solutions Group(HSG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with CF through education, advocacy, and community collaboration. Drawing on her experience in nonprofit health systems and community health, Kristina brings deep expertise in chronic disease education, health equity, and systems innovation to her leadership. Today, she applies this experience to guide HSG’s strategic direction—building infrastructure, securing resources, and designing impactful programs that respond to the evolving needs of the aging CF community.
Aging with CF Focus
Diagnosed with CF at the age of 40, Kristina is committed to raising awareness about the unique challenges encountered by older adults living with the disease. Her efforts focus on establishing collaborative partnerships, facilitating community engagement, driving educational initiatives, supporting research and innovation, and creating practical resources to enhance quality of life as individuals with CF age.
Fun Facts
Kristina’s adventurous spirit inspires her and her husband’s unique collection of rocks and minerals, including a meteorite and gems they’ve mined themselves. She enjoys stargazing, relaxing on the beach, and learning photography tips from her adult son.
Victor L. Roggli, MD
Professor of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center
Researcher | Educator | Advocate for Aging with CF
Durham, NC
Dr. Victor L. Roggli has dedicated his career to pathology and his voice to the CF community. Diagnosed with CF in 1963, he defied early life expectancy projections. He earned his MD from Baylor College of Medicine and has worked at Duke University Medical Center and the Durham VA since 1980. His academic contributions include over 250 peer-reviewed articles, 40 book chapters, and 7 books.
Aging with CF Focus
Dr. Roggli champions awareness that CF is no longer a childhood disease. He advocates for healthcare provider education and community support for aging CF patients navigating both chronic illness and aging.
Fun Facts
A passionate karaoke singer, Dr. Roggli owns a full home setup and has recorded over 300 tracks. His winning performances include “Dream On” by Aerosmith and “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin.
Denise Thayne, M.Ed.
Denise Thayne, M.Ed.
Educator | Standardized Patient | Advocate | Lifelong Learner
Whitsett, NC
Denise is a passionate educator and advocate with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Today, she contributes to the education of future healthcare professionals as a Standardized Patient, portraying diverse medical scenarios to help students develop clinical skills, empathy, and effective communication. Her role includes simulating realistic patient experiences, offering constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Denise brings this same dedication to her advocacy in the CF community, using her lived experience and teaching background to create meaningful impact.
Aging with CF Focus
Living with CF herself, Denise is committed to research, content development, and building tailored support systems for older adults navigating life with cystic fibrosis.
Fun Facts
Though a self-described sci-fi-loving introvert, Denise thrives in community. She’s played percussion in marching, concert, worship, and community bands—reminding her that some of life’s most meaningful achievements come from working together toward a shared goal.
Laura Tillman
School Psychologist (Retired)
Volunteer | Advocate | Research Contributor
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Diagnosed with CF at age 47, Laura Tillman became a medical trailblazer as the first identified case of her CF mutation. She transitioned from a career in school psychology to CF advocacy, serving as President of USACFA and contributing to CF Roundtable. She remains active through the Michigan Medicine CF Clinic Advisory Board and CFF Mental Health Advisory Committee.
Aging with CF Focus
Laura is deeply involved in research and mental health advocacy. Her goal is to empower patients and improve care models that support emotional and physical well-being in later life.
Fun Facts
Laura is an avid traveler who collects Christmas ornaments from each of her destinations. Her collection includes mementos from over 60 countries and the United States.
Willem Wery
Retired Technology & Strategy Executive
Advocate | Collaborator | CF Community Leader
Portland, OR
Willem Wery brings over three decades of experience in technology, having held leadership roles at IBM and Intel in engineering, marketing, global standards development, and global strategic planning. Now retired, he channels his professional strengths into volunteer efforts within the CF community. He actively contributes to the OHSU Adult CF Center as a Patient-Partner, supports fundraising as part of the CFF Wery Warriors Team, and participates in adult and transplant support groups with CFRI. His lived experience and dedication make him a valued voice in community engagement and patient advocacy.
​
Aging with CF Focus
Diagnosed with CF at age 8, he underwent a double lung transplant at age 59 and continues to be a powerful voice for older adults with CF. Willem leads efforts to align CF patients, providers, and organizations around the evolving needs of aging adults. His advocacy emphasizes cross-institutional collaboration and policy influence.
Fun Facts
Willem, a first-generation Dutch-American, grew up speaking Dutch. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved living on a lake, enjoys snow and water skiing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. Among his many passions, his favorite role is being “Opa” to his four beloved grandchildren.