Mike Knaapen
Director, Public Policy and Alliance Development at National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)- Claim this Profile
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Bio
C. Grace Juneau Whiting
Michael is an innovative, professional, and charismatic leader in the patient advocacy space. We've had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects at NAC related to patient- and caregiver- engagement. Michael is never afraid to speak up on behalf of the people he represents. In working groups with executives across healthcare industries, he has offered some incredible ideas around how to better engage caregivers in drug and device development, collect caregiver input, and better communicate the needs of caregivers to the rare disease community. He's an incredible colleague who takes his charge seriously to improve the lives of people living with medical complexity and chronic health needs.
Rebecca Aune, MPA
In addition to seeing him develop a network of support groups across the country led by empowered volunteers, I’ve had the pleasure of working cross-departmentally with Mike to create educational programs and resources that fill unmet needs and educate patients and families living with serious, chronic illness. Mike’s commitment to meeting gaps in service, to continuous improvement of programs, and to the community we serve show his dedication to the mission, willingness to lead, and tireless work ethic. Mike and I have had many conversations about growing and learning as professionals, what we have read, learned and experienced, and leadership models we’ve seen elsewhere, etc. These conversations have shown me that he is always working on his own professional development. Mike’s enthusiasm for our work and for the patient and caregiver community are evident every day. He is compassionate and helpful to his coworkers, his sense of humor is refreshing, and it is a privilege to work alongside him.
C. Grace Juneau Whiting
Michael is an innovative, professional, and charismatic leader in the patient advocacy space. We've had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects at NAC related to patient- and caregiver- engagement. Michael is never afraid to speak up on behalf of the people he represents. In working groups with executives across healthcare industries, he has offered some incredible ideas around how to better engage caregivers in drug and device development, collect caregiver input, and better communicate the needs of caregivers to the rare disease community. He's an incredible colleague who takes his charge seriously to improve the lives of people living with medical complexity and chronic health needs.
Rebecca Aune, MPA
In addition to seeing him develop a network of support groups across the country led by empowered volunteers, I’ve had the pleasure of working cross-departmentally with Mike to create educational programs and resources that fill unmet needs and educate patients and families living with serious, chronic illness. Mike’s commitment to meeting gaps in service, to continuous improvement of programs, and to the community we serve show his dedication to the mission, willingness to lead, and tireless work ethic. Mike and I have had many conversations about growing and learning as professionals, what we have read, learned and experienced, and leadership models we’ve seen elsewhere, etc. These conversations have shown me that he is always working on his own professional development. Mike’s enthusiasm for our work and for the patient and caregiver community are evident every day. He is compassionate and helpful to his coworkers, his sense of humor is refreshing, and it is a privilege to work alongside him.
C. Grace Juneau Whiting
Michael is an innovative, professional, and charismatic leader in the patient advocacy space. We've had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects at NAC related to patient- and caregiver- engagement. Michael is never afraid to speak up on behalf of the people he represents. In working groups with executives across healthcare industries, he has offered some incredible ideas around how to better engage caregivers in drug and device development, collect caregiver input, and better communicate the needs of caregivers to the rare disease community. He's an incredible colleague who takes his charge seriously to improve the lives of people living with medical complexity and chronic health needs.
Rebecca Aune, MPA
In addition to seeing him develop a network of support groups across the country led by empowered volunteers, I’ve had the pleasure of working cross-departmentally with Mike to create educational programs and resources that fill unmet needs and educate patients and families living with serious, chronic illness. Mike’s commitment to meeting gaps in service, to continuous improvement of programs, and to the community we serve show his dedication to the mission, willingness to lead, and tireless work ethic. Mike and I have had many conversations about growing and learning as professionals, what we have read, learned and experienced, and leadership models we’ve seen elsewhere, etc. These conversations have shown me that he is always working on his own professional development. Mike’s enthusiasm for our work and for the patient and caregiver community are evident every day. He is compassionate and helpful to his coworkers, his sense of humor is refreshing, and it is a privilege to work alongside him.
C. Grace Juneau Whiting
Michael is an innovative, professional, and charismatic leader in the patient advocacy space. We've had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects at NAC related to patient- and caregiver- engagement. Michael is never afraid to speak up on behalf of the people he represents. In working groups with executives across healthcare industries, he has offered some incredible ideas around how to better engage caregivers in drug and device development, collect caregiver input, and better communicate the needs of caregivers to the rare disease community. He's an incredible colleague who takes his charge seriously to improve the lives of people living with medical complexity and chronic health needs.
Rebecca Aune, MPA
In addition to seeing him develop a network of support groups across the country led by empowered volunteers, I’ve had the pleasure of working cross-departmentally with Mike to create educational programs and resources that fill unmet needs and educate patients and families living with serious, chronic illness. Mike’s commitment to meeting gaps in service, to continuous improvement of programs, and to the community we serve show his dedication to the mission, willingness to lead, and tireless work ethic. Mike and I have had many conversations about growing and learning as professionals, what we have read, learned and experienced, and leadership models we’ve seen elsewhere, etc. These conversations have shown me that he is always working on his own professional development. Mike’s enthusiasm for our work and for the patient and caregiver community are evident every day. He is compassionate and helpful to his coworkers, his sense of humor is refreshing, and it is a privilege to work alongside him.
Experience
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National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director, Public Policy and Alliance Development
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Sep 2022 - Present
Supporting the advocacy goals of our members by educating policymakers and leveraging strategic alliances. Supporting the advocacy goals of our members by educating policymakers and leveraging strategic alliances.
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Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Program Director
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Apr 2021 - Sep 2022
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Pulmonary Hypertension Association
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director, Patient and Caregiver Programs
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Jul 2015 - Apr 2021
I help people who are living with a rare, chronic lung disease called pulmonary hypertension. I develop educational content, support programs and other resources so people affected by this disease can live longer, better lives.
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Director, Patient and Caregiver Programs
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Jul 2015 - Apr 2021
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Servarus RM
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United States
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Business Consulting and Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Account Manager
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Jun 2013 - Jul 2015
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Human Resource Generalist
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Oct 2011 - May 2013
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Event Staff and Development Assistant
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May 2010 - May 2011
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Education
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's degree
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