The FND Team at the 2026 FNDS Conference in Baltimore
The FND Program's Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Abbie Pennetti and Psychiatrist Dr. Randi Libbon giving a talk on psychodynamic group therapy at the 2026 FNDS Conference in Baltimore
FND Program Director, Dr. Jared Woodward, and FND Program Manager, Mackenzi Moore, presenting one of our posters at the 2026 FNDS Conference in Baltimore
Meet Our Team
![]() | Laura Strom, MD, FAESFND Program Co-Medical Director - Neurologist (Epilepsy)Dr. Laura Strom was born in Upstate New York and is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, where she completed an internship in Psychiatry before completing her Neurology training with a residency and fellowship in Epilepsy at the University of Colorado. Dr. Strom began her career thinking she would be a psychiatrist, so learned early on to listen first, suspending disbelief. Listening first helped her realize that patients often have their own solutions and as a provider her role would be helping patients discover solutions and partner with them in their care. Dr. Strom has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treatment seizure disorders. As an epileptologist at the University of Colorado, Dr. Strom has a special interest in FND. In 2016, she partnered with Dr. Alison Heru to create what is now known as the FND clinic at the University of Colorado. Dr. Strom has served as the Medical Director for the Department of Neurology and currently sits on the board of directors for the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming (EFCOWY). She is a member and fellow of the American Epilepsy society (FAES) and a member of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). She is an avid knitter, grows her own vegetables, and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. |
![]() | Jared Woodward, DOFND Program Co-Medical Director, Neurologist (Epilepsy), PsychiatristDr. Woodward attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a combined residency in neurology and psychiatry at the Medical University of South Caroline. He then competed a fellowship in epilepsy and neurophysiology at Yale University. Dr. Woodward is passionate about his work with both epilepsy and functional seizure patients, bridging the gap between neurology and psychiatry. |
![]() | Randi Libbon, MDFND Program Director of Behavioral Health, PsychiatristDr. Libbon is the lead psychiatrist at the University of Colorado FND program. She attended University of Arizona College of Medicine, completing her residency and fellowship at the University of Colorado. During her fellowship, Dr. Libbon's interest in FND blossomed and she has been with the clinic since its inception in 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and baking sweets of all kinds. |
![]() | Abbie Pennetti, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social WorkerAbbie Pennetti serves as an individual therapist and group leader for the FND program. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Abbie has been with the program since 2019 and has an adorable cat, Riley, who loves to make appearances on camera. |
![]() | Marie Rodriguez, PhDPsychologistDr. Rodriguez has a doctorate in Health Psychology from East Carolina University. She completed her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia. During fellowship, Dr. Rodriguez had the opportunity to work in pediatric neurology treating children and teens with FND, which sparked her interest in working with this population. Her approach to clinical work is based in providing compassionate, collaborative patient care. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and camping with her two dogs. |
![]() | Katherine (Katie) Barnes, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social WorkerKatie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the FND clinic. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She joined the FND team in June of 2026. Before joining the FND clinic, her prior work at a community mental health center working with diverse patients led to her interest in working with this population. She works with patients individually and in the group setting. Outside of work she enjoys walks and hikes with her dog and spending time in nature.
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![]() | Ashley Parker, MSN, RNNurse NavigatorAshley is a dedicated Nurse Navigator with a strong foundation in neurological care. Holding both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Education and Leadership from Denver College of Nursing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her passion for seizure/epilepsy care blossomed during her inpatient neurology experience, particularly within the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) Since 2017, at UC Health, Ashley has focused on ambulatory nursing, providing crucial continuity of care and demonstrating expertise in managing both epileptic and functional seizures. Ashley is deeply committed to patient advocacy, empowering individuals to navigate their healthcare journey. Beyond her professional life, she cultivates a vibrant life filled with travel, gardening, pickleball and outdoor adventures, and shares entrepreneurial pursuits in landscaping with her husband. |
![]() | Claire Engels, MSWCase ManagerClaire holds both a Bachelors and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh, where she specialized in integrated healthcare. Claire's work focuses on addressing social determinants of health through resource connection, advocacy, and patient-centered care. In her free time, Claire enjoys going to concerts, traveling, and cozying up with her cat. |
![]() | Stacey Wilson, PA-CPhysician AssistantStacey completed the Red Rocks Physician Assistant Program in Arvada, Colorado. Stacey began working for the University of Colorado Neurology Department in 2016 and helped start the initial FND clinic in 2016. She assisted with development of group curriculum and has over 10 years of experience in running group therapy sessions. Stacey also works closely with the ketogenic diet clinic within epilepsy. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring all over the world. |
![]() | Nicole Ralston, PA-CPhysician AssistantNicole attended the Red Rocks Physician Assistant Program in Arvada. After she was hired as a PA in the Neurology Department at the University of Colorado, she eagerly joined the FND team and now regularly conducts Neurology evaluations in the program, along with group therapy sessions. As a Colorado native, Nicole enjoys spending her free time outside in nature. |
![]() | EJ Gann, PT, DPT, NCSBoard Certified Neurologic Clinical SpecialistEJ received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California at San Francisco/San Francisco State University. He then completed a residency in neurological physical therapy at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Redwood City, CA. EJ is a faculty member in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and teaches multiple courses focused on the physical therapy management of individuals with neurologic conditions. His interest in FND stems from his love of neuroscience and helping patients understand the biopsychosocial nature of this condition. In his free time, EJ enjoys spending time with his family, playing hockey, and backpacking. |
![]() | Meagan Watson, MPH, MBAProgram Administrative DirectorMeagan co-developed the FND program with Dr. Strom in 2016. Her background includes a bachelors in neuroscience, Master of Public Health (MPH) in Population Mental Health and Wellbeing, and an Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Healthcare Administration. In addition to her work directing the FND program, she founded and currently chairs the FND Society Pediatric Special Interest Group, is a board member of FND Hope Inc, and co-author of Reset & Rewire: The FND Workbook for Kids & Teens. |
![]() | Mackenzi Moore, MPHProgram ManagerMackenzi grew up in North Carolina and earned her undergraduate degree Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill before completing her Master of Public (MPH) in Epidemiology at CU Anschutz. She manages various clinical and research initiatives within the FND program. Mackenzi is passionate about combining her analytical skills with her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and improving health outcomes. Outside of work, she finds fulfillment through volunteering in her local Denver community. In her free time, you can find her rock climbing or attending live music. |