Core Team

Maria Picone

Founder/CEO

Maria brings over ten years of experience managing operational and strategic ventures in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. As a self-taught programmer, she founded Formed, Inc, a digital health web technology company. After their daughter was born with a rare genetic disorder called Prader Willi-Syndrome, she and her husband committed to creating solutions for rare disease; this was the inspiration for TREND Community. As Founder and CEO, Maria oversees all aspects of TREND Community.

Christopher DeFelice

Founder/CTO

Chris remains current on the latest software technologies and trends, always striving to find the perfect balance between cutting-edge and clear, concise content delivery. As Partner at Formed, Inc, a digital health web technology company, he brings 10 years of experience building disruptive technologies. Chris founded TREND Community with his wife, Maria, after their daughter was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome. He manages the software design & development team.

Advisors

Wendy White

Advisor

Wendy White is an innovative leader working for over 20 years in Rare Disease at the intersection of advocacy, technology and business. She currently works as a consultant to biopharma companies developing patient centered strategy and innovation commercialization plans. Prior to that, she founded, grew and transitioned Siren Interactive Corporation to Dohmen Life Science Services as part of a long-term vision to integrate patient-level insights into the drug delivery continuum. She is the mother of a child with a rare disorder and publisher and co-author of Uncommon Challenges; Shared Journeys—Stories of Love, Hope, and Community by Rare Disease Caregivers.

E. Robert Wassman, M.D.

Advisor

Dr. Wassman has pioneered the introduction of genetic testing and personalized medicine for over 30-years. His focus has been on the translation and delivery of cutting-edge diagnostic technology to clinical service in the areas of reproductive medicine, rare cell/non-invasive diagnostics, and Next Generation DNA sequencing spanning clinical disciplines of reproductive genetics, cancer and companion diagnostics, and neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism. He has served as Chief Medical Officer for multiple companies in this space including Genzyme Genetics and Lineagen. He has co-founded several successful ventures.