Dr. Tonya Huston PT DPT CLT
Founder/Executive Director
With a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy and a Certification in Lymphedema Management, Dr. Tonya Huston began her journey with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Rwanda, Africa in 2010. Podoconiosis (podo) had been identified as a NTD, however, clinical management and prevention education was nonexistent. Tonya’s expertise in treating lymphatic conditions like podo, inspired her to found Heart and Sole Africa (HASA) to address, initially, the clinical needs of those suffering from this debilitating condition. For 15 years, Tonya as the Executive Director of HASA, has developed and directed numerous programs to address clinical management of podo, prevention and clinical skills education programs, and income generating programs that economically empower podo patients and their families.
Dr. Cindy Robinett PT DPT CLT
HASA Board Chair
Cindy is a licensed physical therapist, and has 27 years of experience. She has worked in many settings, including acute care, rehab, and home health, and outpatient. She has been involved with HASA since 2016, and has traveled to Rwanda many times to offer her clinical expertise and support. Cindy currently specializes in wound care, and is a certified lymphedema therapist/breast cancer rehab specialist. Cindy has a Master’s Degree in Health Occupations Education, and a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.
Karen Grosskopf
HASA Board Vice Chair
Karen is a retired Federal employee, with 32 years of experience in a wide variety of subject areas including civil rights, finance and administration, and management analysis. Being open to new opportunities contributed to her broad variety of assignments in the U.S. Department of Transportation, and to her continued involvement in new areas. She is an avid traveler and welcomes the chance to explore new countries and new cultures.
Syraya Horton
HASA Treasurer
Syraya Horton currently works as a Contract Analyst in the healthcare revenue cycle management industry. A creative person at heart, Syraya earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas State University and a Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. Serving as the Treasurer of HASA, she is happy to dedicate her time to assist in making positive impacts in people’s lives.
Teresa Dossman
HASA Secretary
Teresa is a retired educator and current educational consultant for National Geographic Learning. She is passionate about providing learning opportunities across the globe that result in societal growth and healthier lifestyles. After over 30 years of educating students and teachers, as well as, working with industry partners to improve school and community connections, she continues to give back by participating in numerous nonprofit organizations and offering leadership to educational and civic improvement programs. Teresa has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Kay Evans
HASA Fund Raising Chair
Kay retired from the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Service Agency as the Financial Assistant. Helping provide for the needs of neglected and abused children, providing a safe home for them and meeting their daily needs of home, clothing, food, and spiritual surroundings was part of the circle of caring for them, even providing an opportunity for a college degree or trade school training. Kay has a bachelor’s degree from Texas Technological University, Lubbock, Texas. After retirement, volunteer experience in community projects has spanned 17 years of service.
Judi Kane
HASA Social Media Chair
Judi is a retired Civil Servant, with 25+ years of experience managing numerous programs and projects, writing policy, and using her program and management analyst skills to create more efficient and effective programs and procedures. Judi is dedicated to community service locally, nationally, and as a result of her extensive travels, globally. She believes it’s all “local.” Visiting Rwanda in 2021, she met HASA staff, traveled to podoconiosis treatment sites, and worked alongside Rwandan women to prepare a field for planting. Judi is deeply honored to be a part of eradicating podo!
Lisa Polk
HASA Product Media Chair
Lisa Polk started her dream job of owning a boutique in 2006. Her lifetime of career choices has served her well in establishing a business filled with meaningful collections of wearable art and mainstream apparel, art, handmade jewelry and gifts including many items from Heart & Sole Africa. Lisa joyfully supports HASA as Product Media Chair and uses her talents to help guide the creation of new items for purchase that support the organization and its employees.