Our Leadership Team

Dr. Suzanne Falla, an organizational neuroscientist and entrepreneur, is the Executive Director and Chair of Brain Fitness Foundation. Dr. Falla’s doctoral focus has been on improving human potential and performance in both clinical and organizational settings through innovative and a personalized neuroscientific approach.

As an healthcare executive, she has an extensive experience in quality of care and patient safety. Dr. Falla is highly regarded for her lifelong commitment to performance improvement in young adults and quality of life improvement in geriatric population. Her ability to generate productivity and accelerate meaningful change have changed the way people and organizations think about serving underprivileged populations.

Dr. Kamran Fallahpour is the Director of Neuroscience and Research at Brain Fitness Foundation. Dr.Fallahpour is Founder & Chief Science Officer of Vital Neuro, Inc. With 25+ years of clinical experience and research as Director of Brain Resource Center. Dr.Fallahpour is pioneer of the EEG Bluetooth Amplifier and vast product experience in neurophysiology, biomarker, brain computer interface and sensors.

Dr. Fallahpour has been a clinical Instructor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital since 2004 and has decades of continuous innovation at the integration of neurotechnology and health psychology bringing innovations in applied neuroscience into intuitive interventions for brain health, mood regulation, cognitive performance.

Cassandra Seidenfeld is joining the Brain Fitness Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors. An award-winning actress, producer, international fashion model, athlete, and humanitarian, Cassandra received the 2016 Women4 Empowerment Gold Medal of Honor for her humanitarian work. She was recently featured in Women’s World as one of the 20 most inspiring women leaders of 2024 and is being featured in CIO Times Magazine as one of the Top 5 Inspiring Business Leaders in the Spotlight for 2025. In addition to her impressive achievements, Cassandra is leading Brain Fitness Foundation’s public relations, communication, and fundraising efforts. She is deeply committed to giving back, having organized numerous charitable events, and continues to advocate for providing meaningful support to those in need through her active involvement in various philanthropic organizations.

Dr. Ali Oliveira, RN, PhD is a health psychologist and a member of the Board of Directors at the Brain Fitness Foundation. Dr. Oliveira’s background in medical emergency has helped her understand the multitude of factors that can affect a child’s well-being, including both physical and mental health challenges and family dynamics.

Dr. Oliveira specializes in neuropsychological examinations and cognitive assessments. She has a breadth of experience in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based interventions. Dr. Oliveira is dedicated to increasing public education, awareness and disseminating empirically supported treatments for mood and anxiety disorders. She is devoted to providing children and adolescents exceptional treatment that builds a strong foundation for growth, self-discovery and success in every individual.

Daniel Motamed is joining the Brain Fitness Foundation as Treasurer, bringing with him an extensive background as a US Navy Program Manager specializing in aquisition and cost management. With a sharp attention to detail, and a disciplined approach to fiscal management,he is well-positioned to strengthen the foundation’s financial structure and accountability. His leadership in financial oversight will be instrumental in supporting the organization's growth, ensuring that resources are managed with integrity and efficiency.

Fernando Luis Alvarez is joining the Brain Fitness Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors. A dynamic figure in the contemporary art world, Mr. Alvarez is a gallery owner, activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and multifaceted creator, seamlessly blending the roles of artist, curator, dealer, advisor, and community leader. His passion for innovation and strategic approach to building artist care and careers, alongside his commitment to community development, has defined his impactful career. At the core of Mr. Alvarez’s work is his dedication to providing accessible mental health care, particularly for underserved communities. He is a strong advocate for promoting mental health equity and improving outcomes through quality care, believing that mental health is essential to fostering strong, vibrant communities.

Veronica Buckley is a dedicated public health professional currently serving at the Brain Fitness Foundation, where she leads efforts in campaign management, fundraising, and grant writing. With a passion for creating more equitable access to healthcare and mental health services, Veronica is committed to driving meaningful change in underserved communities. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap in access to quality care, advocating for solutions that promote health equity and improve outcomes for those most in need.

Shannon Nixon is an author, event coordinator at the Brain Fitness Foundation. Shannon’s work involves leveraging artistic mediums to raise awareness for the Brain Fitness Foundation. Her volunteer efforts include sitting as an Associate Board Member of The Bowery Mission and performing as a Court Appointed Special in the state of New York.

With a passion for addressing the mental health crisis around the world, Mariam Azarm is joining Brain Fitness Foundation as CDO with a strategic initiative to connect world leaders with the organization’s mission. Mariam Azarm spent 25 years managing events for the Security Council at the United Nations in New York. Through daily, hands-on experience with high-level diplomats and celebrities, she established key insights and a global network of influential contacts. With her vision, experience, and network, Mariam has successfully nurtured collaborative efforts to implement revolutionary ideas.

Kate Falla is a board advisor for Brain Fitness Foundation, focusing on mental health awareness and fundraising campaigns. She is a biomedical engineering major at Columbia University. Her passion for science and social justice has led her to conduct research on Celebral Cavernous Angiomas Genetic Sequencing along with internships focused on brain mapping and EEG observation. She has been a volunteer translator for refugees and is a M-Pact Grant Winner (2021) as well as Bank of New York Mellon Grant Winner (2021) for her group project on immigrant health care access.

James Palazza is a board advisor for Brain Fitness Foundation and is an advising member focusing on fundraising and Veteran affairs. Mr.Palazza is a philanthropist working as a volunteer for Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC) and Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA). He has 25+ years of experience as a stylist and consultant in the luxury retail market.

RickTinkham serves on the Hoosick Falls Community Program team at Brain Fitness Foundation. He is responsible for leading the public relations and marketing teams in Hoosick Falls. Prior to joining Brain Fitness Foundation, Rick was the Chief of North Hoosick Fire Department as well as Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad for 20 years, giving him a sense of compassion that extends to his community and beyond. Rick is a certified residential specialist, with years of professional expertise to his credit. Rick is devoted to his family and community and often sponsors local events, charities, and businesses.