Founded and led by Emily Schaller, the Rock CF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis. What began as one woman on a mission to educate her peers has evolved over the course of 18 years into a multi-faceted organization inspiring people living with CF to lead more healthy lifestyles and bringing awareness to an illness that often goes unseen, ensuring it doesn't get forgotten.
The Rock CF Foundation is a community, thousands strong, changing the face of what living with cystic fibrosis looks like and giving those living with CF the tools to not only survive, but thrive.
Meet the Rock CF Team
Director + Founder
Emily Schaller
At 18 months, Emily was Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. As a child, she was taught that the most important thing was for her to eat a diet rich in calories, regardless of where they came from, since individuals with CF have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. In 2006, her focus changed from not just how many calories she ate, but where they came from.
After dealing with multiple hospitalizations a year for several years, she decided she was sick of being sick and began researching nutrition and exercise, tweaking the advice she read to specifically meet her needs as a person living with CF. She soon discovered that when she fueled her body better, it served her better. She is now a health nut, an avid runner, and an evangelist for the good news of good nutrition, though she is happy to make an exception for a good craft beer.
After being diagnosed with “failure to thrive” as an infant, she now lives a life dedicated to proving the Doctor that made the diagnosis wrong. She lives in Detroit with her red poodle Uschi and black cat Zackery Benito.
Trevor HOlowaty
PROGRAMS + Marketing Manager
Trevor is an adventurous and laid-back guy with a passion for outdoor sports and unique style. He’s an avid fan of water skiing events, often found cheering from the shore with a cold drink in hand, soaking in the action and the sunshine. When he’s not watching high-speed splashes, Trevor enjoys long cycling trips, whether it’s coasting through scenic trails or tackling challenging hills. Known for his signature safari flap hat, Trevor brings a bit of explorer flair wherever he goes, blending function with a dash of character.
Rock CF Board of Directors
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Steve Dowd
President of the Board
Steve is a graphic designer and with 15 years of marketing and event management experience, he is currently making a career change. A Master’s degree in Secondary Education candidate at the University of Michigan, Steve will be teaching Spanish to high school students very soon. His first experience with RockCF was running the Rivers Half Marathon in 2012 before getting involved as a volunteer. In 2014 Steve joined the RockCF Foundation Board of Directors.
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Gabrielle Bennett
Trustee
Gabrielle is an experienced educator and student advisor with a strong foundation in community development and service. She holds a B.S. in Community Development, concentrating on Community Services, and spent years teaching at a nonprofit school—an experience that deepened her understanding of mission-driven work and the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Gabrielle now works as a Graduate Services Advisor at a trade school, helping students navigate their paths to career success.
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Rhea Jordan
Trustee
Rhea Jordan is an occupational therapist with 21 years of experience, working in acute care at a local hospital. Passionate about helping others, she’s also a longtime volunteer with the Rock CF Foundation. When she’s not at work, Rhea is a wife, proud mom of two kids and two dogs, and is always up for an outdoor adventure or a good laugh.
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Dr. Paul Thomas
Treasurer
Dr. Paul Thomas is a board-certified family medicine physician. His practice is Plum Health DPC, a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. His mission is to deliver affordable, accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond.
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Jana Sheppard
Trustee
Jana Sheppard is a private chef based in Metro Detroit. With a deep love for cooking and creating meaningful connections through food, she brings creativity and warmth to everything she does. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys baking and spending quality time with her toddler, husband, and their energetic pit bull.
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Craig Feringa
Secretary
Craig is a retired RN and semi retired attorney. During the summer he is an avid cyclist and sailor. During the winter months he turns wooden bowls and carves spoons.
LEGACY Trustee
A CF advocate and champion, Jane Sexton Aula was a resilient and thriving cystic fibrosis warrior. With 14 incredible years post-transplant, she was beyond grateful to her donor and donor family who gave her the gift of life for so many wonderful years.
As a longtime friend and Rock CF Board Member, Jane embodies the spirit of Rock CF and we hold her memory close to our hearts.