Sandra K. Ring (Sandi) has been devoted to making a difference in the lives of children and families for over 25 years. Currently, Sandi works for the American Academy of Dermatology as Senior Manager for Constituent Relations and Strategic Planning. Sandi is the primary liaison for bi-directional communication and engagement with state societies and dermatology condition patient advocate groups across the nation. Her passion and dedication to impacting the lives of children and families is evidenced by the endless energy she devotes to participating with programs within the world of pediatric medical and psychosocial support. Sandi is also involved with the Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Care and works to ensure that research is moving forward so that effective risk assessment tools and appropriate interventions for siblings of children with life-threatening medical conditions can be made available worldwide.

Prior to her current roles, Sandi was at the American Academy of Pediatrics, Division of Children with Special Needs, where she worked to ensure comprehensive integration of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention practices and services nationwide. Also, Sandi was the Senior Manager of Medical Eligibility and Outreach at Make-A-Wish America where she was devoted to ensuring that eligibility criteria were clearly understood and consistently applied, and that comprehensive and customizable outreach marketing strategies were in place so that the 62 chapters nationwide were poised to reach every child potentially eligible for a wish. Sandi still works as a wish granting volunteer. Sandi was on the inaugural Board of Directors for SuperSibs, and took on the role as National Director of Outreach and Education prior to its shift to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Sandi had primary involvement in the development of the direct Comfort and Care mailings, the grief support materials, and the Support, Training, Awareness and Recognition (STAR) tools and resources provided to hospitals and organizations throughout North America. Sandi is a graduate of the Erikson Institute/ Loyola University (M.S. in Early Childhood Development), is a Certified Child Life Specialist, and has earned Certification as a Non Profit Professional through the Non Profit Leadership Alliance.