Board of Directors

Lonnie Somers, Chairman, CEO & Founder: Mr. Somers and his wife, Michelle, founded the TTTS Race for Hope and the Fetal Hope Foundation based on their own experience with TTTS that nearly took their daughters' lives. Having a passion for running and being a marathoner as well, Mr. Somers organized and developed the TTTS Race for Hope to spread awareness and raise funds. As success of the event and awareness increased, Mr. Somers, along with the board, saw an opportunity to further support fetal syndromes and work directly with the leading fetal centers and medical professionals from around the world. This led to the creation of today’s Fetal Hope Foundation.

Professionally, Mr. Somers has 13 years of experience in various financial, accounting and operations executive management roles. Mr. Somers currently owns a consulting firm that specializes in investment banking, risk management, finance, accounting and operations consulting. Prior experience includes CFO & Director of Operations with a national GIS firm, served as controller and various executive positions for Cherry Creek Venture Partners’ majority owned businesses, and served in various positions with both start-up technological companies and fortune 500 companies such as Arioso Corp., T-Netix, Inc., Waste Management, LocalTouch Directories (US West Subsidiary) and Disney.

Mr. Somers completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with Summa Cum Laude designation from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, and is a licensed CPA. Mr. Somers enjoys time with his family and participating in marathons.  Mr Somers also serves part of the planning team for the Colorado Colfax Marathon and advisor for several running events.

Michelle Somers, CFO, Secretary & Founder: Mrs. Somers is the proud mother of TTTS survivors. They are the inspiration that drives the success of the TTTS Race for Hope and the Fetal Hope Foundation. Mrs. Somers is an avid runner and placed 3rd in the women's division at the Snow Mountain Trail Marathon near Winter Park, Colorado. She aspires to someday cross the finish line at the Ironman Triathlon and see her husband and daughters standing by cheering her on.

Professionally, Mrs. Somers has 11 years of experience in corporate accounting, finance and billing. Her roles have spanned industries including conferencing, waste management services and auto leasing. Mrs. Somers has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bowling Green State University.

Talitha McGuinness, Director & VP Marketing & Fundraising: Mrs. McGuinness is the Charlotte Event Director for the TTTS Race for Hope. After delivering healthy girls who survived the disease, she was inspired by the Somers’ and wanted a way to give back to the TTTS and medical communities. Fall 2006 will usher in the first TTTS Race for Hope in Charlotte, NC, and has seen overwhelming support. Mrs. McGuinness enjoys spending time with her family and wants to share the message of the hope she felt throughout her pregnancy. Professionally, Mrs. McGuinness has 10 years in Marketing and Public Relations for various industries and firms.

Mrs. McGuinness completed her B.A. in English and later graduated with her M.A. in Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is involved in her church and with the Charlotte twin club, the Charlotte Mothers of Multiples. She enjoys photography and graphic design, creating boutique items for babies, toddlers, teens and young women, and planning and hosting parties.

Tamara Smith, Director & COO: Tamara Smith & her husband Joshua became involved in the TTTS Race for Hope after their own treacherous pregnancy and the loss of one of their sons to TTTS. They felt actively becoming a part of the race would be a great way to honor both of their sons. Tammy is passionate about helping other couples through their ordeals with fetal issues and saving as many of these babies as possible.

Tamara has a biology degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction where she also received her Colorado teaching license. She spent several years teaching in a variety of settings including elementary, middle school & an alternative High School where she added an endorsement in special education from Western State. She currently runs her own business from home, however her top priority is being a stellar mom - making sure to read with her son everyday and taking walks as often as possible. God and family are the center most important things in her life.

 Georgi K. Wick, Director: Georgi and her husband John became aware of fetal syndromes when their son, Elijah, was diagnosed with LUTO (Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction) at 13 weeks gestation in 2005. Elijah was blessed to have life saving fetal surgery at 16 weeks gestation. Elijah is a true miracle and doing quite well despite facing kidney conditions and Prune Belly Syndrome. Since their experiene with LUTO, Georgi's goal is to bring awareness of fetal syndromes and to fully support families dealing with LUTO. Georgi knows that there is always HOPE and wants to give that HOPE to others.

Georgi has worked in the information technology field for 12 years within the banking industry. Currently she is the Project Manager for a US leading mortgage servicer.

Georgi's number one priority is her spirituality and family. She enjoys gardening, photography and fishing, but most of all spending time with her two boys and husband.

Corey Wilson, Director:  Corey and his wife Jessica became aware of TTTS when their twin boys, Callen and Coleman, were diagnosed with it at 25 weeks gestation in 2006.  At 27 weeks gestation, Callen and Coleman were born, and after several life-saving surgeries and lots of love, they are thriving today.  Corey feels extremely blessed to have gone through the TTTS journey, and is very passionate about spreading the message of hope to other families.  Corey is the Race Director for the TTTS Race for Hope in Seattle/Kirkland.

Corey has a Marketing degree from Oregon State University.  He has been a firefighter for Portland Fire & Rescue for the past 6 years where he also serves as a Peer Supporter in their Employee Assistance Program.  Corey’s priorities are his faith and his family.  He enjoys cycling, and anything involving his wife and 4 boys!