Our Leadership Team
Dr. Suzanne Falla
Executive Director & Chair
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.
Dr. Kamran Fallahpour
Director of Neuroscience
Mariam Azarm
Chief Development Officer
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.
Fernando Luis Alvarez
Board Member
Fernando Luis Alvarez is a contemporary art gallery owner, “artivisit,” entrepreneur and philanthropist. Alvarez is a multifaceted creator, combining the roles of contemporary artist, curator, dealer, advisor, and community leader.Mr. Alvarez is a Board of Director Member at the Brain Fitness Foundation. He attributes his unique work to having a passion for innovation and strategically building artist careers and community through the arts. Alvarez is a devoted and passionate supporter of the Louvre Museum’s impact on humanity and is the sole sponsor/patron behind the Joseph Kosuth permanent exhibition at the museum, Nor Appearance nor Illusion. His most recent innovations include the-curtains and Kudos Shed.
Dr. Ali Oliveira
Board Member
Dr. Ali Oliveira, RN, PhD is a health psychologist and Board of Director Member 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.
Kate Falla
Board Advisor
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
Board Advisor
James Palazza is on the Board of Advisor of 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.
Shannon Nixon
Event Coordinator
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.
Rick Tinkham
Board Advisor
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.
Krissy Fauler
Program Coordinator
Krissy Fauler serves as the program coordinator at Brain Fitness Foundation’s Hoosick Falls site. Her role involves coordinating on-site programs, and leading community awareness campaigns. Krissy’s continued commitment and devotion to Hoosick Falls as an active community member, including her role as finance chairperson for the Immaculate Conception Parish and School, makes her an exceptional and valuable member of our team.