Board of Directors

Amanda is the Co-Founder, President, and Research Chair of the White Sutton Syndrome Foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Liberty University and her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Ball State University, where she focused on behavioral treatment strategies for children with autism. She has since worked for several years in clinical practice as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Director of Clinical Services.

Amanda is also currently pursuing her Doctorate in Health Care Administration at Oklahoma State University, further strengthening her commitment to advancing care, research, and support for medically complex and underserved populations.

She is a wife and the mother of three children, the youngest of whom has been diagnosed with White Sutton Syndrome. Her personal journey fuels her passion for serving others, expanding the White Sutton Syndrome community, and improving the lives of all those affected by the condition.

Melissa serves as the Secretary and Fundraising Chair for the White Sutton Syndrome foundation, and has been a special needs, adoption, and foster-adoption families advocate since 2001. She has co-run a national resource hub for special needs adoptions as well as co-run several support groups. She possesses strength in moderation and mediation.

Married since the late 90s, Melissa and her husband have adopted 3 wonderful children with varying degrees of special needs through their state’s foster system. Their youngest child was diagnosed with the POGZ gene mutation in 2020 after years of quirky symptoms and a long list of diagnoses that led to genetic testing. “Most of these diagnoses now fit under one diagnosis,” she states with some relief.

Melissa desires to support and encourage other families. She hopes to help bring awareness to the community and gain resources that can better serve those affected by White-Sutton Syndrome.

Josh is the Treasurer of the White Sutton Syndrome foundation. Josh graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Design from American Intercontinental University, and has since worked primarily as a Multimedia Designer and Creative Director. He also serves as the Creative Director for the foundation and is responsible for graphic design, web development, social media and marketing for the foundation. He is Amanda Couch’s husband and the father to three awesome kids. His youngest son has been diagnosed with White Sutton Syndrome. He has extensive graphic design, media production and project management experience and is passionate about and dedicated to helping the White Sutton Syndrome Foundation succeed.

Melissa Gannaway serves as the Vice President of the White Sutton Syndrome Foundation. Melissa graduated from Texas A&M University with her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance and has worked as a Derivatives Accountant for most of her career. Melissa has been married to her husband for over 17 years and is a mother to three amazing kids, one of which was diagnosed with White Sutton Syndrome in 2016. Melissa is passionate about supporting others and is committed to helping families navigate their journey with White Sutton Syndrome. She is a loyal supporter of the Foundation and feels strongly in its mission to improve the lives of those affected by the condition. Together we can accomplish many great things!

Renea Banks is the Co-Founder and former Vice President of the White Sutton Syndrome foundation. She graduated from Old Dominion University with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology/Bio Chemistry. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Education and later completed her second Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. She is the mother of two boys, one in which has White Sutton Syndrome. We would like to thank Renea for her past efforts and leadership!

Angelo Banks is the former Treasurer of the White Sutton Syndrome foundation. He graduated from Norfolk State University with his Bachelors of Science in Accounting and shortly thereafter received his Master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is passionate about helping people be the best that they can be. We would like to thank Angelo for his past efforts to advance the cause of White-Sutton syndrome!