The Team Behind The Rory Belle Foundation
Our Founders
Rachel Heilmann
Co-Founder
Director of Research & Clinical Collaboration
Rachel Heilmann is a NARS1 Mama who watched her daughter, Rory Belle, fight NARS1 until it took her life. Prior to Rory's life, she was a residency-trained, board certified, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in a large health care organization. Following a research fellowship in rare disease, she now currently works full time in rare disease for the MED13L Foundation and COMBINEDBrain.
This organization was founded to extend the life of Rory Belle through awareness and research of the NARS1 disease. She has combined forces with this awesome team and families around the world to change the impact NARS1 has on kids and their families.
Teri DeClercq
Co-Founder
Chair, Board of Directors
Director of Development
Teri DeClercq is a mom on a mission to cure NARS1 disorder for her son. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and works at a major retail corporation. As a mother of a child with NARS1, she has seen the daily hardships and stress it can put on a family. She hopes to help other families that receive a diagnosis with support, information and reassurance that the foundation is working hard on treatments. Teri enjoys traveling, golfing, being outside, and spending time with her two sons.
Our Team
Kit Riggs
Executive Director - Board Member at Large
Kit is from Pennsylvania and is a friend of the NARS1 community. The Rory Belle Foundation is her daily dose of hope that a few passionate and dedicated people really can make positive change in the world! Kit brings her experience as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and a nonprofit Operations Manager to her work with the foundation. In her free time, Kit enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, traveling, and growing things!
Lauren Anderson
Secretary, Board of Directors
Lauren is from Massachusetts and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. She works as a Quality Engineer in the medical device industry. As a sibling of an adult with NARS1, Lauren is passionate about raising awareness and driving research for this rare condition. In her free time, Lauren enjoys crafting, hosting themed parties, and spending time with her three kids and two dogs.
Chris DeClercq
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Chris is from Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a minor in Finance, and a Master's Degree in Business Taxation. He is a licensed CPA who has worked in both public accounting and private equity industries. He is a father to a child with NARS1 disorder and lives and breathes the implications of this ultra rare disorder every day. He enjoys sports of every kind, Minnesota winters and summers, and spending time with family.
Ingrid Vallee
Scientific Advisor
Based in Paris, France, Ingrid is a scientist with a PharmD from Paris Descartes and a PhD from Scripps Research in California. Her research focused on t-RNA synthetases, particularly asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS1), which brought her into collaboration with the Rory Belle Foundation.
As Scientific Advisor, Ingrid is passionate about connecting patients, families, scientists, and clinicians to work together toward a cure. She enjoys translating complex scientific concepts into clear, accessible information so everyone can see how they can make a meaningful impact.
In her free time, Ingrid plays music with friends, enjoys tennis, knits socks, and spends time with her family.
Cat Woolrich
Communications & Community Engagement Manager
Cat is based in Cheshire and brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her role at the Rory Belle Foundation. When her son Callum was diagnosed with NARS1 disorder, the support she received from the team inspired her to give back to the NARS1 community.
With a background in marketing and communications, Cat is passionate about shining a light on the incredible work the Foundation does, especially the work that often goes unseen. She is committed to making scientific information accessible and empowering families to navigate their journey with confidence.
Outside of work, Cat enjoys weightlifting, reading thrillers, and spending time with her friends and family.