In Celebration of Women’s History Month
Thank you for celebrating Women’s History Month with the ASE Foundation! We encouraged donations to our Spring Giving fundraiser in honor of the women who impact your life. Eleven donors gave a total of $2,750 in honor of the impactful women, listed below, along with tribute messages. Thank you for letting us shine a spotlight on the women who have inspired you and for springing into action to kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal.
Read about the incredible women whose inspiration has left an impact!
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Allyson Boyle, MHA, ACS, RDCS, FASE. “In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am making a contribution to the ASE Foundation in honor of my colleague, Allyson Boyle, whose dedication to advancing sonographer education and quality improvement is truly remarkable. Allyson chairs the Cardiovascular Sonography Council of ASE, advocating tirelessly for the education and professional development of sonographers. She has been instrumental in implementing a Culture of Quality within our field and recently secured an organizational membership that brought 98 new members into ASE from within #AtriumHealth, a tremendous achievement! Her leadership and passion continue to shape the future of cardiovascular imaging, and I am grateful to work alongside such an inspiring force in our profession. Join me in recognizing the incredible women making a difference in echocardiography and cardiology by supporting the ASE Foundation this month!”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE also donated in honor of Lindsay Hammond, BS, AAS, RDCS, FASE. “In honor of Women’s History Month, I am making a donation to the ASE Foundation to recognize my colleague, Lindsay Hammond, for her outstanding contributions to the education of aspiring and established sonographers. Lindsay’s passion for teaching and fostering a collaborative learning environment has made a lasting impact on our field, ensuring continuous growth and professional development for sonographers and clinicians alike. As a dedicated volunteer for the ASE Critical Care Echo Council and sonographer leader at SHVI, she exemplifies the spirit of mentorship and excellence. Her expertise has also been showcased on both national and regional stages, where she has presented on key topics in echocardiography. I am grateful for her leadership, dedication, and the inspiration she provides to so many. Join me in celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of cardiovascular imaging by supporting the ASE Foundation this month!”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE also donated in honor of Shelby Brown, BS, RDCS, RVT. “In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am honored to donate to the ASE Foundation in recognition of Shelby Brown. As Lead Sonographer for Sports Cardiology Research at #AtriumHealth Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte, NC, Shelby’s expertise in advanced imaging, structural heart procedures, and interventional cardiology ensures top tier cardiovascular care. She leads and performs athlete screening echocardiograms, ensures quality assurance for professional sports leagues, and contributes to groundbreaking research in imaging techniques and protocols. I am truly grateful to work alongside Shelby and see the incredible impact she makes every day. Let’s honor the amazing women in cardiovascular ultrasound by supporting the ASE Foundation with a donation.”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE gave in honor of Jill Mazal, BS, RDCS, RDMS, FASE. “In honor of Women’s History Month, I am proud to donate to the ASE Foundation to recognize women in cardiovascular ultrasound. This donation is dedicated to Jill Mazal, whose advocacy and leadership have made a lasting impact on sonographers’ well-being. Jill is a passionate advocate for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers. She led the development of a comprehensive ergonomics and prevention program at #AtriumHealth Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, which includes education, ergonomic tools, competency training, signage, and even monthly massages for over 80 sonographers to help prevent injuries. Beyond her dedication to workplace wellness, Jill has been a strong supporter of the ASE Foundation, inspiring sonographers to give back through the #GiveACup campaign each year. Let’s honor the amazing women in cardiovascular ultrasound by supporting the ASE foundation with a donation!”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Tanya Kemp, RDCS. “In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am proud to donate to the ASE Foundation to honor women in cardiovascular ultrasound. This donation recognizes my colleague, Tanya Kemp, who has been a dedicated sonographer at #AtriumHealth Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute for nearly 15 years. Tanya’s journey into echocardiography was deeply personal—after undergoing cancer treatments at just 14 years old, she received echocardiograms to monitor potential cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy. This experience sparked her passion for the field, and today, she provides compassionate, expert care to our patients. Her story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the impact of women in cardiovascular ultrasound. I am grateful for her dedication and impact she makes every day.”
Judith Becker, MD donated in memory of Dr. Stella Van Praagh. “I would like to honor the memory of Dr. Stella Van Praagh, a wonderful teacher, researcher and physician. Along with her Husband, Dr. Richard Van Praagh, she developed and grew the cardiac registry at Boston Children’s hospital, a repository of congenital heart defects, which were then generously shared with students of congenital heart disease and congenital heart surgery. The Van Praaghs filled their lab with students learning about and assisting in the research CHD. I was fortunate to be able to spend two months studying with Stella and assisting in the research about heterotaxy syndrome, which informed and enriched my understanding of cardiac development and anatomy. In turn I am sure this has deepened and improved my own ability to instruct those who have followed in the art and science of the care of children with CHD.
I would be remiss if I did not also note that Stella, besides being a wonderful scientist and teacher, was a consummate hostess and cook, rewarding those of us who worked with her with wonderful evenings of discourse at their home and periodic gifts of the BEST baklava!”
Judith Becker, MD also donated in honor of Christine A. Walsh, MD. “With this donation I would like to honor Dr Christine Walsh, professor emerita in the division of Pediatric Cardiology at the Albert Einstein college of Medicine, without whose guidance I don’t think I would have become a pediatric cardiologist. Besides being a great teacher, Christine has had a knack of recognizing those of us who under her tutelage, would thrive in the field, and she encouraged us to seek out the most rigorous programs for further training even when we doubted ourselves. While many in our field are so wrapped up with clinical and research responsibilities that we have limited time to give to trainees, Christine was always very generous with her time and her expertise never giving the impression that trainee questions were unimportant or beside the point. It is not a surprise to me that over the years she has been honored with multiple teaching and service awards.”
Judith Becker, MD donated in honor of Mary Etta King, MD, FASE as well. “I am making this donation in honor of Dr. Mary Etta King. Dr. King trained back in the 1970’s when echocardiography was still in it’s infancy. Though she did not specifically train in pediatric cardiology, she was, as a pediatrician, very interested in cardiac echo and became quite skilled both in adult and pediatric echo as she developed as a young attending. She went on to become an accomplished and sought after teacher of pediatric and adult congenital echo at MGH and at ASE. Though now retired, she remained at Mass General Hospital for her career which spanned at least 50 years and during that time was recognized at MGH and through the ASE with multiple teaching and service awards. I was fortunate and proud to have been her colleague and I am sure my own skills were enriched by the time I shared with her in the echo lab.”
Mary Etta King, MD, FASE donated in honor of Dr. Roberta Williams. “I am making this donation in honor of Dr. Roberta Williams and for the mentoring and example she provided to me early in my career. Roberta established the first cardiac ultrasound department at Boston Children’s Hospital in the 1970’s at a time when M-mode echo and phonocardiography were the tools available. She served on the faculty there for 12 years during which the field of echocardiography rapidly expanded. During this time, she welcomed me as a visitor to her echo conferences and she participated actively in the city-wide Back Bay Echo Society. Her knowledge, confidence, good humor and graciousness were an inspiration to me as something I would hope to emulate. Dr. Williams subsequently departed to the west coast where she has held important leadership roles at UCLA and USC, continuing to pursue the care of patients with congenital heart disease in childhood and as adults.”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Noreen Kelly, MD, MBA, FASE. “This Women’s History Month, I am proud to donate to the ASE Foundation in recognition of Dr. Noreen Kelly, Director of Echocardiography at SHVI and #Atrium Health. Dr. Kelly has been a driving force in cardiovascular imaging—not only through her clinical leadership and dedication to excellence in patient care, but also through her impactful contributions to the ASE Guidelines & Standards Committee, helping to define the future of cardiovascular ultrasound. Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Kelly generously volunteers with the ASE Annual Appeals Committee, supporting fundraising efforts for continued innovation and education in echocardiography. She embodies the qualities of a true mentor, inspiring those around her and empowering future leaders in our field. Please join me in honoring Dr. Kelly and the many extraordinary women who shape cardiovascular imaging. Consider donating this month to support ASE’s mission of innovation, education, and excellence.”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Kristie Jo Johnson, ACS, RDCS, RRT, FASE. “This Women’s History Month, I am proud to make a donation to the ASE Foundation in honor of Kristie Johnson, who serves in the leadership of the cardiovascular ultrasound program at #Atrium Health. With 25 years at SHVI, Kristie has been a driving force in maintaining excellence, securing #IAC Echo lab accreditation since 2004 and mentoring countless professionals along the way. Her dedication extends beyond the clinic—she has played an integral role in shaping echocardiography through her work with the ASE Scientific Sessions Committee (2021-2023) and ASE Foundation Annual Appeal Committee. Kristie presented at regional and national meetings. As the Vice President of the South Carolina Society of Echocardiography (2025), she continues to advocate for excellence in imaging and education. Her commitment to advancing echocardiography, mentoring others, and giving back to the field through ASE Foundation initiatives is truly inspiring. Join me in celebrating Kristie and supporting the ASE Foundation’s work in research, education, and global outreach.”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Adrienne White, RDCS, FASE. “This Women’s History Month, I am thrilled to make a special donation to the ASE Foundation in honor of Adrienne White. Adrienne is a passionate sonographer dedicated to empowering others through education and global outreach. With over two decades of experience as an echocardiographer, Adrienne has not only delivered exceptional patient care but has also enthusiastically mentored cardiovascular professionals, connecting them with transformative learning experiences and career development opportunities. Her international teaching and volunteerism exemplify her commitment to advancing the field of echocardiography worldwide. Adrienne’s volunteer efforts, from serving as an ASE Membership Ambassador to fundraising through the #GaveACup campaign for vascular ultrasound, highlight her deep commitment to giving back. Join me this Women’s History Month in recognizing Adrienne and supporting the ASE Foundation’s mission to inspire growth, innovation, and global outreach in cardiovascular imaging.”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Melissa Escuerdo MHA, ACS, RDCS, RDMS, FASE. “In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to recognize Melissa Escuerdo for her incredible contributions to the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the field of cardiovascular ultrasound. Melissa currently serves on the ASE Finance, Strategy, and Development Committee and is a past member of the ASE Awards Committee. She has presented at the ASE Scientific Sessions and served as a panelist, sharing her expertise and passion for the field. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melissa is a dedicated leader who values team building and innovation in leadership, constantly inspiring those around her. I am grateful to work alongside her as a colleague and witness the impact she makes every day. Let’s celebrate the amazing women in vascular ultrasound by supporting the ASE Foundation with a donation!”
Kristen Billick, BS, ACS, RCS, RDCS, FASE donated in honor of her mother, Ingrid Kipper, RDMS, RDCS. “Ingrid was a general, vascular and cardiac sonographer for over 40 years. She was a rockstar sonographer who taught many ultrasound students over the decades. My childhood was full of going in with my mom to the hospital when she got called in. She would perform an echo on me for Valentine’s Day and I brought in a VHS copy to my elementary school show-and-tell for the whole class to watch. I looked up to her (and still do) and saw what an awesome career she had as a sonographer…so I followed in her footsteps! She had a meaningful career and balanced it with being a great mom. I, along with many other sonographers, owe her for being the quality-focused sonographers we are today. She is the BEST mom and sonographer ever!”
Melissa Wasserman, RCCS, RDCS, FASE donated in honor of Meryl Cohen, MD, MS, FASE. “Happy Women’s History Month! How lucky I am to have learned from the GOAT of pediatric echocardiography! Thanks for all you do for all congenital echocardiographers!” She also donated in honor of Laura Mercer-Rosa MD, MSc, FASE. “Happy Women’s History Month! You’re such a role model to all pediatric echocardiographers, and I am so lucky to get to work with and learn from you!”
David Wiener, MD, FASE donated in honor of his wife, Lynn Klein, MD. “In honor of my wife Lynn Klein, MD, an amazing person and physician, on our anniversary.”
Akhil Narang, MD, FASE donated in honor of Dr. Sunita Narang and Dr. Disha Narang.
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Holly Gonzales, MD. “In honor of your exceptional leadership in the Advanced Cardiac Imaging Program and Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship at SHVI, thank you for advancing excellence in cardiac imaging and education!”
Jens Eichhorn, MD, PhD, FASE donated in honor of Cody Frye, BA, ACS, RDCS, FASE. “Thank you for your outstanding dedication to improving quality, education in cardiac ultrasound, and your impactful contributions to the ASE Foundation. Your passion and commitment inspire us all!”
Seda Tierney MD, FASE donated in honor of her mother and grandmother. “On this International Women’s Day, I honor the two extraordinary women who shaped the core of who I am—my grandmother, a gifted tailor, and my mother, an electrical engineer, the only female student in her classroom of 200. Their resilience is my foundation, their strength my compass, their courage my light. I carry their legacy in all I do, forever in awe of the women who came before me.”
Jeannette Yuen, MD donated in honor of Vera Rigolin, MD, FASE. “Thanks for being an inspiration since medical school!”
Courtney Cassidy, RDCS (AE, PE, FE), FASE donated in honor of Pei-Ni Jone, MD, FASE. “This Women’s History Month, I would like to make a special donation to the ASE Foundation in honor of Dr. Pei-Ni Jone. Pei-Ni has inspired many in the field of pediatric echo with her unwavering dedication to her patients and colleagues along with her mentorship of sonographers that extends far beyond normal expectations. Her support and advocacy for sonographer involvement in imaging research has paved the way and inspired many sonographers in their careers. While juggling her many commitments, Pei-Ni somehow finds the time to help others with patience and generosity. The future of sonographer leadership within the ASE is bright with mentors like Dr. Jone!”
