The Philadelphia Ostomy Association is led by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to providing education, advocacy, and peer support to individuals living with ostomies, continent diversions, and colorectal conditions. Drawing on diverse professional backgrounds and personal experiences, our Board members are united by a shared passion for helping others navigate their journey with confidence, dignity, and hope.

Whether through support groups, education, peer visitation, advocacy, or community outreach, each member brings unique skills and experiences that strengthen our mission and help ensure that no one faces life with an ostomy alone.

Sheldon Sokol has served as President of the Philadelphia Ostomy Association for more than two decades, providing dedicated leadership and unwavering support to the Association and its members.

Before retiring, Sheldon enjoyed a distinguished career as both a successful Philadelphia business owner and an attorney. Throughout his years of service, he has been committed to advancing the Association's mission of education, advocacy, and peer support while helping countless individuals adjust to life with an ostomy.

Sheldon has lived with an ileostomy following surgery for Crohn's disease. Drawing on both his personal experience and years of leadership, he continues to foster a welcoming and supportive community for people living with ostomies and their families.

Hollie Brayer serves as Vice President of the Philadelphia Ostomy Association. She is a psychologist in private practice, as well as a proud mother and grandmother. Hollie lives with her life partner, Mark, and their beloved pup, Josie.

Hollie has been an active participant in the Association's Philadelphia Support Group since 2016, beginning even before her own surgery. She has shared her personal journey through speaking engagements, offering encouragement and insight into living with ulcerative colitis and the recovery process.

When she is not spending time with family, Hollie enjoys practicing yoga, walking, traveling, playing canasta, and being an active member of a fun book club. She is dedicated to supporting others through education, compassion, and the shared experiences that strengthen the ostomy community.

Mary Beth Dorr joined the POA Board as Treasurer in April 2026. She retired in 2024 after a distinguished career in pharmaceutical drug development.

Mary Beth lives in Skippack, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Steve, and their cat, Rambo. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling.

In March 2022, Mary Beth underwent ileostomy surgery following complications from ulcerative colitis. Her personal experience has strengthened her commitment to supporting and advocating for others facing similar challenges.

Colleen Seeber-Combs joined the Philadelphia Ostomy Association Board in 2020 and has served as Board Secretary ever since. She also manages the Association's hotline, helping callers find answers to their questions and concerns.

Colleen holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and works in the publishing industry. Her advocacy with the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) and the National Academies of Practice (NAP) reflects her commitment to improving the lives of people with ostomies and advancing healthcare excellence.

Colleen and her husband live in Philadelphia, where they are raising their two sons. She is proud to support the Philadelphia Ostomy Association's mission of education, advocacy, and peer support.

Lyn Kirshenbaum serves as a member of the Philadelphia Ostomy Association Board and is the facilitator of the Association's Philadelphia Support Group, which meets at Pennsylvania Hospital.

A longtime advocate for the ostomy community, Lyn coordinated the Association's peer visitor training program and has served as a peer visitor for many years. She also founded the Philadelphia Ostomy Association's Facebook page and previously chaired the Association's Under 40 Group at Jefferson Hospital. Lyn has served on the planning committee for both national ostomy conferences held in Philadelphia and has co-facilitated support groups for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Before moving to Philadelphia, she served as Vice President of the Harrisburg Ostomy Association.

Lyn has lived with an ileostomy since 1982 following complications from Crohn's disease. Her decades of leadership, advocacy, and peer support continue to make a lasting impact on the ostomy community.

Debbie Popp joined the Philadelphia Ostomy Association Board in April 2021 as Facebook Page Manager and was appointed Webmaster in July 2026.

Prior to her early retirement in 2010, Debbie enjoyed a successful career in computer consulting, specializing in legal, litigation support management, and software development management. She continues to design and maintain websites for local businesses, friends, and family, allowing her to stay current with the ever-evolving world of web development.

In addition to her work with the Association, Debbie manages an international Facebook community of more than 15,000 members dedicated to ostomy support and education. Having lived with a permanent ileostomy for more than six years, she is passionate about advocating for the ostomy community, sharing trusted resources, and helping others navigate life with an ostomy. Her combination of technical expertise and personal experience allows her to support the Association's mission while helping foster a welcoming and informed community.

Debbie is married and enjoys her free time with her husband, granddaughters and pets.

Clare Di Donato serves as a member of the Philadelphia Ostomy Association Board and as the Association's Visitor Coordinator. In this role, she thoughtfully matches trained peer visitors with individuals seeking one-on-one support, helping to ensure that each person receives compassionate guidance from someone who understands their journey.

Clare has lived with an ileostomy since 2023 following surgery for ulcerative colitis. Drawing from her own experience, she is committed to helping others feel supported, informed, and connected as they adjust to life with an ostomy.