Monica Coenraads' involvement with Rett Syndrome began the day her then two-year old daughter was diagnosed with the disorder. A year later, in 1999, she co-founded the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation and served as Director of Research from the foundation's inception until 2007. She created and oversaw every aspect of the research program, including the strategic development of funding initiatives and the active management of the research portfolio. Recruiting the world's leading scientists to focus on Rett Syndrome, her hands-on style catalyzed fruitful partnerships and research collaborations. The annual symposium she organized was quickly acknowledged as the premiere scientific meeting on the disorder.
Monica co-founded the Rett Syndrome Research Trust in the summer of 2007. As Executive Director she oversees all aspects of the organization including day-to-day operations, strategic direction, fundraising and communications. With input from her advisors and the scientific community at large, Monica sets and executes the Trust's research agenda.
She is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and founding trustee of the American Brain Coalition. She was awarded Redbook magazine's Mother & Shaker Award, alongside Katie Couric and Matilda Raffa Cuomo. In 2006, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute highlighted Monica's efforts in the November issue of the HHMI Bulletin.
Monica has an MBA with an emphasis in International Business from the University of Connecticut. She lives in Trumbull, Connecticut with her husband, Pieter, and their three children.