About Us
Our history
In May 2018, founder Sheryl Martin experienced Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Through conversations with many SCAD survivors, she recognized a critical need for psychological support—not only for SCAD survivors but for all women who experience cardiac events. In January 2019, Sheryl launched the virtual International SCAD Stress Management Program in collaboration with Dr. Angela Cassola (PhD in Health & Wellness), followed by the introduction of International Patient Liaison/Support Services just four months later. Her Heart Sounds was officially established in April 2023 in Colorado, with the mission of delivering and implementing comprehensive cardiac support programs, including an in-hospital pilot initiative.
Board of Directors
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Sheryl Martin is a survivor of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), an experience that inspired her to spearhead a research study now in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Gillings School of Global Public Health. She holds an academic background in psychology and has experience in the medical fie
Sheryl Martin is a survivor of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), an experience that inspired her to spearhead a research study now in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Gillings School of Global Public Health. She holds an academic background in psychology and has experience in the medical field, including work as a research assistant. Sheryl is certified in Patient Advocacy and Medical Technology Assessments by the Bocconi School of Management in Rome and holds additional certifications in Psychological First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and Resiliency through the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology program. She has also earned the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Education Certificate. Driven by a deep commitment to improving quality of life and health outcomes, Sheryl is dedicated to supporting women recovering from cardiac events.
Sylvia Ferronyalka
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Sylvia survived SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) in 2023 and benefitted from a Her Heart Sounds program. She is a strategic leadership coach and consultant in Silicon Valley. Sylvia has coached Executives in both small tech start-ups and Fortune 50 companies. Sylvia has a strong record of helping companies transform the cul
Sylvia survived SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) in 2023 and benefitted from a Her Heart Sounds program. She is a strategic leadership coach and consultant in Silicon Valley. Sylvia has coached Executives in both small tech start-ups and Fortune 50 companies. Sylvia has a strong record of helping companies transform the culture to support business strategy and to help executives grow and lead. Sylvia has a B. A. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and is a graduate of CoachU. Since her SCAD, she has been exploring how she can help other executive women get their life back after a cardiac event.
Elizabeth Lawaczeck
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Elizabeth Lawaczeck
Elizabeth is a dedicated Holistic Health Coach with over 20 years in leadership roles in public health combined with over 6 years of experience in wellness, life purpose, career, and spiritual coaching. Proficient in supporting clients in health challenges, career transitions, lifestyle planning, work-life balance, and mindset.
Elizabeth is a dedicated Holistic Health Coach with over 20 years in leadership roles in public health combined with over 6 years of experience in wellness, life purpose, career, and spiritual coaching. Proficient in supporting clients in health challenges, career transitions, lifestyle planning, work-life balance, and mindset. Passionate about improving quality of life AND meditation for overall wellnes. Elizabeth is a SCAD Survivor and brings her expertise in healing to the Board of Directors of Her Heart Sounds.
Sonali Sehgal
Sheryl Martin Founder, Executive Director
Elizabeth Lawaczeck
Sonali Sehgal is a motivated and collaborative fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) in Nutrition, Health, and Society through the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She is also completing minors in Chemistry and Spanish for th
Sonali Sehgal is a motivated and collaborative fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) in Nutrition, Health, and Society through the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She is also completing minors in Chemistry and Spanish for the Medical Profession.. On the pre-medical track with a strong interest in cardiology, Sonali is known for her optimism, dedication, and commitment to teamwork.
Through Gillings, Sonali conducts research on Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) under the mentorship of Dr. Martin and Dr. Meyer. She applies this research to support SCAD survivors through the advocacy group Her Heart Sounds. Beyond research, Sonali serves on the executive board of Camp Kesem at Chapel Hill as a Development Coordinator, helping lead fundraising initiatives for children impacted by a parent’s cancer. She also volunteers as a Spanish medical interpreter at the SHAC clinic in Carrboro, providing clinical support to underserved populations.
In her free time, Sonali enjoys traveling, cooking, watching soccer, and going on walks.
Volunteers
Dr. Angela Casola, SCAD Stress Management Program Collaborator and Consultant
Angela has a PhD in Health Psychology and Preventative Medicine and was a Colorado Metro State University professor for 15 years. Additionally, Angela developed and implemented a successful stress management program for corporate officers.