The Cast & Crew
Creating a TV show and podcast is a true team effort, requiring the collaboration of many dedicated individuals behind the scenes. From writers and producers to editors, directors, and on-camera or on-mic talent, each person plays a vital role in bringing the final product to life. Every episode is the result of careful planning, creative input, and technical skill. It’s only through this combined effort that the vision becomes reality. No single person can do it alone—it takes a whole team working in sync to deliver a polished, engaging show. Read about the people that make all of this possible.
Tabatha McGee Executive Producer / Host
As the CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc., Tabatha McGee is a visionary and compassionate leader dedicated to improving the lives of sickle cell warriors and those with other blood disorders. With an unwavering faith, unsurpassed drive and passion for success, Tabatha has taken the foundation to new heights with her innovative leadership, expanding the foundation’s staff and significantly increasing revenue. She also established the Sickle Cell Sanctuary, the nation’s first holistic wellness center for warriors and founded McGee Legacy Studios which produces the "Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain" TV series and its companion "Beyond the Show" Podcast. Tabatha is a driven by her faith and her passion for public service, and continues her commitment to purposeful growth, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy.
Sylvester Darnell Executive Producer / Director
Sylvester Darnell is an award-winning Director and Producer with a passion for meaningful storytelling. From humble beginnings in Ohio to founding From the Ground Up Productions, he has built a diverse body of work spanning commercials, short films, television, and documentaries. Through projects like “Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain” and its companion podcast “Beyond the Show,” Sylvester is committed to amplifying voices, inspiring communities, and leaving a legacy of creativity and empowerment.
Pat St. Claire Writer / Stylist
Pat St. Claire is an award-winning journalist and storyteller. Pat has been awarded the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award and has deep journalism experience across broadcast and print. She’s worn many hats over her career: reporter, anchor, producer, editor, news manager, executive director, and communications strategist. Each role has sharpened her skills and broadened her perspective. She’s a proven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings clarity, creativity and strategy to every project she touches. Script writing and editing are two of her greatest passions—they’re where her love of language meets her instinct for impact.
Alexandra Phillips First Assistant Director
Alexandra is a dynamic force who blends business savvy with creative vision. By day, she drives partnerships and sponsorships as the Business Development Coordinator for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. turning connections into life-changing opportunities for the sickle cell community. On the weekends, she’s behind the scenes as assistant director for the foundation’s new TV series “Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain” and its companion podcast.
Shelby Lin Erdman Writer
Shelby Lin Erdman is an award-winning journalist whose work has been published by dozens of news outlets, including CNN, CBS News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Scripps News and Cox Media. She’s worked in both radio and TV news as an anchor, reporter and producer and has written digital stories focusing on science and the environemnt, health and politics. Shelby is inspired by sickle cell warriors and their journeys. She’s working with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. as a communications specialist and a writer on the foundation’s new TV series “Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain” and its companion podcast “Beyond the Show.”
Blaze Eppinger Host of Behind The Scenes
Blaze Eppinger has “blazed” his own trail as both a creative and a staunch supporter of the sickle cell community. He has over a decade of experience in spoken word, advocacy and program development. He is a dedicated professional, committed to empowering the community. Blaze has served the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. in various capacities, including advocacy and as a transition coordinator. As a patient advocate, he works tirelessly to represent the sickle cell community on local and national levels, fostering self-advocacy and promoting equitable healthcare. Blaze is the host of the popular segment “Did You Know” on the foundation’s new TV series “Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain,” writing, directing and producing the segments.
Lauren Beudin Content Manager
Lauren Beaudin is public health professional with a background in healthcare, advocacy, community outreach and global health initiatives. She is the executive assistant at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. and directly assists the foundation’s CEO Tabatha McGee in advancing awareness and improving the quality of life for sickle cell warriors and the sickle cell community overall. Lauren is dedicated to making a positive impact in improving the lives of underrepresented populations within local and global communities. She is the content manager for “Unveiling Sickle Cell: Beyond the Pain” and it’s companion podcast “Beyond the Show.”
Maria White Tillman Marketing and Communications Director
Maria White Tillman is currently The Director of Marketing and Communications for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, after retiring from a distinguished 32-year career as an award winning broadcast journalist with CNN. She leads a team in creating signature events that elevate the foundation’s brand and advance sickle cell awareness across the state. Her background and experience in journalism and media help her deliver impactful community service and public awareness initiatives for the foundation. She also previously worked as a writer/producer for the Black News Channel and as a reporter and producer for WABE Radio.
DeMya Kelly Personal Assistant
Mya Kelly is an administrative professional and student at Kennesaw State University with experience in executive support, outreach coordination, and event planning. She has worked as a personal assistant at Marvelous Lifestyles, a sales and stock associate at American Eagle, and
currently supports community health initiatives through administrative and outreach work. Mya is passionate about leadership, emotional intelligence, and building positive, collaborative spaces.
Layla Aleem Production Assistant
Layla Aleem is a student at Clark Atlanta University, pursuing a dual degree in Engineering and Computer Science. She currently serves as a Production Assistant for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, where she applies her skills to support impactful community initiatives. With a strong passion for advancing technology, Layla is working toward a career that allows her to leverage her expertise to drive meaningful change in the field.
Tura Raines Assistant
Tura Raines is a dynamic and results-driven executive whose career is defined by hard work, heart, and an unwavering commitment to people. A PMP-certified professional and accomplished entrepreneur, she has built a reputation for blending strategic vision with compassionate leadership. As the executive assistant with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.’s marketing and communications team, Tura leads with dedication and passion and helps guide teams through complex projects and entrepreneurial ventures.