National Staff

Jay is Kesem's Chief Executive Officer. He is a Kesem parent, former board member, and accomplished business and marketing leader with more than 25 years of industry experience. Jay first became involved with Kesem nine years ago when, after his late wife's passing, he registered his daughter in Kesem’s flagship summer camp program, Camp Kesem, at UC Berkeley. Jay later joined the Kesem National Board of Directors and was appointed Board Chair in 2021. Jay most recently served as the VP of Marketing at Meyer Corporation. Prior to that, he was a marketing leader at The Clorox Company, where he was responsible for identifying, developing, and scaling transformational innovation initiatives for the company. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jay lives in San Francisco with his wife and daughter.

Alex joined the Kesem National team in 2013 as a National Program Director after founding the Michigan State chapter in 2009. She has held various roles on staff, and she currently serves as the Vice President of Operations, overseeing Kesem chapters, summer, and year round operations. She is passionate about providing a safe place for kids to be kids and process the impact of their parent's cancer with others who understand and support them. Alex graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 with a B.S. in Political Science & a B.A. Criminal Justice. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs and enjoys reading, drinking coffee, traveling, and volunteering at a local women's shelter.

Troy "The Burg" Robinson is the Chief Development Officer at Kesem, where he leads national fundraising strategy, major gift development, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement efforts. With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Troy has raised over $1 billion in philanthropic support for mission-driven organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Camp Fire, Rise Against Hunger, and The Trevor Project.

A passionate advocate for equity and impact, Troy is motivated by the belief that every child deserves support, connection, and a sense of belonging, especially in life’s most difficult moments. His work at Kesem allows him to combine purpose and strategy to create lasting change for families impacted by a parent’s cancer. Troy is deeply committed to building inclusive teams, advancing sustainable philanthropy, and mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

He lives with his wife, Torri, and their six children in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Outside work, Troy enjoys coaching youth sports, cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams, and finding joy in family dinners. A fun fact: he once played professional football overseas before realizing his true calling was in service through the nonprofit sector.

Ingrid joined Kesem in 2019 and serves as the Chief Financial Officer overseeing the organization’s finance, talent and systems functions. Ingrid fell in love with working with children as a summer and after-school counselor while an undergraduate in college, creating curriculum and teaching five and six year-olds. After attending law school and working for a law firm, Ingrid continued to work with children, teaching recent immigrant students dance and helping to create curriculum to enhance their understanding of English. Ingrid then went on to work as the Director of Business Affairs for Consumer Digital Services, an internet marketing company, where she was responsible for aspects of the business operations for the organization. Ingrid’s love of children and education propelled her to transfer her business operations and legal skills to serve as the Chief Operating Officer at various non-profit organizations, including 50CAN and Urban Arts Partnership. Ingrid’s responsibilities have included creating and managing the finance, human resources, operations and legal functions of organizations and providing senior leadership. Ingrid holds a B.A. from Harvard College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School and she resides in New York.

Chris is Kesem’s Chief Marketing Officer and Leadership Team member, responsible for all aspects of marketing strategy and execution.

Before Kesem, Chris spent 25 years in brand marketing and general management across a variety of industries at companies like Clorox, Intuit, and Caterpillar–both domestically and internationally. Along the way, Chris helped brands like Clorox, TurboTax, and Glad achieve record marketing ROI’s as well as internal and external industry awards.

As someone who has been personally impacted by the challenges that a cancer diagnosis causes families, he is inspired to help Kesem continually serve more children each year by tapping into his brand and marketing experiences. Chris lives in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with his wife and son, Amy and Soren. Outside of work, he is active in his community, volunteering as a youth soccer coach and as a service member at his church.

Carrie is the Manager of Marketing and Constituent Engagement at Kesem. In her role, she is passionate about bringing the story of Kesem’s impact to life, and connecting Kesem’s community to meaningful engagement opportunities that facilitate brand and organizational growth. Carrie is a graduate from the University of Georgia, where she served as both a Kesem Co-Director and PR & Marketing Coordinator, and earned a degree in public relations and a certificate in new media. As an alumna, she has held positions on the Kesem at the University of Georgia and Kesem at Vanderbilt University Advisory Boards, and has served as both a Camp Advisor and CIT Advisor. Prior to joining Kesem, she served in social media and PR positions for Project 615 and PLA Media in Nashville, Tennessee, where she happily resides today. A fan of compelling stories from all mediums, Carrie spends her free time enjoying live music, seeing the latest movie in theaters, or wrapped up in a great book.

Eliza joined the Kesem team in November 2022 as a Brand and Marketing Assistant. In this role, she supports Kesem’s storytelling through social engagement and creative development. Prior to joining the National Staff, Eliza served as an Alumni, Marketing & PR Coordinator at the University of Georgia chapter for two years, where she discovered her passion for creative marketing. She graduated in 2020 with a degree in Entertainment & Media Studies, and went on to work as a Social Media Manager at a media startup in Atlanta before leaping into freelance work. She has remained involved with Kesem through the years, helping her brother “Alpine” start the Western Carolina University chapter, where she serves on the Advisory Board. Outside of her position, Eliza loves going to concerts with family or getting lost in a fantasy book.

Jess is thrilled to return to Kesem, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership experience with her. Most recently, Jess has led fundraising, PR, and marketing projects as a consultant for Texas-based artists and arts organizations. Jess was previously on Kesem staff from 2016 to 2022, and during this time she played a key role in alumni strategy, constituent experience, new program exploration, partnership development, and more. A founding member of Kesem’s Alumni Leadership Board, Jess has been involved with Kesem in various capacities since 2009. Jess earned her Masters in Nonprofit Organization Management from the University of Georgia, where she also founded the school’s Kesem chapter. Jess lives in Austin with her husband, daughter, and dog —all of whom love tacos, the local farmers market, and any excuse for a costume party.

Sarah is Kesem's Interim Chief Development Officer, partnering with leadership to advance organizational goals and deepen donor impact. A Certified Fundraising Executive, she brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience in major gifts, grant writing, and donor relations, with a focus on advancing health-related causes, especially cancer research. Sarah has worked with organizations like The American Cancer Society and The ALS Association, helping secure multimillion-dollar gifts to fund research and mission-driven initiatives. Known for her innovative strategies and collaborative leadership, she has made a lasting impact on the causes she supports. Sarah is a graduate of he University of Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies. Originally from Central Kentucky, she now lives near Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and two dogs. She is the proud mom of Ella, a social worker, and Haden, a Media and Film Production student. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and traveling, finding both relaxation and inspiration in the journey.

Trish brings more than 25 years of experience in building revenue-generating and awareness-building strategic brand partnerships. In her role as Manager of Corporate giving, Trish is responsible for developing and stewarding corporate relationships through grants, event sponsorships, employee engagement initiatives, and cause marketing campaigns. After more than 20 years in the advertising industry as a media strategist, Trish transitioned into the nonprofit sector managing corporate partnerships for national nonprofits Best Friends Animal Society and One Warm Coat. Trish is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she majored in Communications/Advertising. A lifelong Chicagoan, she now resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Outside of work, you can find Trish hiking with Dottie, her rescue dog, practicing pottery, or enjoying the winter months on the ski slopes.

Shelley serves as Kesem’s Manager of Donor Engagement and Special Events, overseeing the organization’s four national Magic Ball galas in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston, as well as all donor stewardship associated with these events. With more than a decade of experience in fund development, she brings extensive expertise in high-profile events, corporate partnerships, and major gift cultivation.

Prior to joining Kesem, Shelley served as the National Manager of Distinguished Events at the ALS Association, where she guided the strategy and execution of the organization’s national signature events, contributing to record-breaking growth and success.

She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, on her family’s farm with her husband, two daughters, dogs, and horses. In her free time, Shelley enjoys spending time outdoors, live music, traveling, and relaxing on the beautiful Carolina coast.

Shane joined the Kesem National team as a Regional Program Coordinator in 2019 and moved into the Senior Regional Program Coordinator role in 2021. Shane first became involved with Camp Kesem as an inaugural member of the University of Kansas's chapter in 2016. During his time at the University of Kansas, Shane served as a counselor, Outreach Coordinator, Co-Director, and Advisory Board Member. Shane graduated from the University of Kansas in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Relations. Upon graduating from the University of Kansas, he worked for the International Relations Council as the Membership Consultant and Assistant. Outside of work, Shane enjoys CrossFit, hiking, hammocking, and other outdoor adventures. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Shane now resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bree brings 10+ years of nonprofit experience to Kesem. As Data and Campaign Manager, Bree is the Development team's primary Classy and Salesforce expert, and participates in local and national conferences for these nonprofit software tools. Bree also leads Kesem's key fundraising campaigns including annual giving appeals like Giving Tuesday as well as marathons and fitness challenges through Team Kesem. Bree loves seeing the power of grassroots fundraising put into action through Kesem’s individual giving campaigns, which show how donations big and small join together to have a huge impact. Hobbies include exploring new hiking trails and doing puzzles with cat Sophie. A fun fact: Bree has lived in seven different cities and three time zones. Prior to joining Camp Kesem in 2015, Bree specialized in event management, donor engagement, and capacity building at youth-focused organizations including the Austin Children's Shelter and Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County. Bree holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration from the University of Baltimore.

Marisa joined Kesem in 2024 as Development Coordinator and assists in annual giving, major gifts, and support of all revenue streams. Prior to working with Kesem, Marisa lived in Kolkata, India and Nepal, working with grassroots organizations and Her Future Coalition to organize and implement educational programs to support women and children rescued and rehabilitated from trafficking and gender-based violence. Additionally, in her mission to provide community-centered holistic health, she was also a small business owner, operating a yoga and wellness studio in Charleston, SC. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling the world, reading and yoga

Lauren is Kesem’s Manager, Foundation Relations, developing and stewarding relationships with foundation funders and managing grant requests to support Kesem’s mission. She brings more than 10 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising for several nonprofit organizations across Alabama, Georgia, and Colorado. Her previous success includes securing grant funding for a multi-million dollar capital project and increasing grant revenue by nearly 20% to meet strategic goals. Lauren is passionate about sharing the stories of Kesem children and families with funders and developing connections to support Kesem’s growth.

She lives in Denver, CO with her husband and dog, Breck – affectionately named after Lauren’s outdoor wedding during the middle of a blizzard on the ski slopes of Breckenridge! She loves exploring Colorado’s trails whether she’s hiking, running, or skiing, but you can also find her diving into the latest bestselling thriller or rom-com novel or on her never-ending quest to find the best Mexican food in the greater Denver area.

Liz is Kesem’s Manager of Talent & Human Resources. In her role she is able to utilize her skills and passion for supporting the incredible Kesem National staff to help fulfill Kesem’s mission. Liz started her adventure with Kesem when she helped found Camp Kesem at Indiana University in 2004 and served as a coordinator, Director, and intern with Camp Kesem National throughout her college career. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a minor in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management, Liz’s extensive background working with children in the camp setting made her a firm believer in the positive transformational power of summer camp and she knew her time with Kesem could not come to an end. Liz joined the Kesem National team in 2008 and has held several roles in her time here: National Program Director, Senior Program Director, Manager of Programs, and Senior Manager of Programs. In 2019, Liz became Kesem’s HR department of one and received her SHRM (the Society of Human Resource Management) certification. In her spare time, Liz loves nature, live music, and spending time with her family and friends. Liz has lived in Colorado and Florida and now resides back in her hometown outside of Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, 2 little boys, and 2 cats.

Alexis joined Kesem as the Finance and Administration Coordinator in 2021. In this role, she manages and operates Kesem’s financial systems. Alexis has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and has previous accounting experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Alexis is very passionate about the opportunities that Kesem provides to its campers and their families, and how much of a difference a support system can make in regards to mental health. Alexis lives in Danville, IN with her husband, dog, and two cats. She enjoys spending her free time doing crafts and puzzles.

Naomi joined Kesem in 2019. Prior to joining Kesem, Naomi was a Program Assistant at The Jewish Federation and a Development Assistant at the Children’s Museum of Arts in New York. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art History at University of Southern California. She’s lived in New York and San Francisco, but currently resides in her hometown of Los Angeles.

Lilly is the Finance and Administration Coordinator at Kesem. In this role, she supports the operations and management of Kesem's financial systems. Lilly graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Health Sciences. While at The Ohio State University, Lilly served as a Kesem chapter Development coordinator and co-Director. Lilly finds motivation in Kesem through the tangible impact Kesem has on the lives of children and their families. In her free time, Lilly enjoys spending time with family and friends. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her boyfriend. 

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Mackenzie is the Manager of Data & Systems at Kesem, where she supports the organization’s growth through thoughtful management of systems, data, and technology. She’s passionate about using data-driven insights and creative problem-solving to help advance Kesem’s mission.

Mackenzie’s Kesem journey began in 2013 as a student leader. After earning a B.A. in English from St. Louis University, she joined Kesem’s staff as a Program Coordinator and later served as a Manager of Programs. Before returning to Kesem, she held roles at Gallup and Boys Town, building expertise in project and process management, survey research, and crisis intervention.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys running, reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors with her two dogs. She currently resides in Nebraska.

Anne joined the Kesem National Staff in July 2023 and serves as a Program Coordinator. She first became involved with Kesem in 2018 at the Saint Louis University chapter, where she served for two years as their Development Coordinator and one-year as Director. Most recently, Anne has also served as the Outreach Coordinator for the New York University chapter, the Hotline and Risk Support Intern for Kesem Nationals, and a Camp Advisor. She is most looking forward to working with the next group of student leaders and creating a more inclusive and magical space for all involved. Anne graduated from Saint Louis University in 2022 with a dual B.A. in Chemistry and Bioethics & Health Studies. In 2023, she graduated from New York University with an M.A. in Bioethics. In her free time she enjoys baking, watching true crime documentaries, and seeing local theater productions. She resides in Wheaton, Illinois with her two rescue dogs.

Mallory is the Operations Coordinator at Kesem. She supports program operations nationwide by working collaboratively with the operations teams to ensure compliance and effective volunteer recruitment and management. She also creates resources to aid in these tasks! Mallory started with Kesem National in April of 2024 after having her son. Before this, she obtained her Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Spanish from Augustana College. Following her schooling, she worked as a virtual world therapist for a community mental health agency in Missouri. Mallory has been part of the Kesem Family since her time at Augie, where she served as the operations and committee coordinator, which have prepared her for her current role. She is passionate about the Kesem mission and desires to expand Kesem's reach to meet the needs of all who need to feel the magic. Mallory currently lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, son, and 2 kitties. She loves walking around the city and is working towards her Pilates Instructor certification.

Brooke joined the Kesem National in July 2024 and serves as a Regional Program Coordinator. She oversees the Northern California region where she assists volunteers in developing engaging, inclusive, and a fun-loving environment. Prior to that, Brooke served different roles in the teaching community such as teacher, coach, and mentor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Education with a comprehensive degree in Early Childhood Education. While at Wayne State, Brooke created and managed the Love Your Melon crew, coached at the high school and collegiate level, and served as a staff member at Mid American Pompon mentoring middle and high school athletes. Brooke is passionate about Kesem’s mission and magic it creates for campers and their families as it relates to her own experiences and commitment to supporting children and families affected by a parent's cancer. She currently lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and her dog Rusty Rodeo! In her spare time she loves to travel, listen to music, spend time with friends and family, and walk around the city. 

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Jillian is a Regional Program Coordinator at Kesem. She first got involved with Kesem in 2018 at Indiana State University, where she served as an AMP Coordinator, Counselor, and MTM Coordinator. Outside of Kesem, Jillian played and sang in music ensembles on campus, was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, and worked at the on campus radio station all four years. After graduating from Indiana State in 2021 with a degree in Communication, she started working in their Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor, and eventually moved into the Admissions Event Coordinator role, where she enjoyed the opportunity to lead and mentor student staff. Jillian looks forward to connecting with her chapters and helping student leaders achieve their goals and create amazing programming. She hopes to use her background in higher ed to help her chapters with recruitment and navigating any challenges they may come across. In her free time, Jillian loves to bake, travel, crochet, play piano, volunteer at her local Humane Society, and go to trivia with her friends!

Keandra is a Manager, Programs at Kesem. She joined the National staff in 2017 after serving as a student leader at the California State University, Fresno. Keandra is passionate about bringing people together to build a supportive and loving community. She graduated from Fresno State in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts in Family and Consumer Science currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Keandra is currently working on her Masters in Social Work at the University of Southern California. In her spare time she enjoys exploring the city with her friends, attending sporting events, and traveling to California to visit her family.

Elijah is the Operations Data Coordinator at Kesem. In this role, he handles improving the integrity, efficiency, and use of data within Kesem's internal systems.

Prior to joining Kesem, Elijah spent three years working in a similar role for a telecommunications company. Elijah holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and is finishing a Master's program studying Computer Information Systems from Colorado State University, specializing in Business Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

Elijah believes that the future is determined by the investment made into the youth of today, who will soon grow to rule "tomorrow." Elijah is passionate about utilizing his skill set to help contribute to a better future for those to come. In his spare time, Elijah enjoys his family, playing multiple instruments, being in nature, following sports, and reading. He resides in Clinton, TN, with his spouse and dog.

Ariana joined the Kesem National team in 2022 as a Regional Program Coordinator. Ariana first got involved with Kesem in 2017 at the University of Texas at Austin where she served as a camp counselor and unit leader. Since then, she has volunteered as a Camp Advisor and Hotline Operator. Ariana graduated from the University of Texas in 2019 with a B.S.A. in Biochemistry, a minor in French, and a concentration in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Last year, she earned a Health Equity and Biomedical Sciences certificate from Baylor College of Medicine. Ariana is passionate about Kesem and hopes to encourage growth and development in the student leaders and to continue to expand the inclusive and supportive Kesem community. She currently lives in Houston, Texas. In her free time, Ariana enjoys baking, podcasts, and outdoor adventures!

Kendall joined the Kesem National team as a Regional Program Coordinator in 2016. Kendall first became involved with Camp Kesem at Indiana University as a student leader after losing her mom to breast cancer. In her current role of Manager, Programs, Kendall manages 4 Program Coordinators and the Manager of Chapter Expansion. She currently resides in Chicago, IL with her husband, where she enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, and taking their dog, Jovie, on long walks around the city.

Courtney “Gecko” Whitcher is the Regional Development Manager for Kesem’s Midwest chapters. In this role, she supports revenue development for the 30 Kesem chapters in the region. She first found Kesem at the University of Michigan, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. At UM, she served as a camp counselor all four years, Outreach Coordinator for two, and a Co-Director her final year. She also acted as a Junior Camp Advisor for Washington University’s first-ever Camp Kesem sessioin.

After college, Courtney pursued a Master’s and Ph.D. degree and acted as a Research Scientist studying the evolution of biofluorescent frogs. During that time, she also designed and developed a community science and educational resource called "Finding Fluorescence." Courtney’s passion lies in connecting with her community. From showing kids the glowing world in their backyard to the over 9000 hours she spent as a student volunteer with Kesem, her favorite part of the job is the opportunity to share with others the magic of fun, awe, and connection.

This love of being involved in her community extends beyond work, where Courtney plays in pickleball and volleyball leagues, takes pottery classes at the art center, and plays her saxophone in the community concert band.

Ava “Pistachio” Fulweber first joined Kesem in 2018 at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California where she was a counselor for 4 years as well as serving as operations coordinator and 2 time director. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelors in Marketing from the Leavey School of Business. Ava is overseeing the Rebuild Region, supporting chapters who need a little help getting back on their feet. During her time at Santa Clara she was involved with the Ignatian Center where she supported Immersion trips focused on being in solidarity with various social justice issues, with a focus on the housing crisis in America. With that she developed working relationships with various partner organizations and with students attending and leading the trips. Ava enjoys traveling with her family and is only 10 states short from visiting all 50!

Comet is a Regional Program Coordinator at Kesem. In this role, she oversees the Greater Ohio region and helps support volunteers to create fun, inclusive, and equitable year round programming. Prior to that, she spent four years teaching third grade in Detroit, MI. Comet graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Elementary Education, and recently obtained a masters in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership. While at Michigan State, Comet volunteered as a Co-Director and coordinator, after originally discovering Kesem as a camper. Comet is passionate about Kesem's impact and the magic chapters are able to create for campers and families alike and she enjoys working with volunteers to create this. In her spare time, Comet loves being outside, tending to her growing collection of plants, and working out. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI with her dog and boyfriend.

Brittani joined the Kesem National team in 2017. She first became involved with Camp Kesem in 2012 as a student leader at Brigham Young University. Brittani loves empowering our student leaders and alumni to carry out the magic of Kesem in their communities and is continually blown away by the dedication of Kesem's volunteers. She is passionate about intentional and safe programming that leads to transformative experiences. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Nonprofit Management. Brittani currently resides in the Greater Salt Lake area with her husband and son, where she enjoys eating at restaurants around the valley, frequenting drive-thru soda shops, tastin new oreo flavors, and exploring Utah’s natural beauty.

Travis is the Manager of Policy and Compliance at Kesem. In this role, he oversees Kesem’s policies for volunteers and participants, organizational standards, university relationships, and state licensing. Travis has been with the company for 3 years. Prior to that, he spent 6 years leading professional training seminars for professionals in human services. Travis graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Sciences, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a M.A. in Clinical Forensic Psychology. Travis has spoken at the American Camp Association’s Tri-State Conference, leading two sessions regarding policy writing, and navigating difficult conversations. Throughout his career, Travis has helped a variety of organizations review and update their policies and procedures in order to enhance their risk management strategies. As a former Kesem student leader and Mental Health Professional, Travis is passionate about Kesem’s mission and enjoys working to support the organization’s risk management approaches. Outside of work, Travis enjoys running (and has completed 18 marathons), traveling, visiting national parks, and finding bison wherever he goes. Travis lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Derek is the Director of Partnerships at Kesem, where he brings creativity and connection to the forefront of his work. With a background in nonprofit leadership, project management, and nearly a decade in higher education supporting college students’ success, he thrives in building meaningful relationships and finding innovative ways to expand Kesem’s impact through new and existing partnerships. Before joining Kesem, Derek worked at the American Cancer Society, leading guest services and driving national process improvement initiatives. His career has always centered on helping people navigate challenging moments, whether through ensuring a family’s safe place to heal, designing student support programs, or streamlining operations to make services more accessible. Derek believes most things in life can be overcome with kindness, effort, and a commitment to taking care of one another. For him, it’s a privilege to do this work, knowing that small moments of care can change the trajectory of a family's life. Originally from New York, Derek now calls Nashville home, where he loves exploring new hikes, capturing moments on film, discovering fun restaurants, and spending time with his spouse and their three cats—Scary, Ravioli, and Baby Winnie.

Gabe is a Regional Program Coordinator for Kesem. In this role he supports 10 Kesem Chapters in the Midwest region. Gabe has been with Kesem for 7 years starting in undergrad at the University of Michigan. Gabe graduated from U of M with a Bachelor of General Studies which allowed him to focus on Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science, and Computer Science. In his free time, Gabe loves cooking for friends and family, spending time outdoors hiking, camping and playing sports, and playing with his dog, Zoe. He also has experience as a line cook in an award winning vegan restaurant and as a production bread baker. Gabe hopes to use his broad Kesem experience to empower student leaders to build strong, resilient, and welcoming Kesem chapters.

Tara is a Regional Program Coordinator for Kesem, overseeing the Southwest region. She became involved with Kesem at the Dartmouth college chapter, where she served for two years as a Volunteer Coordinator and Counselor. Tara graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Spanish. Beyond Kesem, she was involved in Dartmouth EMS during college, providing free emergency medical services to her campus population. Tara is passionate about creating magical experiences to support kids who are dealing with the big emotions surrounding a parent's cancer diagnosis – emotions that she experienced at age thirteen when her dad was diagnosed with cancer. She currently resides in Massachusetts, where she grew up. In her free time, Tara enjoys horseback riding, volunteering at an organization that works with children who have special needs, and spending time with those close to her.

Kalie joined the Kesem National team in 2022 as a Regional Program Coordinator for the New England region. A former “camp kid”, Kalie is excited to renew her passion for the transformational nature of camp within this position. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington where she studied Sociology, African American Studies, and History. An advocate for public service, Kalie served a term with AmeriCorps as VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) on the near eastside of Indianapolis where she gained valuable project management, volunteer coordination, and community development experience. She currently resides in her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana where she enjoys buying more books then she could ever read, drinking copious amounts of iced coffee, and exploring the city.

Ciara joined the Kesem National staff in 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Operations, overseeing the design, development, and evaluation of chapter curriculum and related training programs to support each of our Kesem chapters. She first got involved with Camp Kesem in 2012 as a camp counselor at the University of Florida. A lifelong camp enthusiast, Ciara was drawn to Camp Kesem because of the organization’s emphasis on community support and the transformative power of play. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of the Arts in English and a minor in Women’s Studies. She currently resides in Brunswick, Maine and is a big fan of snow days.

Chandler joined the Kesem National team in 2021 as Operations Coordinator. Prior to coming onboard, Chandler got involved with Camp Kesem in 2016 as a counselor for Camp Kesem at George Washington University. Chandler has held many different roles within her local chapter of the organization, including Unit Leader, Development Coordinator, and Family Outreach Coordinator. A long time believer in the transformative power of community, Chandler was drawn to Kesem by the organization's ability to build spaces that emphasize growth, connection, and authenticity. Chandler graduated from George Washington University with a dual degree in Public Health and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in 2019, and lives in Washington, D.C. Prior to working for Kesem National, Chandler worked as a full-time Domestic Violence Advocate, providing case management and advocacy for high-risk domestic violence survivors.

Gabbi joined the Kesem National Staff as a Regional Program Coordinator in 2022. She first became involved with Camp Kesem while attending Michigan State University, and served as an Outreach/ TLP Coordinator during her time as a student. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science. Since graduating, she has served as a Camp Advisor, TLP Advisor,  Advisory Board Member, and other various volunteer positions within the organization. She has served as the Chapter Resource Document Intern, Summit Event Experience Intern, Development Intern, Kesem at Home Intern, and Chapter Expansion Intern for Kesem National. Gabbi previously served as the Partnership Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, helping to recruit mentors and plan events through community partnerships. She currently resides in Livonia, Michigan and enjoys spending time with her family, working on projects on her house, and serving as Head Coach for the Michigan State University Pompon Team. She is so excited to continue to further Kesem's mission by supporting and motivating the amazing student leaders of Kesem!

Brady joined the Kesem National staff in 2022 as a Regional Program Coordinator. He first became involved with Kesem at the West Virginia University chapter, where he served as an Outreach Coordinator for one year and Co-Director for two years. Brady also served as a Camp Advisor, Camp Prep Volunteer, Kesem Ambassador, and as a member of the National Student Panel. He graduated from West Virginia University in 2020 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in biology. After graduation, he worked as a behavior specialist, where he supported children through behavioral and social/emotional challenges in the Appalachian Region. In his free time, Brady enjoys running, playing volleyball, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Megan joined the Kesem Nationals staff in 2022 as a Regional Program Coordinator. She first became involved with Kesem at the Central Pennsylvania chapter, serving as a counselor and general body member. Megan has also served as a Camp Advisor and National Leadership Summit Intern. She looks forward to creating a space of encouragement and growth for student leaders. Megan graduated from Penn State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Athletic Training. After graduation, she worked as a Medical Assistant serving children and families in the central Pennsylvania area. In her free time, Megan enjoys exercising, traveling, watching sports, and is on a mission to find the greatest sunset in the world.

Luke joined the Kesem National team as a Regional Program Coordinator in 2024. He began volunteering with Kesem in his first year at Boston University, serving as a counselor for Camp Kesem at BU. Throughout the following years, Luke served in a number of roles within the chapter, including the Volunteer Coordinator and Chapter Director, and outside of the chapter as a Camp Advisor and Advisory Board member for NYU. Luke has his Bachelor's in History, with a special interest in the classics and the Civil Rights Era. Since graduating, Luke has stayed in the youth development and camp space, and brings the knowledge gained from these experiences with him to this role. Originally from Connecticut, Luke currently resides in New York, NY. In his personal life, Luke is a big fan of board games and trivia, coffee, film and television, and spending time with friends and family. Luke is very excited to be a part of the amazing team at Kesem.

Molly joined the Kesem National team in 2021 as a Regional Program Coordinator. Molly first got her start in summer camp and non-profit work in 2015 with YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln. Over the years, Molly has had extensive experience in youth development and social work within the YMCA and Scouts BSA, as well as corporate and social event planning with Marriott International. She received her degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism and Child Psychology from Western Illinois University and is so excited to be on a team of passionate and selfless individuals! Molly currently resides with her partner and 2 dogs in Rock Island, Illinois, local to where she grew up. In her free time she can be found outside, spending time with her pups, Smitty and Deandra or listening to live, local music!

Makayla is a first-year Program Coordinator at Kesem. In this role, she supports the planning, execution, and growth of programs at Universities across her region. She focuses on aligning teams, optimizing operations, and ensuring consistent performance. With a passion for people and process, Makayla brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership to her role, with direct experience as a previous chapter director.

Makayla holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Alabama. Before stepping into her current position, she spent four years working in business operations and people leadership for an athletic wear company, where she developed a strong foundation in team development, customer experience, and operational excellence. She is driven by Kesem's mission and her desire to foster strong and meaningful relationships while creating a safe, warm community environment.

Makayla resides in Orlando, Florida, where outside of work, she enjoys reading, visiting theme parks, and spending quality time with family, friends, and her pets.

Mili Aggarwal works at Meta as Manager, Technical Program Management for the Virtual Reality division within Meta’s Reality Labs. Mili and her team is responsible for defining and overseeing the release management process for Quests headsets. Mili ensures the users receive a reliable and efficient new experience with innovative hardware. Mili brings a diverse and accomplished background in Technical program management, Business Analysis, and Engineering across various industries. Prior to Meta, Mili’s career spanned various leadership positions, including overseeing the Technical Program Management team for Peloton’s Cardio portfolio, leveraging her analytical skills at JP Morgan Chase as a Business Analyst, and applying her engineering expertise as a Computer Science Engineer at Sapient. Mili holds an MBA in Finance & Marketing alongside a Computer Science Engineering degree, both earned in India. Mili currently resides in New Jersey with her son, Vihaan. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mili finds solace in reading, invigorating morning walks, exploring new destinations, and witnessing her son’s passion for music through his guitar

Rachel Goodlad is a trailblazer in education, artificial intelligence, and philanthropy, committed to driving transformative change across industries. As Head of Alpha Micro Schools, she is leading the nationwide expansion of the Alpha School model, utilizing AI to revolutionize personalized education and prepare students with life skills while achieving exceptional academic outcomes. Rachel is a founding board member of the Cancer Support Network, where cutting-edge technology is used to improve resources and outcomes for cancer patients and caregivers. She advises the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, one of the nation’s leading facilities providing comprehensive support to families through every stage of the cancer journey.

Rachel’s philanthropic leadership extends to the national board of Wonders & Worries, an organization dedicated to supporting children navigating a parent’s serious illness. She contributes her expertise to the National Parent Council of Kesem and the advisory board for the Kesem chapter at Rice University, reflecting her deep personal and professional commitment to families affected by cancer. Rachel resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with her two children, Fitz and Quinn, who are proud campers at Kesem at Rice University.

Justin Shakespeare is currently Vice President, Global Commercial Head of Oncology at Gilead Sciences, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Foster City, CA. With more than 25 years of pharmaceutical and biotech experience, Justin is an accomplished commercial leader with broad experience leading the commercialization of biopharma brands, from blockbusters brands to treatments for rare, orphan diseases. Justin has spent 15 years working in the oncology space, dedicated to advancing the development of therapies that could help bring more life to people with cancer. Prior to Gilead, Justin served in various commercial roles at Amgen and Merck. Justin lives in Thousand Oaks, CA with his wife Sarah and their three children, Colin, Griffin and Libby.

is a Managing Director of Customer Experience within Digital Marketing at Nuveen. She led the initiative to redesign their retail website in addition to ensuring everything done across digital marketing is hyper focused on addressing customer needs. Neha has over 20 years of experience building teams and collaborating to build world class customer experiences with a deep expertise in consumer research, competitive analysis, and digital strategy. Prior to joining Nuveen, Neha has had leadership roles at Discover Financial Services, TripAdvisor and spent 12 years managing the customer research group at Fidelity Investments. Neha has a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a double major in Finance and Information Systems. She currently lives in Wilmette with her two children who are both enthusiastic campers at Camp Kesem Northwestern.

Sam Dorison is a national expert in artificial intelligence strategy and product deployment. He is the Cofounder and CEO at ReflexAI, a venture-backed technology company that brings AI-powered tools to emergency dispatch, crisis response, and healthcare organizations. Before launching ReflexAI, he served as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at The Trevor Project, where his team’s work was recognized on TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2021. Sam previously worked at McKinsey & Company in Washington, DC, and at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University. He also holds an LLM from Cambridge University and an MSc from University College London, both as a Marshall Scholar. In addition to his involvement with Kesem, Sam is a supporter of the cancer research community as a long-time participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge. He lives in New York City with his husband.

Betina Evancha loves working with hardware, software and product teams and how they can impact the everyday lives of real people. She is currently the VP of Product Strategy at Peloton, focused on Product Strategy across Peloton’s hardware and software product lines. Betina is responsible for scaling and coaching the Product Management, Analytics, and Research teams, driving the overall product strategy, and advocating for member-focused decision-making at all levels of the organization. Before Peloton, Betina worked in Product at Noom and received Honors in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University. When not thinking about product, Betina loves running, cooking with her husband Dan and building elaborate block structures for her son Adam to knock down.

Allie Gregorian is Chief Alliance Officer at Fogarty Innovation, a non-profit educational incubator focused on early-stage medical technology innovation. With a background spanning nearly two decades in hands-on experience and leadership, Allie played a pivotal role in driving fundraising initiatives for prestigious institutions such as Stanford Medicine, Stanford Health Care, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her unwavering commitment to mission-driven organizations has been key in securing transformative funding, propelling the advancement of cutting-edge research centers and programs.

Known for blending strategic vision with practical execution, Allie is recognized for her adeptness in cultivating meaningful partnerships that yield tangible, high-quality outcomes. Beyond her professional commitments, Allie served on the board of Gabriel’s Angels, an organization dedicated to pet therapy for at-risk youth. Additionally, her teaching contribution to Liberian refugee children in transitional housing was recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “best programs to help save Arizona’s youth.”  

Allie earned her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Arizona and happily resides in Saratoga with her husband, two boys, and their ridgeback.

is currently the Senior Business Director for Bristol Myers Squibb, a leading worldwide oncology company based out of Princeton, NJ, bringing novel, therapeutic Immuno-Oncology products to cancer patients. Matt started his 25-year career in pharmaceuticals with Abbott Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Abbott Park, IL, holding various roles in Sales, Marketing, and Pricing. After nine years at Abbott, Matt moved west to join Amgen, a leading biotech company based in Thousand Oaks, CA, in 2001 and held many commercial senior roles in Sales, Marketing, Pricing, Operations, and Learning and Development. After 13 years at Amgen, he left Amgen to join Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, a small, rare-disease hematology company to become the Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Training. Matt graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BBA in Finance and hails from Chagrin Falls, OH. He currently resides in Thousand Oaks, CA with his wife, Sharon, and three children, Brookelyn, Braden, and Brittan. He enjoys many hobbies, including playing and coaching basketball and soccer, avidly cheering for Notre Dame and Cleveland Teams.

Pamela is a business leader, a leadership development practitioner, a strategic consultant, an executive coach and a Professor.  Currently, she is a founding member of The Longbridge Collective LLC, whose mission is to create just, inclusive and healthy workplace environments.  Pamela’s endless energy and deep expertise has made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the areas of leadership development, organization development, culture change, and diversity, equity and inclusion topics. Pamela holds a PhD and MA from Fielding Graduate University in the School of Human & Organization Development. When she isn’t consulting or teaching, she can be found on the hiking trails with her partner and their dogs, on a pickleball court or traveling around the globe.  Pamela’s daughter, “Giggles” (a former Kesem camper), is now a counselor at the University of Oregon.

has been dean of the University of Texas at Austin School of Undergraduate Studies since 2013, after serving on the Task Force on Curricular Reform that led to the creation of the school. He previously chaired UT's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and served as the director for the Texas Institute for Drug and Diagnostic Development. Brent is best known for developing a cure for late-stage anthrax infection. He holds the Warren J. and Viola Mae Raymer Professorship and teaches an immensely popular two-semester sequence of organic chemistry while also running an active research program. He has won numerous teaching awards and is currently president of the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Iverson received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Stanford University in 1982 and a PhD in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1987.

combines his extensive legal background with a unique blend of top-level business experience, with over 30 years of executive work in business, law, private equity, venture capital, and technology. Currently, Jerry is working with several Israeli companies developing novel treatments for cancer, insomnia, and other conditions, and is Of Counsel at the law firm of Glaser Weil. Jerry rejoined Glaser Weil after working at Marlin Equity Partners, a global investment firm with over $7.6 Billion of capital under management. Jerry served as the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and General Counsel, where his primary responsibilities included overseeing all operations, finances, legal and administrative matters for the Marlin funds. Prior to leaving Glaser Weil, Jerry was a Partner and one of the lead attorneys representing MGM in all aspects of the development of Project City Center, a $9 billion, 18 million square-foot development on the Las Vegas Strip, one of the largest privately funded developments in the history of the United States. Jerry received his bachelor of science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas Undergraduate School of Business, and his law degree, cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Mary is Founder and Principal of Kohler Health Law, PC. As a long-time biopharma executive, she has helped bring several life-saving therapies to market. She led law support for oncology products, market access and government affairs at both GlaxoSmithKline and Amgen. She also launched and led Amgen’s ethics and compliance program. She now brings her 25+ years of industry experience to help small companies navigate legal issues with simple, practical solutions that work for their business. Mary lives in Thousand Oaks, CA. She enjoys writing, traveling with her family, hiking and cooking BIG!

has been a commercial real estate lawyer for over 30 years and has been involved in large and sophisticated real estate projects in Southern California and throughout the United States. He represents real estate investors, developers, lenders and developers, and entertainment media companies for whom he has negotiated high-profile facility and venue agreements, and major corporations relocating their headquarters or developing new facilities from the ground up. Rob has a law degree from the University of California Berkeley and an undergraduate degree from UCLA. He is the managing partner of Advisors, LLP, a corporate and real estate transactional law firm which he co-founded in 2000 and was previously a partner at the law firm of Hill Wynne Troop & Meisinger. Rob lives in Brentwood, California with his two children.

Anne Marie Robertson is a Biotech launch expert with more than 20 years experience in US and Global Oncology product launch and global commercialization. Anne Marie has a successful track record of developing assets and creating science based product differentiation. Anne Marie has led New Product Planning and Marketing teams in large Pharma (BMS and Pfizer) as well as Biotech (OSI, ImClone, Helsinn and Ipsen).  She has worked on targeted therapies like Sutent and Tarceva as well as monoclonal antibodies like Erbitux and a variety of chemotherapies. Anne Marie builds integrated teams and is passionate about patients. Anne Marie has a M.B.A. in Marketing and a B.S. in Biology and teaches Brand Strategy and Global Marketing at Drew University. Early in her career Anne Marie was a pathology technician, has held various sales roles at BMS Oncology, and volunteered for the US Peace Corps as a teacher in the Congo.

Bethany Schwartz is a Manager in HR Large Enterprise at Gartner, where she and her team serve CHROs and their leaders in making actionable, objective decisions to drive business results and improve employee outcomes. Prior to her time at Gartner, she served over a decade in leadership roles at a global agency across client services, business development/sales, and analytics. Bethany was a founding member and leader of Kesem at UC Berkeley, and since that time has served in numerous volunteer positions for Kesem, from Co-President of the Alumni Leadership Board to camp advisor and advisory board member. Bethany lives in Los Angeles with her husband Bryan, also an active volunteer for Camp Kesem, and their daughter Hannah.

is an executive coach, attorney, and CPA. Chris' executive legal and business experience includes multiple senior-level roles and participation on numerous senior leadership teams in health care. Her experience includes serving as Vice President and Division General Counsel to Bausch & Lomb's Surgical Division; Senior Counsel and senior leadership team member to Baxter International's BioScience Division; Assistant Corporate Secretary and Senior Counsel to Brunswick Corporation and Assistant Regional Director of the SEC's Enforcement Division. Chris is a former member of Camp Kesem's UC Irvine Board of Advisors and an 18-year breast cancer survivor.

Pamela Tom is the founder of HPVANDME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education about HPV cancers, specifically HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Pamela launched the multimedia news site after her husband was diagnosed with HPV throat cancer—now the #1 HPV+ cancer in the US, surpassing incidents of cervical cancer. She has also established global partners to help support cancer survivors. Prior to that, Pamela worked as a broadcast journalist, at KGO-TV and KPIX-TV in San Francisco, CA. Pamela’s work as a field reporter formed the foundation for her deep empathy and commitment to help others. Pamela earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of California, Berkeley.

developed the vision for the first Camp Kesem Chapter at Stanford University in 2000 and pursued national expansion of the program in 2002 after recognizing a nationwide need for Camp Kesem. She served as CEO of Kesem from 2000-2006 and has served on the National Board of Directors since that time. Iris holds a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Following her MBA, Iris worked in marketing research at The Clorox Company for eight years. She is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of iDENTICAL, a company that is revolutionizing tooth replacement worldwide through developing a drill-free dental implant. Iris lives in Walnut Creek, California, with her husband and three children.

is a founding partner of Williams Simons & Landis, a boutique trial firm that prepares and tries commercial disputes for clients around the world. He previously led the worldwide IP litigation practices at the Akin Gump and Vinson & Elkins law firms. Fred’s practice focuses on complex litigation and counseling, with emphasis on intellectual property, antitrust, class action and white-collar disputes. He also maintains an active pro bono practice focused on civil rights and consumer-protection litigation. Fred received a B.A. in Economics from BYU and a JD in Law, also from BYU. Fred resides in Austin, Texas, and his three adult children all attended Camp Kesem Texas A&M as campers and have served as Kesem student leaders in the years since.

Robyn “Donut” Doughty is honored to join the Kesem National Board in support of children everywhere navigating a parent’s cancer. Her introduction to Kesem began as a camper parent in 2015. Her involvement with the organization evolved to Chapter Advisory Board member (UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz), Make the Magic speaker, and overall super fan of the mission, program, and impact Kesem has in the world. In addition, Robyn is a First Connection volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where she works with patients and families in their cancer journey from diagnosis to beyond. Robyn is the Senior Director of Data and Business Solutions at UC Berkeley where she supports the fundraising and engagement efforts for the number one public university in the United States.

Samira Agarwal, also known as Lulu in the Kesem community, joined Kesem her freshman year of college in 2013 shortly after losing her father to cancer. As a student leader and summer camp counselor, Lulu held many leadership roles. After graduating, she stays involved with Kesem on a national level by sitting on chapter-level and national-level boards. She has spoken at a handful of Night Magic events, as well. Lulu resides in San Francisco where she works in the technology industry and teaches Power Vinyasa twice a week.

Zara first joined Kesem in 2017 when she helped start the chapter at George Mason University and was honored to serve as Operations Coordinator, Admin, Treasurer, and Counselor during her time at GMU. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s and in 2021 with Master’s in Bioengineering. Zara currently works at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research and supports the National Cancer Institute’s Cervical Cancer ‘Last Mile’ Initiative, which is dedicated to increasing access to cancer screening nationwide. In her free time, Zara loves to dance, practice photography, and spend time with friends and family.

Dr. Haley Brown is a leader in special education with a focus on equity, universally designed learning, and inclusionary practices. Haley, better known as Boots, has been an Outreach Coordinator, Unit Leader, Camp Advisor, Guest Counselor, Make the Magic speaker, and enthusiastic Kesmer since 2018. Haley holds an undergraduate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), a master’s in Deaf Education from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a master’s in Educational Administration and a doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership & Learning from Seattle University. In addition to her passion for Kesem, Haley loves to read, take care of her pets, talk (A LOT), create snack plates, indulge in afternoon naps, play softball, support local arts and grassroots organizations, get tattoos, sing, and play professional women’s tackle football for the Seattle Majestics.

Brielle has been obsessed with Kesem ever since she saw a flier for the University of Miami chapter hanging on the inside of a bathroom stall. She joined that day and became a counselor in 2010, before spending two years as a Co-Director. After graduation she remained close with the Miami chapter through two years of graduate school, where she earned her MBA along with her MS in Sport & Entertainment Management. Today, Swizzle lives in Portland, Oregon, works as a Instructor of Marketing and marketing consultant through her entrepreneurial venture, Viva la Vino.

Christian spent 4 years as a member of the University of Notre Dame’s Camp Kesem chapter, spending 1 as a co-director of development and 2 as a chapter co-director. He first learned about Kesem through two of his older sisters (Sarah, Stanford 2011 and Jayne, Yale 2015) and was so inspired by both the difference they made and the impact the experience had on them. As an undergrad, Christian studied mechanical engineering and spent 4 years in the aerospace industry while pursuing his masters degree before joining consulting. He now lives in Connecticut with his wife and dog.

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Emily works in program delivery and operations for Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the largest private ovarian cancer research funder in the world. Her work with Kesem inspired her to continue making a difference in the cancer community even after graduation. She started her Kesem journey in 2015 as a counselor for William & Mary’s chapter, where she served as Make the Magic Coordinator for two years. Emily holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Public Policy from William & Mary and currently resides in Stamford, CT with her fiancé and their kitten.

Karyn first joined Kesem at Case Western Reserve University in 2015 as a counselor, and later served as an Operations Coordinator and Chapter Director. She graduated in 2019 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Systems & Control Engineering and currently works as a project engineer at a space company in Denver, CO. Since graduating Karyn has continued to volunteer with Kesem as an Intake Volunteer, Camp Advisor, and Hotline Operator and is a founding member of the Alumni Membership Program. In her free time, she likes to play with her dog, Teddy, snowboard, and go to concerts with her friends.

Cristina “Sven” joined Kesem at Southern Utah University in 2014 and has been a camp unit leader, the Outreach Coordinator and a Co-Director. She graduated with her BSN in 2015 and became a pediatric oncology nurse at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. She became a camp nurse every year following that (except during the pandemic) and has served as a camp nurse for the chapters at Southern Utah University and UT-Austin, Texas. She also served as one of the Camp Kesem Alumni Ambassadors for the Utah region since that program began. She graduated with her Master’s Degree of Nursing from the University of Utah in 2020 and has been an Assistant Professor in Westminster University’s undergraduate nursing program since then. In her free time she likes to spend time with her husband and 16 month old trying new experiences. She has a life goal to visit every Disney Park in the world (so far has been to Disneyland in CA, Disney World in FL, and Disneyland in Paris).

Amy is originally from just outside Los Angeles and graduated from Northwestern University (Go Cats!) with a BA in theatre, specializing in theatre for young audiences. She became involved with Kesem her freshman year of undergrad, after hearing about it on her initial tour of the campus. She has since served as a Camp Advisor, Volunteer Coordinator, Make the Magic Coordinator, and more. Amy is currently the Member Experience Manager at Mishkan Chicago, a radically inclusive and progressive Jewish non-profit. She loves community building, working with people, and hearing their stories. To that end, she is also pursuing her Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern and enjoys connecting about all things organizational effectiveness, talent development, and employee engagement. Fun fact: Amy is a dual French citizen, and always down to talk about French culture, in English, or well…in French!

Katherine O’Neill is an alumni counselor from Kesem NC. Students from notably “rival” schools, UNC and Duke, came together within this chapter to support the mission and magic of Kesem. Katherine received a bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013. She obtained a master’s degree in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from Manhattanville College in 2021. Katherine works in higher ed as a Senior Career Coach at Stevens Institute of Technology, supporting students in their search to find meaningful employment opportunities. Katherine resides in Hoboken, NJ. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, attending concerts, and catching the latest Broadway shows in NYC. Katherine loves to do Pilates, read, and travel in her spare time. Katherine is so excited to be a part of the National Alumni Leadership Board as Kesem is near and dear to her heart.

Devonna is currently a school-based Mental Health Professional with her local school district. After school, she works as a Registered Behavior Technician in a clinic specializing in children with Autism. Devonna joined Kesem her senior year of her undergraduate degree where she held the position of an Operations Coordinator. In summer 2023, she completed her first summer as a member of Kesem’s Health and Wellness Team as a Mental Health Professional. She’s also held various volunteer positions with some local organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys watching and attending sporting events, reading books, and spending time with her friends and family.

Michaela “Leviosa” joined Kesem at Santa Clara University as a freshman in 2016, where she first served as a counselor, and later as Operations Coordinator and chapter Director. As an alumna, Michaela has enjoyed returning to Kesem as a Camp Advisor, Hotline Operator, and Summit Intern, and is so excited to be a part of the Alumni Leadership Board! Michaela earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Political Science from Santa Clara and a master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. She is currently a PhD student in Education Policy at the University of Texas, Austin, with a goal of identifying policies and programs to better support students with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attain greater PK-20 educational equity. In her spare time, Michaela enjoys reading, traveling, rooting for the Giants and 49ers, and spending time with friends and family.

Hanna is an alumna of the University of Florida chapter of Kesem, where she served as a counselor and Make the Magic Coordinator. She became a double Gator upon graduating from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she served on the Advisory Board of Kesem UF. Hanna is now a Palm Beach County-based attorney and an active member of the Palm Beach County chapters of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the Federal Bar Association. Hanna is also proud to have been a member of the Advisory Board for the Nova Southeastern University chapter’s first year. Prior to attending law school, Hanna worked on the development team at an ocean conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation organization.

Josh “Froyo” Tam is a Product Manager with a focus on Data and Artificial Intelligence strategy. In his professional career, he brings operational and data excellence from his experience at different companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and ZS Associates. He first became involved with Kesem as a counselor at the Princeton chapter up until 2018, and has since moved on to other Kesem alumni capacities such as intake volunteer, regional board member for Chicago, and camp advisor for the university of Michigan chapter. He is most looking forward to engaging with the national Kesem board to help promote the core pillars of Camp Kesem through camper outreach and alumni engagement. Josh is an active sneakerhead and loves spending his time skiing and running when the weather permits (he will be representing Camp Kesem for the Berlin Marathon in 2024!). He is currently based in New York, NY.

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