Do you have a personal connection to the SADS Foundation?
In 2022, our daughter Lavinia—Lovey—passed away as the result of an undiagnosed cardiac event. While we may never know exactly what happened, we do know how deeply painful it is to lose a child without answers. That experience is what drives me every day at SADS: to make sure no other family has to face something like this without support, care, and community. And urgently working to prevent tragedies like that from happening in the first place.
What motivated you to pursue a career in nonprofit leadership?
I’ve been involved in service and nonprofit work since I was a kid—organizing clothing drives, nature cleanups, and Relay for Life events; leading my scout troop and multiple service clubs in high school. Over time, I crafted a leadership style rooted in hard work, kindness, and community building, and people responded well to that. I studied nonprofits in college and grad school, initially considering an academic path, but I discovered I wanted to be the one driving change—not just studying it. So I jumped into nonprofit leadership about a decade ago and haven’t looked back.
“That experience is what drives me every day at SADS: to make sure no other family has to face something like this without support, care, and community. And urgently working to prevent tragedies like that from happening in the first place.”
What do you like to do outside of work?
My ideal vacation? A week of backpacking through a national park with my family. I’m also a sucker for a good game of rec league basketball or soccer, or heading up one of our local Utah canyons to rock climb with my teenage son. (To be honest, he’s the real climber. I mostly just belay and cheer him on.)
What’s the most recent book you’ve read?
James by Percival Everett. It’s a bold reimagining of Huck Finn, told through the eyes of Jim the enslaved man—and it completely shifted my view of that familiar world. I’m drawn to books that expand my perspective by helping me inhabit the experiences and inner lives of others.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
First thing after work: my daily crossword puzzle. After that, you’ll usually find me reading and discussing books with my family—recent favorites include Arctic Adventure by Peter Freuchen and the Hitchhiker’s Guide series. These days, I also love sprawling out on the living room floor and playing with our 4-month-old baby.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I’m a lifelong frisbee obsessive—so much so that in high school, I founded our school’s first Ultimate club: SCRUFF (Social Coalition of Real Ultimate Frisbee Fanatics). I still try to carry a disc with me whenever I go outdoors. Also, my teenage son is a nationally ranked competitive rock climber. I aspire to be as cool as he is someday.