Spending the last twenty years in Los Angeles working as an entrepreneur in the film, senior care and non-profit industries, my most rewarding experiences have come from my work leading Walk With Sally into the future. I have had the privilege of mentoring 3 boys since I started the program and look forward to matching children worldwide who have been impacted by cancer.
Fun Fact 101
I got my SAG card doing a scene with Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump.”
Essentially a native Californian, I grew up the youngest with four brothers and philanthropy as the focal point of our family culture. I’m endlessly inspired by the magic of Walk With Sally’s wraparound services for children and their families, and forever grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and beyond.
Fun Fact 101
Before starting a family, I was an assistant sommelier!
From field marketing to small-scale gatherings, large-scale festivals, experiential activations, and corporate functions, my events career has taken me all over the map – literally. Originally from Florida, with a short stint in New York City, I have been living and working in SoCal since 2017. Walk With Sally’s mission hits home as my brother faced his own cancer journey in addition to fighting Cystic Fibrosis his entire life. I look forward to bringing my personal and professional experiences to the Walk With Sally family as we continue to strengthen and grow the community with support and hope.
Fun Fact 101
I recently became a first-time puppy parent to the cutest and spunkiest Havapoo named, Buster. She is, in fact, a buster.
While attending Southwest Minnesota State University, Melissa found her love early for fundraising. She started working with her college athletic department to expand relationships with major donors to raise funds for athletic scholarships. Previously working with other cancer organizations focusing on the science behind finding a cure for cancer patients, Melissa joins Walk With Sally excited to work alongside others to empower children experiencing trauma through a loved one’s cancer journey. Melissa lives in Redondo Beach with her husband and two dogs, Sadie and Brody!
Fun Fact 101
I have been golfing since I was 4-years-old and played competitively through college on a golf scholarship!
Julie is the Program Director at Walk With Sally. She graduated from San Diego State with a Political Science and Communication degree and then went on to the University of San Diego for her single subject teaching credential. After teaching 7th-grade world history for two years she followed her heart and pursued the nonprofit sector. Julie worked for Mobile Dental Services in Australia where she supported low-income families by providing free dental work and then worked for Burton’s CHILL foundation where she taught at-risk youth life skills and snowboarding skills. Julie had the pleasure of volunteering with Walk With Sally in 2014 which eventually led to a full-time role where she was able to honor her late father Jim and bring hope and light to families throughout Los Angeles. Julie’s ideal Saturday is playing outside with her nieces and nephews and ending the day cooking and sipping wine with her dogs and loved ones.
Fun Fact 101
I lived in Japan between my sophomore and junior years in college!
Kati was born in Mexico City and has been living in Los Angeles for over 20 years. She started her professional career working in the entertainment business at a Hollywood acting school where she transitioned to the non-profit animal rescue world. This is where she found her true calling, making a positive impact on society. Back in Mexico, Kati was an English teacher at a Montessori school where the experience of working with children and learning from them, was one of the most rewarding periods in her life. For Kati, it is very important to work in something you are proud of and passionate about, and Walk with Sally definitely embodies both! Having the opportunity to serve and help children who are in need of support, is something she is greatly looking forward to!
Fun Fact 101
I had a goldfish named, Bob, who lived for 10 years! I saved his life once by giving him Fish CPR (no, not mouth to mouth)!
Jen, originally from New Jersey, has been volunteering since she was in 8th-grade. From being a big sister in the Big Brother Big Sister Program to Breast Cancer walks and everything in between, Jen has done it all. She has a dynamic background in marketing, working on events, project management, and copywriting. She comes to Walk With Sally to pursue her passion for helping people and working for an organization that gives back to the community; giving her purpose. Jen enjoys traveling and being outside. You can find her on the beach in her downtime!
Fun Fact 101
I have been to 18 states and seven countries!
