Our Staff
SUPPORTING PATIENTS.FUNDING CARE.PROVIDING HOPE.
Meredith Mendelson
Danna Remen
Director of Development
Danna joined the Ellie Fund team in 2019 as Director of Corporate & Foundation Philanthropy, after five years running another cancer nonprofit, Global Oncology (GO), supporting underserved communities globally. Danna was the first employee at GO, served as Interim Executive Director most recently and still continues to serve on their Board of Directors. Previously, Danna was on the leadership team of Generate4Schools, a for-profit startup developing novel revenue streams for nonprofits nationally. For a number of years, Danna worked in roles supporting the Public Schools of Brookline, MA, including Assistant Director of the Brookline Education Foundation for 4 years. Early in her career, Danna held positions at several technology startups and engineering firms, including Lycos. Danna received her Master of Environmental Health Science from the Harvard School of Public Health and Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Nekia clark
Director of Patient Services and Outreach
Nekia joined the Ellie Fund team in 2022 as the organization’s first ever Director of Patient Services and Outreach. She pivoted from her 15-year career in Human Resources to use her relationship building skills and recruiting skills to build statewide relationships between Ellie Fund, hospitals, community health centers, and other local institutions. Nekia is a breast cancer survivor and former patient of the Ellie Fund. After her positive experience with the organization, Nekia volunteered before officially joining as an employee.
Kathy Wynters
Development Manager
A year after graduating from Providence College, and three years after her mother’s diagnosis, Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983. Since then, she has dedicated much of her life to supporting breast cancer charities. As Associate Commissioner of Hockey East, Kathy started the “Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer” initiative in 2007. Since its inception, Skating Strides has raised nearly $400,000 for breast cancer charities throughout New England – with the Ellie Fund as a beneficiary since 2012. Kathy retired in 2020 after a 30+ year career, but kept Skating Strides alive through the Ellie Fund as a volunteer and development committee member. The program has since expanded to include hockey teams across Massachusetts at all levels. Kathy came out of retirement to join the Ellie Fund team as Development Manager in July 2022. She looks forward to growing Skating Strides, as well as working with Students for Hope and other Ellie Fund signature events.
Cheryl Whetstone
Patient Grants Specialist
Cheryl joined Ellie Fund in 2022 as a Patient Grants Specialist after volunteering for the organization. She has donated her time as an active volunteer for well over a decade using her translation skills as a native Spanish speaker to help women and families in need. Cheryl taught introductory Spanish at the Inly School in Scituate. Early in her career, after attending Northeastern University, she was the Special Events Manager at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She is excited to be part of a strong team that is directly impacting those with breast cancer regardless of their race, language, or socioeconomic circumstances.
Camille bryant
Development Operations Associate
Camille joined the Ellie Fund team in 2022 as the organization’s Development Operations Associate. Growing up in New Hampshire, she was always driven towards the fast paced lifestyle of Boston. With a background in administration and customer service, Camille was looking for an opportunity that would bring her closer to the city, enhance her skill set and most of all, make an impact. When asked what drew her to Ellie, she responded, “I was immediately inspired when reading that patients qualified just from receiving breast cancer treatment in Massachusetts! Most organizations make it difficult to receive basic help.” Camille is excited to support the Development Team as it works to reach fundraising goals and serve more breast cancer patients.
Vicky sanchez merino
Administrative Coordinator
Vicky joined the Ellie Fund team in February 2023 after being a tireless volunteer for the Patient Services Department. It was the moment to take action and honor the memory of her closest friend who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 38. With a background in event planning management, she is looking to make her mark supporting patients with deep commitment and compassion. Vicky is thrilled to support the Ellie Fund, “I feel sincerely encouraged by the Ellie Fund team. From the first moment I met these amazing women who are passionate about this cause, I was conscious that the services allow the patients the space they need to heal. We are making a difference in patients’ lives and that is crucial for them”. Vicky has a Bachelors Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, a Masters Degree in Communication, Event Marketing & PR, and is currently finishing a degree in Fashion Design at Mass School of Art.
Susan Gilmore
Business Manager
Susan joined the Ellie Fund as the Business Manager in July, 2023. A resident of Back Bay since 1984, Susan is a graduate of Boston College. She previously worked at Ernst & Young in Audit before joining ITT Sheraton. While at ITT Sheraton, Susan traveled the globe for four years visiting Sheraton Hotel properties in an audit capacity and then joined the Development team, identifying locations for new hotel properties. Following ITT Sheraton, Susan worked at Fidelity on their Corporate Real Estate team and at John Hancock in various capacities in Finance and Real Estate. Susan is a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and in 2016 co-founded and co-chairs the Financial Services Women’s Executive Alliance with the purpose of making game-changing progress on DEI in the financial services industry. Susan is involved as a volunteer with the Boston Marathon, the Head of the Charles Regatta and The Vincent Club.
