Our staff is more than just dedicated—they are INVOLVED in this organization. When you find out more behind the people that work each day to help these brave kids, you will understand why Friends has been around for over 30 years with the same passion and vigor that it took to launch it in 1992.
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Brandy Bimslager, Brandy serves as Executive Director of our organization, appointed in October of 2018. Previously she served as the Office Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator, then Program Director where she earned 8 years of experience within the organization. Her extensive involvement working directly with volunteers, staff, hospital providers, and patient families in addition to her tremendous passion for helping pediatric cancer families made for an easy transition to leadership. Professionally, Brandy has experience in the service industry, sales, politics, and coaching youth soccer. She earned her BA from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she played collegiate soccer. She became passionate about our mission through an experience with a close friend who lost their child to this devastating disease. |
Valerie Kennedy Lang, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Valerie graduated from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis in 2007 and worked as a social worker with the pediatric hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant services at St. Louis Children's Hospital for 8 years. In addition, Valerie was an adjunct faculty member at the Brown School where she taught a master’s level healthcare social work course. She has been a member of the Friends of Kids with Cancer team as a support group facilitator before becoming our Program Director. |
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Gina Bowders, Gina has over 25 years of experience in business development with multiple fortune 500 companies. She serves as our Director of Development and actively collaborates with individuals and organizations to raise awareness, funds, and resources for our various support programs. Beyond fundraising, she is dedicated and passionate about raising awareness about pediatric cancer, and its impact on the whole family. She earned her BA from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a former NCAA All-American basketball player. She is driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to this cause. She is welcoming this transition from a successful career in the corporate world to dedicating her skills and expertise to the non-profit sector. Her journey reflects a commitment to leveraging her strategic leadership and business acumen and her talent to contribute to the St. Louis community. |
Diane Voigt, Diane has over 20 years accounting experience in the construction industry and also has an extensive background in banking. Diane is married and has two grown sons. They enjoy boating and spending weekends at the lake with family and friends. She loves kids and has been a long-time supporter of Friends of Kids with Cancer and other cancer organizations. She looks forward to coming to work and loves making a difference every day in the lives of these children and their families. |
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Morgyn Johnson, Morgyn graduated from Lindenwood University in 2018 with a degree in Corporate Communications. She was previously an intern for Friends helping with marketing & communications. She has also interned at the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. After graduating she spent some time in the sales industry and missed her passion for helping others. |
Amber Willis, Amber leverages her experience in education and her personal connection to the cause, as Program Facilitator. With degrees in English and Education, Amber spent several years as a classroom educator before transitioning to a hands-on role as a stay-at-home parent. During this time, she also founded a business focused on brand messaging and storytelling for female entrepreneurs. Amber's deep personal connection to this organization's mission is rooted in her own family's experience; she is the mother of a leukemia survivor who was supported directly by Friends. Amber hopes to be a joyful, uplifting presence for families, ensuring that despite the difficulties they face, they have a source of support and a reminder of the joy that childhood should bring. |
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Kim Wisdom, Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Fontbonne University and graduated from Lindenwood University with a master’s in Nonprofit Administration. She is a seasoned volunteer and served Friends as a member of the Trivia Night Planning Committee. She is passionate about supporting Friends’ mission through volunteer and fundraising efforts. Kim and her husband, Jesse, have two active young boys. Together, the Wisdom family loves cheering on the St. Louis Blues! |
Jenny Amparán, Jenny is a St. Louis native with over 18 years’ experience as a caregiver. She’s married with two sons and two rescue dogs. Her many years of volunteer experience includes Meals on Wheels for seniors and St. Louis Cancer Care. She enjoys collecting vinyl records, going to antique shops and supporting St. Louis businesses. Jenny’s sister is a three-time cancer survivor, and she knows the importance of supporting the entire family through a difficult diagnosis. |
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Angela Hutchings, Angela has a deep-rooted passion for understanding people and their stories. Before serving Friends, she worked in the advertising industry, crafting stories that capture hearts and minds. Early in her career, she served as project manager for nonprofit programs in areas of child mentoring and tutoring. Angela holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a degree in graphic design, attained at University of South Florida. She loves working with big-hearted people and making a difference in people’s lives. |
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Photos provided in part by Serendipity Photography.
