Our Team
Meet Our Staff
Alison Hicks Executive Director
Contact: Alison@chelseahicksfoundation.org
“After spending so much time in the hospital with Chelsea, I understand how a serious illness impacts the entire family, not just the patient. Our hope with Chelsea’s Closet is to give the families the distraction of fun and therapeutic play so they can create moments of everyday silliness that only a costume can bring, when they dance like Princesses and fly like Superheroes.”
Laura Queen Development Director
Contact: Laura@chelseahicksfoundation.org
"I am so grateful to step into the role of Development Director for the Chelsea Hicks Foundation, a place that already feels like home. Over the years of working with CHF, my heart has been touched again and again by the joy, laughter, and light it brings to children facing serious illness. To be part of those moments, seeing a child’s face brighten with a smile, or a family reminded they are not alone, fills me with a sense of purpose like nothing else. This work isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. CHF has shown me the true power of community, kindness, and giving back, and I feel deeply honored to help carry forward Chelsea’s legacy of love and magic."
Christen Bolduc Program Manager
Contact: Christen@chelseahicksfoundation.org
“When I first met Ali and heard the heart behind the Chelsea Hicks Foundation, something in me lit up. I knew instantly, I want to be part of this. I’ve always loved children and giving back, and my three years of volunteering in the hospital with CHF have shown me just how powerful a simple gift of a costume can be.
Volunteering at my first CHF Costume Ball, seeing the generosity, the impact, and the pure magic in the room confirmed it even more. I wanted to support this mission in a deeper, more intentional way. So when the Program Manager role opened, saying yes felt like saying yes to my heart.
Being part of the CHF team lights me up in a way I never expected. It’s meaningful, heart-centered work, and it’s an honor to help carry forward the magic and hope this foundation brings to children and families every single day.”
Meet Our Board
Executive Board
Kris Barrett, Board Chair Edward Jones, Financial Officer
“Joining Chelsea’s Closet was important to me because of the happiness they bring to seriously ill children. These children are going through their hardest days, and some are so young they have no idea why. To be able to bring just a moment of happiness, to get their mind off their treatment, and to see their parents smile while their child is dressing up is AMAZING. That is why I wanted to join this amazing foundation. Giving families the chance to freeze time and make memories that everyone can laugh at and enjoy, is worth every moment spent with Chelsea’s Closet.”
Shelby Nemecek, Treasurer First Tech Federal Credit Union, Commercial Real Estate Lending
“In one capacity or another, I’ve been involved and connected with The Chelsea Hicks Foundation since its inception. Initially, I was a board member and participated in many of the “firsts.” The first hospital visit to Doernbecher, the first masquerade ball, the first visit to Randall. Involvement with CHF helps me to feel like I’m doing something meaningful.”
Fawnda Shahalami, Board Secretary Kroma Visual, Owner
"I am so glad to have joined the Chelsea Hicks Foundation because of the amazing things they do. Bringing joy to hospitalized children battling illness, offering them a brief escape from their reality, brings happiness to so many. Every hospital visit, I am moved by the transformation in the kids' spirits that the costumes and toys bring. This joy resonates in both the children and their grateful families. Chelsea’s Closet inspires me to continue contributing to this meaningful and impactful work."
Board of Directors
Alison Hicks Chelsea Hicks Foundation, Founder and Executive Director
"As founder and Chelsea’s mom, serving on the board has helped bridge the parent/child experience with organizational leadership, while guiding CHF’s vision forward.”
Arienne Ischer Shine Career Collective, LLC, CEO / COO
“I’m honored to serve on the board of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation because of its meaningful impact and the purpose behind its work. Being part of this organization is important to me, and I’m excited to contribute my time and perspective, collaborate with others, help support its growth, and create a lasting, positive difference in the community.”
Chris Haedinger AD Construction, Managing Partner
“I am honored to serve on the board of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation because I am deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of children facing serious illnesses. Having supported this remarkable organization for years, I have seen firsthand the profound impact our efforts have on these young warriors and their families. My dedication to raising funds and awareness stems from a passion for ensuring that every child experiences joy and comfort, even during their toughest battles. By being on the board, I can contribute more strategically and help steer our initiatives to reach even more children in need, creating lasting positive change in our community.”
Jorjia Fields Unitus Community Credit Union, Branch Manager
“To help a family experience fun and laughter even for a short period of time while dealing with serious illness is worth so much! I hope to do all I can to support the efforts of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation to make that happen.”
Kristine Jitloff MBA, SPHR, SHRM, SCP Government Contracting, Senior HR Leader
“After 7 years away from the board, the Chelsea Hicks Foundation is a cause I simply couldn't stay away from. Bringing moments of joy and dignity to terminally ill children through therapeutic play speaks to everything I believe about mission-driven work. Stepping back onto the board felt like coming home. I am excited to bring my HR and people operations experience to support the team and help the foundation grow its impact.”