"...I saw an urgent need for mothers and families to have someone come along side of them and be their gauge and compass..."
Noelle Moore-Fernandez
Founder + Executive director
Where are you from? I am from Winter Park and was born at the Winter Park Hospital.
Where do you currently live? Maitland, Florida
Current or Past Occupation? Founder & Executive Director of The Finley Project®
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? An Angel in heaven, named Finley Elizabeth Oblander.
Favorite Food? Chinese!!!!! With a lot of exclamation marks!
Hardest thing you've ever done? Removing life support from my only daughter.
What other organizations are you involved in? I graduated from The Rollins College Philanthropy Center with a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and enjoy taking courses at the Philanthropy Center on an ongoing basis. I love the Lord, my family and our Central Florida community. I am a Board Member of the Winter Park YMCA, the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Resource Network at Florida Hospital, a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, and an active member of the Winter Park Chamber and Lake Mary Rotary.
Staff
Serina Raiker
Volunteer manager
Where are you from? Central FL
Where do you currently live? Orange City, FL
Current or Past Occupation? I was a kindergarten teacher for 8 years, and have stayed home since my oldest was born. Now help with the volunteers for The Finley Project.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have 4 kiddos! Brentley is 9, Berkeley is my angel in heaven who should be 7, Brighton is 5 and Brielynn is 3.
Favorite Food? Does dessert count?
Hardest thing you've ever done? Spending 6 months in the hospital with Berkeley and then having to say goodbye to him.
What other organizations are you involved in? I will always have a special place in my heart for The Finley Project, because they helped me through my hardest days. But my mama also runs Love Missions, an organization that helps fight human trafficking!
“…I believe we were not created to go through life alone, but in community with one another.”
Traci Keene
Volunteer Director
Where are you from? I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and moved up to Orlando in 1994 to attend UCF. Go Knights!!
Where do you currently live? Winter Park, Florida
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Two boys - Josh (10) and Micah (7)
Current or Past Occupation? Back in college, I worked for Disney in their Casting department. I loved working the job fairs and took full advantage of the perks of free admission to the parks (So now it's REALLY painful for me to actually pay for tickets)! After graduating, I started teaching 3rd grade at a local Elementary school for about 10 years. I just recently met up with one of my former 3rd graders (who is now in college to become a teacher herself) and the only thing she remembered about my class was that I always had a Starbucks in my hand and we made volcanoes. I am still currently drinking coffee every morning and continuing to build volcanoes with my two boys on our homeschool days.
Favorite Food? Appetizers and finger foods. I could live on just chips and salsa for dinner every night.
Hardest thing you've ever done? Walking a loved one through addiction and recovery after a tragic loss, while at the same time processing through my own grief.
What other organizations are you involved in? During college, I served as a YoungLife leader for a local high school. Windy Gap YoungLife Camp is still one of my all-time 'favorite places on Earth'. I've also been involved in the Northland Moms4Moms Ministry as one of the Co-coordinators. Leading that group of amazing women has inspired in me a passion and vision for loving on and encouraging mothers, as they love on so many others around them.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project®? I love working with The Finley Project® because I believe we were not created to go through life alone, but in community with one another. When I hear this quote it reminds me of our wonderful volunteers and mothers...."One day you will tell your story of how you've overcome what you are going through now, and it will become part of someone else's survival guide."
“… through The Finley
Project, I can be a part of a community that nurtures hope and healing …”
Brenda Washington
Program director
Where are you from? Arlington, Texas
Where do you currently live? Clermont, Florida
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Two boys - Carson (20) and Cade (17)
Current or Past Occupation? Co-owner of Verocity Telecom, LLC
Favorite Food? This Texas girl loves her Mexican food!
Hardest thing you've ever done? Being a daughter to an alcoholic and watching the struggle of addictions ripple through my family.
What other organizations are you involved in? I am an active member of my church community and for many years have been involved in their ministries. My favorite ministry is missions, and I actively participate in Mission Myanmar.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project®? I know for me and in my life’s journey, I was blessed to have people along the way who were my “hope-givers” – and because of them, my life changed. Now through The Finley Project®, I can be a part of a community that nurtures hope and healing to mothers who have experienced the unimaginable.
Melissa Tsales
Program Manager
Where are you from? Winter Park, Florida
Where do you currently live? Longwood, Florida
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have twin boys, Jackson and Ryder.
Current or Past Occupation? I've spent most of my career in the Specialty Distribution and Specialty Pharmacy industry. I've served in various roles from Customer Service, Sales & Account Management, Product Management, and Leadership.
Favorite Food? I love Mexican food!
Hardest thing you've ever done? My father was an alcoholic and passed away in 2017. I've experienced the impact addictions can have on families and through my own grief journey, I learned the power of healing through forgiveness.
What other organizations are you involved in? I am active in our Church community and volunteer at the school my kids attend. I also served as Outreach Coordinator for Moms4Moms.
Michelle Ott
Program Manager
Where are you from? Born in Lagrange, IL but grew up in Lake Geneva, WI (never became a cheesehead)
Where do you currently live? Orlando, FL (miss midwest Fall but love living in FL now)
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Yes, I have 4 daughters. Hailey - 19, Paige - 17, Aubrey - 16 and Reese - 14
Current or Past Occupation? I worked as a bank teller for years before working in commercial insurance. I handled all the small business insurance coverage for an agency in Iowa.
Favorite Food? Italian because my favorite dessert is Tiramisu.
Hardest thing you've ever done? Walking through my separation and divorce. It is not something I ever thought I would go through but I saw God show up in many ways. It was through that time that I found my community and I'm so thankful for the women who came alongside me.
What other organizations are you involved in? When my girls were young, I was on the planning committee for the Moms4Moms organization at Northland Church. I was involved with the PTO at my daughters elementary school, even serving as President.
Board of Directors
"... I would like to serve diligently to help raise awareness and financial support so that others can experience the support that my wife and I did as we started to mourn the loss of our son..."
Kwesi Johnson
President
Where are you from? Greensboro, NC
Where do you currently live? Ocoee, FL
Current or Past Occupation? Clinical Experience Manager for AdventHealth
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? We have 5 children Kaleb 8, Colin 6, Kimari 4, Calais 2, and Christopher in Heaven
Favorite Food? A good grilled chicken wing always makes me happy.
Hardest thing you've ever done? Burying my 4 month old son.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? After our son Christopher died The Finley Project® was amazing in the role they played to assist us get through such a tough time. With the house cleaning, the massages, and even the counseling for our older son that had the hardest time with his brother passing away as he was there for all of it. In addition I had just been laid off from work so the gift cards for food could not have come at a better time. After seeing the true value in this program I would like to serve diligently to help raise awareness and financial support so that others can experience the support that my wife and I did as we started to mourn the loss of our son Christopher.
“To be connected through The Finley Project gave me hope.”
Bessie Seeley
Vice president
Where are you from? I was born overseas but grew up in Merritt Island, FL and have lived in Florida most of my life. I attended high school in Washington State but moved to Winter Park for college at Rollins and have been here ever since.
Where do you currently live? On the border of Orlando and Winter Park in the Orwin Manor neighborhood.
Do you have children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Yes, two boys - our son Harrison is 8 and our son Matthew passed away at the age of one in March of 2019.
Current or past occupation? I am the founder and principal designer of my own interior design firm, Kardinia Interior Design. My team of three and I work out of our studio located on Orange Avenue in Winter Park. We focus on residential interior design - new builds, remodels and furnishings projects.
Favorite food? Sushi. Most Saturday nights, you can find me at our local sushi spot on family date night with my husband Jason and son Harrison.
Hardest thing you’ve ever done? Experiencing the loss of our one year old son Matthew. We didn’t know anything was wrong until he was about seven months old. What we went through, and what all of the families who are a part of The Finley Project have gone through, is unimaginable and should never be something that anyone experiences in their lifetime.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project? The Finley Project was an incredible support to me and my family after the loss of Matthew. Through the support I’ve received, I’m a better mother to Harrison, wife to Jason, I’m a better daughter, sister and friend. Because of The Finley Project, I’ve connected with other moms who have experienced the unimaginable, and because of The Finley Project, I have made a lifelong friend in my support mom, my mentor who was the best part of the program to me. To be connected through The Finley Project to someone who has walked in my shoes, who knew what it felt like, who has been there, who found a way to move forward and who continues to live her life completely and fully after so much tragedy gave me hope. I am honored to now serve as a board member and give back and support this incredible organization that has given so much to me.
Nicole Lavric
Secretary
Where are you from? York, PA.
Where do you currently live? Raleigh, NC.
Current or Past Occupation? I am currently working at ePlus Technology Inc., where I am the Director of Marketing, Field and Partner.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? One angel in heaven - Miles Michael Lavric. My husband and I pray that Miles and God will bless us with a sibling one day.
Favorite Food? Sushi or tacos!
Hardest thing you've ever done? The hardest thing I've had to do is make the decision to say goodbye to my baby boy, Miles, at 2 days old, and watch him take his final breath. I miss him every single minute of every single day.
What other organizations are you involved in? My latest volunteer work and advocacy has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, March For Our Lives, and any other opportunities that become available at my church. My husband and I started a new tradition last year as well to adopt a family at Christmas in honor of our son.
Joe Raiker
Treasurer
Where are you from? I grew up in the Deltona/Debary/Deland area of Florida.
Where do you currently live? After leaving Central Florida for nearly a decade and residing in Jackson, Mississippi (1 year) and Miami, FL (8 years), we were glad to make our way back to the Central Florida area and now live in Orange City, FL.
Current or Past Occupation? I am currently a Licensed Psychologist and Research Scientist with a health startup. Prior to this role, I was an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Florida International University.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? Yes, my wife and I have four kids. Brentley (8), Brighton (5), and Brielynn (2) as well as Berkeley who passed away in 2017.
Favorite Food? BBQ.
Hardest thing you've ever done? When our son passed away after fighting for months, burying him was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Fortunately, with the support of The Finley Project, our family, and friends, we were able to make it through and are now passionate about helping others dealing with similar circumstances.
"I truly feel that the work of The Finley Project is saving marriages and keeping families together..."
Chris Kavenagh, LMHC
Officer
Where are you from? I was born in the suburbs of Chicago but moved to Florida when I was 14. My Northern relatives think I now have a Southern accent!
Where do you currently live? I have lived in the Oviedo area for over 30 years.
Current Occupation? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a private practice called Five Stones Counseling Services, LLC, in Winter Springs, Florida.
Do you have children? My husband and I have 2 adult children.
Favorite Food? Chocolate ice cream with mix-ins of almonds and coconut flakes!
Hardest thing you’ve ever done? Going back to school for a Masters degree in my 40’s.
Why are you a member of the board? As a Counselor and as a woman who suffered my own miscarriage, I understand the great impact that the loss of a child has on not only Mom, but the whole family. The Finley Project® steps in, and cares in ways that allow the long process of healing to begin by providing support in many areas, including counseling. I truly feel that the work of The Finley Project® is saving marriages and keeping families together and I am proud to be a part of that healing.
Savannah Clifton
OFFICER
Where are you from? Orlando – born and raised.
Where do you currently live? Still Orlando (I love it here!).
Current or Past Occupation? Attorney at GrayRobinson practicing commercial litigation.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Not yet – just four (yes, 4!) fur babies named Daisy, Lacey, Landry, and Darcy.
Favorite Food? Has to be pizza.
Hardest thing you've ever done? I feel lucky (and a little silly) to say the hardest thing I’ve ever done is move away from home at 18. I lasted one short semester away from my home, my pups, and my (now) husband.
What other organizations are you involved in? The Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.
Jerilyn Lorch
Officer
Where are you from? I was born in Yuma, Arizona while my dad was in the Air Force, moved as a baby to his boyhood home Nashville, Tennessee, also lived in Charlotte, NC, Glendora, Calif, Birmingham, Al, Tampa, Fl and the Orlando area where I was married and our 4 children were born. I call myself a southern girl at heart, where I’ve spent most of my life.
Where do you currently live? Retired and living in New Smyrna Beach, Fl for 12 years.
Current or past occupation? I was in marketing prior to my retirement.
Do you have children? If yes, how many? I have 4 children, our firstborn, a daughter Kristina who passed away in 1978 at 9 months, 3 married sons - Jeffrey, Brian, and Stephen and daughters-in-law Kaley, Mary, and Whitney. 6 grandchildren Camden, Clayton, Easton, Nolan, Olivia, and Chandler.
Favorite food? Chicken Parmesan.
Hardest thing you’ve ever done? Receiving the news when our daughter Kristina was 7 weeks old, that she had a rare liver disease, with a life expectancy of one year, and navigating her illness and her tragic death at 9 months and 11 days.
What organizations are you involved in? I’m involved in various volunteer positions at my church. I have served on the board for 6 years, including holding the office of Jr. Warden with the primary responsibility of overseeing the care and maintenance of the grounds and buildings and providing leadership to the church members. I also have been involved in organ donation programs in Orlando and the Tampa Bay Area.
Chelsea Gonzalez
Officer
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Sanford, FL.
Where do you currently live? After graduating from UF (Go Gators!), I quickly moved back home to Sanford, FL.
Current or Past Occupation? I have been a nurse for the past 10 years, spending the last 3 years working as a strategist to improve our consumer’s overall experience while visiting our hospitals.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? My Husband and I have 5 children together. Gabriella, Yarisa, Emilia, Jackson, and Camilla who was born in heaven.
Favorite food? I’m not sure I could pick just one, but it would consist of either Sushi, Italian or Mexican!
Hardest thing you’ve ever done? There were many moments during my pregnancy with Camilla and shortly after that forever altered my brain chemistry. Delivering my daughter, Camilla, sleeping at just 24 weeks gestation, knowing that my children would never get to see her, touch her, or play with her. Trying to explain to my 2-year-old daughter that her sister wasn’t coming home from the hospital because she was already in heaven with Jesus. Watching my 6ft-4in father cry while cradling his granddaughter in his arms, saying his first “hello” and final “goodbye” all at once.
What other organizations are you involved in? I currently volunteer at the school my children attend and have previously been involved with the TEARS foundation, along with events for American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.
Brad Runyan
Officer
Where are you from? Longwood, FL.
Where do you currently live? Longwood, FL (World traveler I am!)
Current or Past Occupation? Vice President in Construction.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? Yes, we have two children that run our world.
Favorite Food? Does it get better than pizza?
Hardest thing you've ever done? Live in Tallahassee for 2.5 years on a project for work (Go Gators!)
What other organizations are you involved in? Associated Builders and Contractors and Boy Scouts of America.
Carole Johnson
Officer
Where are you from? Atlantic City, NJ
Where do you currently live? Winter Park, FL
Current or Past Occupation? GEICO Insurance Agency Owner
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have 4 children Duane(37), Candace (35), Alex (26) , Andrew (26)
Favorite Food? Italian
Hardest thing you've ever done? Watch my husband lose his battle with cancer.
What other organizations are you involved in? I sponsor students, teachers, nurses and veterans in my community.
Megan Paquin
Officer
Where are you from? I was born and raised here in Orlando, but I have also called Las Vegas and the Cayman Islands home.
Where do you currently live? We are proud residents of the south downtown/Conway area of Orlando.
Current or Past Occupation? I am the founder and chief executive officer of a strategic communications firm, Paquin Public Relations.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? I have two daughters, Ryan and Reese. My husband Ben and I also have two dog-sons, Bubba and Elvis.
Favorite Food? If it has cheese, I'm all in.
Hardest thing you've ever done? My husband and mother both experienced significant health crises in 2023. At the same time, I started my public relations firm. There was a lot of stress and uncertainty, and I am eternally grateful for all those who supported, encouraged, and uplifted me through that time.
What other organizations are you involved in? I am a member of the Public Relations Society of America. I also am an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida's Nicholson School of Communication and Media.
Advisory Council
“… I recognize the services and support provided by the organization were those missing pieces [after we lost our sweet baby girl].”
Eddy Hanson
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? Titusville, FL
Where do you currently live? Madison, AL
Current or Past Occupation? Manufacturing
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? 3 perfect girls Avery (9) in Heaven, Harper (7), and Quinn (4)
Favorite Food? Low Country Boil
Hardest thing you've ever done? Said goodbye to our first daughter Avery just 6 days after she was born
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? After leaving the hospital without our sweet baby girl, we were thankful to have tremendous support from friends and family. But there was still something missing. Now, after a few years of supporting The Finley Project and understanding what is provided to families, I recognize the services and support provided by the organization were those missing pieces. I love The Finley Project’s mission and dedication to grieving families. I am blessed to be a part of this amazing organization, and I am honored to help families during their most difficult time in life.
"...[I have] a desire to contribute to what I believe is a good cause."
Steve Lareau
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? Toledo, Ohio
Where do you currently live? The indoor foliage capital of the world, Apopka, Florida
Current or Past Occupation? Certified Public Accountant
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have 3 children- Heather, Sandra and Jeff.
Do you have Grandchildren? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have 10 grandchildren- Suzie, Jacob, Collin, Harrison, Mattie, Laura, Elaina, Micah, Kingston, Noah (deceased).
Favorite Food? Very fond of a well prepared steak
Hardest thing you've ever done? Remain steadfast as a family man
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? Out of a desire to contribute to what I believe is a good cause.
“I understand and believe in the need for The Finley Project”
Aimee Lloyd
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? Winter Park, Florida
Where do you currently live? Still in Winter Park (Lake Jean) closer towards East Orlando (UCF)
Current or Past Occupation? I have 12 years background in Financial Planning Marketing and 5 years in Legal Services Marketing. Current role is freelance marketing at The Aimee ADvantage.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Trenton (10), Kaitlyn (in heaven, would be 8), Caiden (7), and Landon (1)
Favorite Food? Raw Oysters
Hardest thing you've ever done? Lived outside for a year and rehabilitated 12 male juvenile felons
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? After experiencing my own infant loss in October 2012, I realized how resources and support are very scarce. I was left with a huge hole not knowing where to go or who to turn to when I was released from the hospital with my daughter. I understand and believe in the need for The Finley Project®.
Dr. Anthony Orsini
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? Roseland, NJ.
Where do you currently live? Jupiter, FL.
Current or Past Occupation? Keynote Speaker, President of The Orsini Way, Section Chief of Neonatology for Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Subspecialists.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? 3.
Favorite Food? Ice Cream.
Hardest thing you've ever done? I don’t know how to answer this question. There have been many.
What other organizations are you involved in? The Orsini Way.
"Mothers who bury their children go through many stages of grief and The Finley Project gives her the help she needs to get back to living again."
Sue Crampton
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? Cleveland, Ohio
Where do you currently live? Dr. Phillips, Orlando, FL
Current or Past Occupation? Currently an auctioneer for non profit organizations and a realtor. I participate in many non profit organizations as well. Currently, I sit on two different boards.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? Yes...Stephanie (deceased), Step Children: Debbie Larson, Mary Waldman, Sandy Schmoll, Laurie Schumacher, Ray Crampton Jr., Nicky (deceased)
Do you have Grandchildren? If yes, how many? What are their names? Yes... Lisa and Scotti Ponder, Nicole and Joe Murphy, Amelia Schumacher, David Schumacher, Jimmy and Ruby Ball, C.B. and Dana Staton, Adam Crampton, Matthew Crampton. Great Grandchildren: Spencer Ponder, Molly Murphy, Charlton, Mackenzie, Corrine and Bryson Staton, Michael Crampton, Jaden Ball
Favorite Food? Chicken Marsala
Hardest thing you've ever done? Bury my only child and son-in-law... Stephanie and Scott Moeller. Stephanie was my best friend.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? I believe in the mission of The Finley Project®. Mothers who bury their children go through many stages of grief and The Finley Project® gives her the help she needs to get back to living again. I want to be able to help moms who have to go through what I went through. My daughter was 35 years old but she was still my baby.
“…[I want] to help be a resource and help with mothers who are going through the most trying time and experience of their lives.”
Alex Zanazanian
Advisory Council Member
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Where do you currently live? I currently live in Longwood, Florida.
Current or Past Occupation? I was a Project Engineer for the Westinghouse Corporation and retired after 38 years.
Do you have Children? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have a daughter Deborah Hilewick who lives in Pennsylvania.
Do you have Grandchildren? If yes, how many? What are their names? I have 2 grand children named Joshua and Stephanie and 2 great grand children named Mckenzie and Teagan.
Favorite Food? Ice cream.
Hardest thing you've ever done? I believe one of the hardest things I had to do was to be the caregiver for my wife Nancy who had Parkinson's and watch her deteriorate.
Why are you a member of The Finley Project® Board of Directors? To help be a resource and help with Mothers who are going through the most trying time and experience of their lives.