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Board of Directors
Vice President
Chloe Pinner
Treasurer
Ryan Fischer
Ryan was involved with Bethany’s Butterflies Foundation long before it became a reality. Ryan’s wife Angela was one of Bethany’s nurses and BFFs for many years and they both became friends with the Childers family through their special relationship. They were fortunate enough to join the Childers on Bethany’s Make-A-Wish Foundation trip, with Angela serving as Bethany’s nurse and Ryan helping out with their son William. The experience absolutely blew Ryan away, not just the amazing things Make-A-Wish and Disney do for their guests, but it was the first time Ryan saw firsthand what it takes for a family with children who have unique needs to travel, or even live through a “typical” day. Ryan is a retired banker, and when Abby asked Ryan if he would be interested in serving as Treasurer to support her mission, it was a no-brainer.
Giving back has always been an important part of the Fischer’s lives. Angela has an incredible heart, known to go above and beyond for her patients as a home health care nurse. Together they also host the Fisch Bowl, an annual tournament of bar games including billiards, corn hole, beer pong, axe throwing and more with 100% of proceeds going to the Carolina Boxer Rescue, a 501(c)(3) the Fischer’s have supported since 2004.
Director of Operations
Ashley Jewell
Ashley is a childhood friend of BBF founder, Abby Childers, and was also blessed to know her daughter Bethany. Ashley says she joined the BBF board because she is, “passionate about our mission to improve the lives of children with severe and complex neurological and developmental health challenges. I also strongly admire Abby for the beautiful way she has channeled her difficult journey into advocacy, support, and care for others.”
Ashley is a rare Charlotte native and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill - Go Heels!! She now works as a supervisor for Levine Cancer Institute’s Transplant and Cell Therapy Lab.
Events Committee
Beth White
Financial Committee
Rett Liles
Applications Committee
Lisa Holt
Lisa is a highly skilled SLP who earned her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from West Virginia University. Lisa earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is passionate about her work and enjoys helping children find their voice and build connections with others. In her free time, Lisa enjoys cooking, playing board games, and traveling between the mountains and beach with her family.
Lisa first met Bethany in preschool, however, it was not until first grade that Lisa began to work with Bethany directly, providing her with speech therapy in a variety of settings.
During one therapy session when Bethany was not feeling well and did not want to participate. Lisa enlisted the help of Holden, the family dog, who assisted Bethany in making choices using sign language. This not only helped Bethany to feel more comfortable and engaged, but also allowed her to laugh and enjoy the session, despite not feeling her best.
Lisa serves on the events committee for BBF and helps BBF to fulfill applications for support.
Events Committee
Brooke Eastburn
Brooke made a career change in her 40's and now works her dream job as a school counselor at a CMS elementary school in East Charlotte. She is married to her wonderful husband, Gary, and
is mom to 18-year-old Eva, who also enjoys volunteering for BBF, and 15-year-old William.
Brooke met the Childers family in 2012 when her and Abby’s son (also called William) were in kindergarten together. “The Williams” remain great friends today and enjoy playing video games together and yelling too loudly while doing so!
She is part of the events committee for BBF and helps to organize fundraisers, such as our upcoming “You Drink, We Donate” event at NoDa Brewing Company!
Applications Committee
Barbara Putnam
Barbara is a retired educator from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system (CMS). She started her career with CMS at Tuckaseegee Elementary. She went on to teach in the AU program at Morehead Elementary (serving students with autism), and then in the extension programs at Beverly Woods Elementary.
She recently retired after working with CMS for 26 years!
Barbara taught Bethany at Beverly Woods in her last year of teaching and was one of Bethany’s most beloved teachers.
Barbara, along with Lisa Holt, another board member, developed a novel study curriculum for their extension program and presented their program at CEC, ASHA, and DADD conferences to show other educators that all students can participate in novel studies and all students have a voice!
Barbara serves on the events committee for BBF and recently helped to organize and deliver the wonderful birthday party for sweet Izzy! (See a few posts back for more details!) She also uses her extensive knowledge and background to help BBF fulfill applications for support, particularly when it comes to requests for communication devices or other forms of assistive technology.
Barbara is married to her husband Ronnie and they will celebrate 40 years of marriage in June! They have 2 sons and a daughter-in-love. She is also a very proud Gigi and treasures her time with her 2 grandchildren.
Financial Committee
Jordan Musto
Marketing Committee
Rachel Burrell
Rachel has spent the past 20 years dedicating her life to education. Throughout this experience she has worked with children who have special needs. Rachel has worked on the elementary level to advocate for assistance, counseling and therapies. She is excited to be a part of BBF to continue to help make a difference in these children's lives.
Marketing Committee
James White
James White is a Product Manager for healthcare software company Intelichart and Bethany's cousin. His goal in the foundation is to help as many children as possible and to further Bethany's legacy by spreading joy and hope to those in need, the same way Bethany did for all who knew her.
CRM Committee
Gary Whitworth
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