Jennifer Johnson | President & founder
I founded Brave like Ellie to honor and carry on the memory of our daughter Elizabeth. I am motivated to lead Brave like Ellie by this Maya Angelou quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I experienced many trials watching my daughter Ellie fight MDS and AML cancer. Through that time Elizabeth and our family were blessed in so many ways through the journey, and now that we know more ways we can help others, we want to do so. Building relationships and helping others has been the consistent element woven through my career life that has brought me the greatest Joy. My hope is that our community of Brave like Ellie brings Joy, Love and Comfort to the families affected by pediatric cancer. I am inspired by Ellie to bring JOY to these families through our Brave Boxes. I hope to encourage bravery to those fighting pediatric cancer and the families of those kiddos.
autumn holmes | vice president
I have been feeling a call to serve more for a while and have a passion for bringing joy to people when they need it most. When I saw BLE had a need for more volunteers, I felt like it would be a great fit! I have worked in Administration for nearly 10 years with an eye for process improvement and hope to streamline our databases that can add value to our client and community engagement.
Adam wayne | treasurer
JESSICA MONTANO | admin
I am grateful for this opportunity to serve for Brave Like Ellie. I have known Jennifer since middle school and we have stayed in touch over the years. Through Caringbridge.org, a caring social network, I observed the Johnson family as they went through Ellie’s journey. I felt a connection to Brave Like Ellie because I lost 2 of my children 9 years ago. I delivered premature identical twins and unfortunately they were only with us for a short time. I know what it is like to be a recipient of comfort, service, and love during a difficult time. It is my hope to bring the same type of comfort and support that was given to me to those affected by pediatric cancer.