Passion is what drives most of us to champion change for children with complex medical conditions, particularly those on life-limited journeys. Many of us are directly impacted by personal family stories. When we meet, we prefer to hug than give a handshake.
We are deeply appreciative of the expertise and precious gifts of time from our amazing Board of Directors, advisory councils, committees, agencies, team staff, and volunteers.
This work would not be possible without their valuable contributions.
Board of Directors
Director/CHAIR
Pamela Roman, MSN-Ed, RN
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Director/VICE CHAIR
John Santamaria, MD, FAAP, FACEP, FAAHPM
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Director/SECRETARY
Robin K. Blitz, MD, FAAP
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Director
Jonathan Cottor, MBA, MPH
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Director/GAC CHAIR Board Champion
Rich Forschler, JD
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Director/TREASURER
Brenda Ann Blunt, CPA, CGMA
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Director/NAC CHAIR/Communications Committee Board Champion
Tieal Bishop
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Director
Dave Barshis
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Director
Jon Ford
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Director
Sara Bankers
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Director
Jeff Golner
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Director
Traci Mason
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Director
Jeanne Howard Genge
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Meet the Team-Staff
Although there are a number of individuals working behind the scenes to support our organization, this page highlights our dedicated board members and team-staff
Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Cottor, MBA, MPH
Jonathan Cottor is the proud dad of a son diagnosed at 9 months with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and who lived an incredible life until his death at 17 years (Dec. 2018). He and his wife co-founded a successful freestanding pediatric respite, palliative, and hospice care home in Phoenix (Ryan House). After a 30-year corporate marketing and leadership career, Ryan’s death became the tipping point for his decision to pivot fully to his heart. He earned an MPH at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with emphasis in policy and advocacy, and a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. Jonathan has been a national thought-leader involved with a “Like House” informal growing coalition of existing and emerging community-based pediatric palliative care Home models and is leading the national team operations.
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Business Operations Manager
Jennifer Blankenship, MBA, PMP
Jennifer Blankenship brings her skills and 10+ years of experience as a business administrator, another 20 years in various admin support roles, a certification in Salesforce/CRM and a PMP, to oversee NCPPCH's donor database and help assure our organization runs smoothly. Jennifer earned her Bachelors Degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Western International University. She is a proud mother to a son who graduated college with a computer engineering degree. While she is new to the pediatric palliative care space, she is excited to learn and assist in this endeavor. Jennifer is a “big sister” to a “little sister” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Born and raised in Arizona, she rides her horse often and has a small zoo at home including a ferret, a dog, several chickens, a jumping spider, three robo hamsters and some fish.
Communications Specialist
Kasey Kaler
Kasey Kaler is a copywriter and UX content strategist with 10 years of progressive experience optimizing brand recognition and managing strategic communication for long-term business success and growth. Kasey earned a B.A. from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication and an M.A. from Gonzaga University. As a huge sports fan, Kasey spent much of her time in her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees interning for various Arizona sports teams. In her spare time, she still finds volunteer opportunities with the Arizona Sports Commission for Valley-hosted sporting events like the Copa America and Gold Cup tournaments.
Website/Analytics
Cade Ellsworth
Cade Ellsworth is a web developer and digital jack-of-all-trades. He received a certificate in full stack web development from the University of Arizona. Cade maintains the Children’s Respite Homes of America’s website. He also helps to run ads and keeps an eye on site analytics. Cade brings a unique perspective, having stayed at Ryan House many times as a kid, and is passionate about seeing more care homes bless family’s lives across the United States. He enjoys Star Wars, collecting LEGO sets, and diving into an epic fantasy novel.
Administration (Volunteer)
Logan Jamieson, LNHA, MHA
Logan Jamieson has been a Pediatric Hospice advocate for the past 8 years and learned of this specific need during his time as a Multi-level Nursing Home Administrator. Licensed in Maine and having grown up in the hotel and hospitality industry, Logan's passion involves creating a safe space for others. During his educational pursuits, Logan earned a B.S. in Gerontology, a B.S. in Healthcare Management, and a Master's in Health Administration. Professionally, Logan has held executive level leadership positions in the commercial real-estate industry, at senior living facilities, and in the healthcare technology sector.
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Communications Committee Chair (Volunteer)
Kris Jacober
Kris Jacober recently retired after 12 1/2 years as Executive Director for the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Her professional career began as a public relations and communications specialist, leveraging her degree in journalism from the Univeristy of Michigan. Kris's daughter is a pediatric oncology nurse, sparking her passion for getting involved with pediatric palliative care change in the U.S.
Administration (Volunteer)
Aaron Blitz
Aaron Blitz has a passion for books, as in Quickbooks, along with his lived experiences that fuel his interest in giving back in support of children with special health care needs and their families. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Statistics and set off on a path in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation for a range of clients. Aaron's knowledge and skills are valuable in helping assure NCPPCH forms solid financial policies and procedures for our successful evolution.
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Communication Committee (Volunteer)
Megan Schomer
Megan was given the vision for Rays for Rare (formerly Corwyn’s Cause) in 2016 after experiencing the loss of her medically fragile son Corwyn. Her son Corwyn was born with a rare brain malformation, which had a catastrophic effect on his health. After Corwyn passed away at home, Megan decided to bring uplifting support to medically fragile children and their families. She has found this population to be the most underserved in our curative culture and has brought together a unified voice to advocate for pediatric palliative care, hospice and better policies. She currently serves on the Children’s Palliative Advisory Council at St. Luke’s Children's Hospital as well as shares her message at speaking engagements to further awareness. In 2019 she ended her 15 year career as a top producer in the real estate industry to become the President and CEO of Rays for Rare. Her career in real estate and previous experience in corporate management give her a dynamic skill set to further and grow this multifaceted organization.
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Communication Committee (Volunteer)
Genny Jessee
Genny Jessee is the executive director of the June Jessee Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing relief and support to children with devastating medically complex, neurological conditions and their families, offering resources, services, and connections to help make their lives easier. She and her husband, Matt Jessee, founded the JJMF in 2016 in honor of their brave daughter, June Jessee, who fearlessly faced the multiple, life-limiting conditions she endured. Previously, Genny held public relations and communication positions for leading agencies in Washington, D.C. She is the mom of two young boys and enjoys spending time with her family, journaling, exercising, needlepointing, reading, and binge watching her favorite TV shows.
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