Our Staff and Board

Whitney joined Project Sunshine as the Executive Director in 2018. She has built her career over the last twenty years at the Robin Hood Foundation, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, University of Pennsylvania and 92nd Street Y. She has consulted with non-profits including the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Character Lab, Riverdale Country School and The Center for Jewish History.

Before coming to Project Sunshine, she served as Interim Executive Director for EB Research Partnership, a national medical venture philanthropy. After completing this leadership role she accepted a position on their Board of Directors. She received her BA and MA from Penn and is a member of the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women.

In her downtime, she can be found spending time with her husband and two young sons or reading fiction.

CHILDHOOD FACT: According to family lore, for years the only “vegetable” Whitney would eat was olives. Now, she eats all sorts of vegetables.

Amneet is Project Sunshine’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator. She’s passionate about bringing creative ideas to life that speak to the community. Before joining Project Sunshine, she worked in tech building marketing campaigns and strategies for a variety of audiences. She’s also been a health advocate for a non-profit organization that improves lives for those affected by rare skin conditions, like hers.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Amneet joined the theater club when she was young and landed her first role as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Since then, she continued to be a cast member in plays until high school.

Emily manages volunteer recruitment and retention as a Program Coordinator at Project Sunshine. Emily is a dedicated and passionate team member with a wealth of experience in working with youth in both the education and volunteer sectors. Armed with a Master’s degree in Sociology of Education from NYU, Emily brings a deep understanding of the societal and cultural factors that shape youth experiences. Prior to joining Project Sunshine in 2023, Emily worked at Reading Partners, a literacy-focused non-profit, recruiting volunteers for New York City-based programs, as well as New York Cares where she facilitated volunteer experiences for high school students. In her free time, Emily enjoys baking and spending time outdoors with her family.

Childhood fact: Emily aspired to be a furniture maker and used her experience helping her dad with home repairs to build all kinds of fun contraptions using power tools and scraps of building materials. She was especially proud of her homemade skateboard.

Shelley collaborates with Project Sunshine's corporate partners to build engaging and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Sharing her passion for the mission of Project Sunshine and the amazing children and families we serve brings her professional joy and purpose each day. Shelley previously worked in college admissions and college counseling, and her love of fostering relationships, initially with students and families and now with corporate partners, has been a highlight of her career. In her free time, Shelley loves cheering on NYC sports teams, planning an adventure with her husband, and seeing her favorite musicians in concert.

 CHILDHOOD FACT: One of Shelley's prized possessions when she was a little girl was her Smurfs sleeping bag, which she would often put out on the living room floor and snuggle in. One of her favorite childhood pictures includes Shelley, her sister, her brother…and the Smurfs sleeping bag

Anna serves as our Development Coordinator. She comes to Project Sunshine with a passion for advocating for children and protecting every child’s right to find joy and healing through play. Her work in this field reaches back to her teenage years in Texas, where she began volunteering at the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas’s program at Camp For All, Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave. After serving as a counselor, head counselor, and eventually Assistant Director, Anna went on to study at Boston College and the University of Oxford, earning a B.A. with honors in psychology and minor in philosophy. Having concentrated her coursework in developmental psychology, she then taught kindergarten and first grade for three years in New York City before joining Project Sunshine. In her free time, she loves practicing yoga, reading, and spending time outside.

Childhood Fact: Anna grew up sharing a room with her sister, and the two of them often stayed up well past their bedtime playing games and talking. When the sound of their voices started getting them caught for being up late, they devised a “secret language” comprised of different numbers of kicks to the shin carrying different meanings so they could silently, if painfully and inefficiently, continue to communicate after dark. Today, their evening chats continue regularly via FaceTime, now with the luxury of speaking aloud and without time constraints.

Tenzin Dickyi graduated from Colgate University with a B.A in Educational Studies and Women’s Studies where she passionately advocated for women of color. Before joining us, she was a Care Coordinator and Memorial Sloan Kettering, guiding cancer patients through their outpatient appointments. She is so excited to join Project Sunshine’s team and further the work PS is doing!

Childhood fact: Tenzin didn’t know that she spoke two different languages (English and Tibetan), until she reached Kindergarten where she was confused why no one could understand her when she spoke Tibetan.

Ariela manages volunteers and operations abroad as the on-site program coordinator for Project Sunshine Israel. Ariela gained her expertise in early childhood development through her work in preschools and early childhood daycare programs. Since 2016, she has been using her wealth of experience managing fun-filled bedside programs at 6 medical facilities throughout Israel. She proudly continues the Project Sunshine tradition of dressing up for our patients- Ariela holds a certification in Medical Clowning from the Simchat Halev Organization. Ariela speaks four languages and loves to travel.

CHILDHOOD FACT: As a 4 year old, Ariela received a yellow Canary, named Olly. Unfortunately, she had to part from Olly about a year later when her family immigrated from Argentina to Israel.

Gregory is Project Sunshine’s Development Manager. He became interested in the non-profit world at a young age and even founded his own organization called “Threads to Thrive” as a high school student.  He graduated from The George Washington University, before moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands to explore the intersection of sport and social impact at the Johan Cruyff Institute’s Master of Sport Management program. Most recently, Greg worked at The Over Under Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to play for youth around the country.

When he is not working, you can find Greg being constantly let down by his favorite sports teams.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Greg has never been a history buff. In fact, there is an entire family photo album dedicated to all the tourist attractions where he has been caught napping.

Camille serves as the Corporate Partnerships Coordinator for Project Sunshine and works to support corporate volunteerism and social impact while bringing play and joy to children. Camille has been a tireless child advocate for much of her life, beginning with volunteering at Head Start in Cleveland, Ohio. Most recently, Camille worked on engagement programming for Child Life Specialists, and is excited to bring her passion for child advocacy to Project Sunshine and this role! Camille enjoys spending time with her husband and family and rooting for all Cleveland sports teams.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Camille’s parents often say they knew she would grow up to be a tough cookie because when she was delivered, she had balled up fists for hours. 

Kaitlin manages Project Sunshine’s volunteer programs, working with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers across the country. Kaitlin has a passion for volunteerism and has spent her career developing sustainable volunteer programs for various organizations.

Prior to joining Project Sunshine in 2019, Kaitlin worked at the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she was responsible for driving strategy to design and implement volunteer delivery models that aligned with girl and volunteer demands, and increased membership and market share. Kaitlin also worked at NYC Service, a division of the New York City Mayor’s Office. During her time at NYC Service, she oversaw all external relationships and managed the recruitment, placement and tracking of volunteers to NYC Service initiatives. Kaitlin received her Executive Master’s in Public Administration from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College and her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. In her free time, you can find Kaitlin spending time with her husband, and traveling to new and interesting places around the world.

CHILDHOOD FACT:  In the eighth grade, Kaitlin won first place in physical science at the Connecticut State Science Fair for her project on Buckminsterfullerenes (aka “bucky balls”). This was her first and last serious foray into the world of science.

At Project Sunshine, Mary helps to guide corporate partners in giving back through virtual, in office, and in hospital engagement opportunities. Mary graduated from University of Connecticut in 2019 with a dual degree in both English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies. Before working with Project Sunshine, Mary worked with a disability rights nonprofit in Boston helping folks access their Medicaid benefits. Mary has always been passionate about serving others and building relationships with people in an effort to bring more equity and ease to the world around them. In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, cooking, doing a daily yoga practice, and spending time with friends.

CHILDHOOD FACT:  Mary is a survivor of early childhood cancer and spent time in treatment during the first 4 years of their life. Mary has been cancer free ever since, but the memories of friends, family, and everyone at the hospital rallying around her and bringing playfulness and joy to scary, overwhelming moments are still cherished by her to this day.

Director of Programs, Meg, leads Project Sunshine’s national initiatives, forging partnerships with medical facilities and nonprofits while coordinating volunteer efforts across the country. With over a decade of experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist, Meg’s commitment to pediatric care transcends borders and inspires impactful change.

Prior to her tenure at Project Sunshine, Meg established pediatric programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Patient Experience department and served as a lead Child Life Specialist at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY on the Inpatient Surgical Unit. Her international experience at the Red Cross War Memorial Hospital in Rondebosch, South Africa, further enriches her diverse expertise, all of which she brings to Project Sunshine’s programming.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Meg’s favorite toy growing up was a printing calculator. She loved using her imagination and wasting a ton of paper!

Katy leads the charge as Project Sunshine’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to working at Project Sunshine, Katy led girls’ education programs in the Peace Corps and large-scale volunteer programs for dozens of nonprofits in NYC. When she’s not working, you can find Katy exploring with her husband and dog or eating her way through all the dollar slice joints in the city.

CHILDHOOD FACT: An animal enthusiast from birth, Katy spent her summers as a Junior Zookeeper at the Dallas Zoo while caring for up to 8 pets at home. Her father never recovered from the “home zoo” where he resided.

Theresa is an integral part of the Program team supporting the elevation and enhancement of programming and partnerships.  She joins us with over a decade of experience working as a Certified Child Life Specialist and Educator.  Whether teaching elementary and middle school students stateside or abroad, empowering children and families in the hospital setting, Theresa's passion has always been working with the pediatric population.

She enjoys dancing, singing, and taking long warm wagon walks in the Florida sun with her family, including her rambunctious twin toddlers!

CHILDHOOD FACT:  Theresa was quite the theatrical youngster.  Her mother constantly retells the story in which Theresa was hosting her daily television show on her stage in the garage, 'Theresa Explains it All', when her mom accidentally closed the garage door and shut out her pretend audience.  She cried for hours that her fans missed the show. It is still a sensitive subject.

Dennis manages a robust, dedicated team of Project Sunshine volunteers in Kenya- a few of his volunteers have been with him since 2006! Prior to his work with Project Sunshine, Dennis was a community health worker at Bomu Hospital and an addiction counselor in an outreach center. Dennis is one of the pioneers of our Kenya program and has seen Project Sunshine through many exciting developments, including the construction of a hospital play area. Dennis’ work with Project Sunshine allows him to combine his diverse skills and experience with his passion for empowering families to have healthy lives. Dennis holds a BA in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi in Kenya. In his downtime, he enjoys reading, attending motivational talks, and having quality time with his family. He is the proud father of two daughters, Abigail and Ciela.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Dennis  grew up in Kitui County, in a place known as Ikanga. He loved playing football so much at school and in the community that he was nicknamed “Kadenge,” after a famous footballer.

In her role as the Country Manager for Project Sunshine Canada, overseeing all operations, Kristina brings a richly decorated history of working with children. With an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Ottawa, her journey into healthcare was ignited by a profound passion for medicine and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Previously, Kristina immersed herself in diverse roles, spanning research, direct-patient relations, and administration within esteemed institutions such as William Osler Health System and Halton Healthcare. Beyond her healthcare endeavors, Kristina has a storied history of working with children, excelling in roles ranging from tutoring to coaching in school environments. Grateful for the opportunity to give back, she extends her commitment to community service through Project Sunshine. Simultaneously pursuing a master's in psychology, Kristina aspires to continue working with a pediatric population. Her skill set expands beyond healthcare, as she is a certified Photographer from Toronto Metropolitan University, capturing moments and sharing her creative gift with others.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Envision a young Kristina in a state final, hitting a half-court shot in the final moments for an exhilarating win. As a sports-loving kid, she happily played basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Her infectious enthusiasm secured her the title of "Athlete of the Year," a badge she never lets anyone forget in her daily banter.

Louise coordinates the shipment of craft kits and program boxes for our Sending Sunshine and Direct Service programs nationwide. Before coming to Project Sunshine, Louise worked at after-school programs throughout three boroughs of New York City. In her spare time, Louise enjoys exploring Inwood Hill park with her dog, Shiro, and listening to podcasts.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Growing up, Louise’s parents owned an ice cream store. She even had a sundae on the menu named after her – the LouLou Brownie Sundae! Although her parents sold the business, Louise followed her love of ice cream and worked at a frozen custard shop all four years of high school.

James is Project Sunshine’s Operations Manager. He graduated in 2016 from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. after studying history, economics, and the Arabic language. His varied work experience in Austin, from nightlife to apartment leasing and political campaigns, prepares him to tackle the diverse challenges of managing a nonprofit’s internal and external operations. Before moving to New York in fall 2023 to join Project Sunshine, James worked for a nonprofit, MOVE Texas, which focused on registering young people to vote.

CHILDHOOD FACT: In sixth grade, James placed #6 in the state of California during the state-level competition of the National Geographic Society’s Geography Bee.

Annie joined Project Sunshine in 2023 and oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts. She loves building relationships with supporters and sharing how philanthropy advances Project Sunshine’s vital play programs. Prior to Project Sunshine, Annie was a Major Gift Officer and Planned Giving Manager at the Field Museum in Chicago. Previously, Annie served as a Senior Campaign Director at CCS Fundraising, where she partnered with non-profits across the Midwest to raise funds for transformational community projects. Annie’s favorite hobbies include playing tennis and golf, traveling, and spending time with her family. Annie will be graduating with her MBA this May from Loyola University Chicago, Baumhart Scholars program. She earned her BA in History from Yale University.

CHILDHOOD FACT: Annie was a sports lover from a young age and as a child participated (always competitively) in soccer, tee-ball/softball, basketball, tennis, and swimming.

Alexis joins Project Sunshine as the Digital Strategy Coordinator. She is passionate about crafting delightful and efficient experiences on and off the screen. She has most recently been a freelance designer, doing web and mobile design and development, marketing content, and branding for a variety of clients including startups and non-profit organizations. She enjoys perfecting her morning coffee brew, dancing, reading, and watching films.

CHILDHOOD FACT:   As a baby, her parents would use color coded socks to tell her apart from her identical twin sister. Though sometimes, her father would prank her mother and swap the socks.