BOARD OF DIRECTORS & TEAM

As co-founder and CEO, Erin leads the organization’s mission to improve bereavement care for families experiencing stillbirth and infant loss. She and her husband, Anthony, founded the organization in 2016 following the stillbirth of their daughter, Ashlie, transforming their personal loss into a nationwide effort to support grieving families. Erin holds an MBA in Marketing from Walsh University and brings years of leadership experience to the organization.

Anthony has helped guide the organization’s mission since co-founding Ashlie’s Embrace with his wife in 2016. With more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, he now serves as a Fraud Investigator for a major insurance company. Anthony is also the owner of Sound Waves Entertainment, and lead singer of a local band. He and his wife, Erin, are proud parents to their son, AJ.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience across both nonprofit and business sectors, Angela serves as Chief Operating Officer, where she helps guide the organization’s growth through operations, technology, and strategic planning. She is dedicated to building systems that support the organization’s mission and expand its impact for families experiencing stillbirth and infant loss. Angela lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and is the proud mother and grandmother.

Crystal brings years of leadership and event planning experience through her career. Her passion for Ashlie’s Embrace is deeply rooted in the pregnancy loss and fertility challenges experienced by women in her family, making the organization’s mission especially meaningful to her. Crystal and her husband live in the Akron, Ohio area, where she proudly embraces her role as a grandmother.

Erika brings extensive experience in accounting and financial management to the Ashlie’s Embrace Board of Directors. She serves as Controller at Tower Industries LTD and also manages the financial operations for her husband’s business, All in One Frey’s Home Improvement. Erika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and an MBA in Management from Walsh University and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). She lives in Canton, Ohio, with her husband and children.

Kendall is a second grade teacher in Houston County, Georgia, where she brings compassion and dedication to her students each day. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia College & State University. Following her own experience with infant loss and stillbirth, Kendall found purpose in supporting other grieving families through Ashlie’s Embrace while honoring the memories of her children, Ruby and Jack. Kendall and her husband are also proud parents to their daughter, Abigail.

Christine holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Allegheny College. Her career spans more than 15 years and includes nonprofit leadership, with a background in professional development, advocacy, and organizational management. After the stillbirth of her son, Whitaker, in 2016, Christine’s family received one of the first cooling units donated by Ashlie’s Embrace. Years later, they honored Whitaker’s memory by donating a CuddleCot and she joined the Board of Directors, combining her professional expertise and personal experience to help advance the organization’s mission.

Danielle serves as Director of Marketing & Development for Ashlie’s Embrace, where she leads the organization’s marketing, communications, fundraising, and brand strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate marketing, she is passionate about connecting people to the mission through meaningful storytelling and thoughtful engagement. Danielle lives in North Carolina, where she works remotely with the Ashlie’s Embrace team.

Serving as Program Coordinator, Valerie brings more than 15 years of experience in operations, production planning, and scheduling. She combines a love of organization with a commitment to helping ensure hospitals and families receive the support they need. Outside of work, Valerie channels her creativity through her small business, Val’s Cookie Corner, where she creates beautifully decorated custom cookies for special occasions.