Shira Arnold, Concord, North Carolina
Mother to Cayden, age 4
Shira is an on-the-go mother to Cayden (4) and Skylar (2), and wife to Joey. She is active in her church and Bible study groups, as well as taking care of the many needs of a busy family. Mrs. Arnold has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Scenic Design from North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. She worked for over 10 years as a Theatrical Set, Lighting and Costume Designer and technician around the country. She also worked often as a Scenic Artist for theatre and privately as a decorative painter for homes. Most recently she was a Technical Director and Designer at the Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, SC. Once Cayden was born with special needs, the professional career was placed on the back burner, while her personal life moved to the forefront. Shira is currently using her creative talents to make special toys for Cayden and Skylar, and to decorate their home. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, reading and needlepoint when a spare moment is found for hobbies. You may contact Shira at shira@FamiliesforHoPE.org.
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Amy Colletti, Chesterfield Twp., Michigan
Mother to Abby, age 7
Born and raised in the suburbs of Michigan, Amy still resides in Michigan close to her hometown. She has been Married since 1990 and is a mother to four daughters. Born in 1994, Rachel is the eldest of her daughters. Sarah is 10 years old, Emily is 9 years old, and Abby is 7 years old. Abby was diagnosed with holoprosencephaly in January 2002. Amy is a stay-at-home mom with a full-time job of raising four daughters. She describes her life as simple but busy. Her hobbies include gardening, scrapbooking and charity work. Reaching out to others is gratifying and has brought many blessings to her. Amy realized at a young age that a successful life would include raising a family, and she believes that the importance of family is the foundation of a meaningful life. A favorite quote which describes Amy's outlook is, "We create our tomorrows by what we dream today". |
Leslie Harley, Indianapolis, Indiana
Mother to Samuel, born in heaven 1.7.08
Leslie Harley is the president and a full-time volunteer for Families for HoPE, Inc. She is a native of Sharpsville, Indiana and is a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. Leslie is the mother of Samuel, who passed away January 7, 2008 at the age of 4. Samuel was diagnosed with HPE in utero at 24 weeks gestation. Leslie has a tender heart for children and families dealing with epilepsy, tracheostomies, and/or a fragile medical status.
In addition to her work with Families for HoPE and being a mother to Samuel, Leslie is in her tenth year of volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, along with memberships with the North Central Indianapolis Kiwanis Club and Traders Point Christian Church. Leslie's motto is, "Make each day count". You may contact Leslie at Leslie@FamiliesforHoPE.org
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Heather Stauft, Liberty Township, Ohio
Mother to Harrison, born in heaven 3.8.04
Heather is currently serving as Vice President of Families for HoPE, Inc. She was born and raised in Ada, Ohio. She met her husband, Dan, at Ohio Northern University. They now reside in Liberty Township, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. Heather is a mother of two boys. Drew is her oldest at 11 years old and Harrison. Harrison was diagnosed with Lobar Holoprosencephaly. He was born on earth on 6.22.99 and born into heaven on 3.8.04. Heather has taken her experiences with Harrison to her job as a CNA and hopes to use her experience with grief to reach out to other families that are hurting. You may contact her at heather@FamiliesforHoPE.org |
Roxanne Steele, Richmond, Indiana
Mother to Rachel, age 5
Roxanne is the Treasurer for Families for HoPE, Inc and a volunteer for many projects. Roxanne and her husband, Brian, were born in Indianapolis, Indiana and have lived in both Indiana and Richmond, Virginia. Their family currently lives in Richmond, Indiana. Roxanne has a Masters Degree in Education and had taught children with moderate to severe disabilities for 9 years before the birth of her twins, Nathan and Rachel, in 2002. In addition to Nathan and Rachel, she is also the mother of Mariah and Sara.
Roxanne is passionate about children’s services and volunteers her time not only to Families for HoPE, but also to Girl Scouts, her church education committee, PTO, and her children’s classrooms. Roxanne and Brian are raising four children who are shining examples of compassion, giving, patience, and love. Roxanne has a deep understanding of the concerns and needs of families raising more than one child, twins, and raising a child who is medically fragile. You may contact Roxanne at roxanne@FamiliesforHoPE.org. |
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