If you are interested in being a board member, please contact Mandy Emel

Mandy Emel, President, has worked in technology marketing for the past five years, focusing exclusively on customer advocacy programs at Microsoft. She earned a B.A. in public relations from Washington State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University. Mandy plans to utilize her public relations and marketing experience to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer, as well as their families.

Shirley Enebrad, Past-president, has been involved with Candlelighters since the early 90’s. Her son died from leukemia in 1985 after a five year battle. Shirley does grief work and runs the bereaved parents’ retreat and support groups. She has served as president for seven years. Shirley is an independent television producer and the author of Over the Rainbow Bridge, a book about her son’s cancer journey. She is donating 30% of the proceeds to Candlelighters and CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Chuck Marcouiller, Vice-President, father of five-year-old Max who passed away from cancer after a two-year struggle with his disease. Chuck moved here from SLC and immediately joined CCCF-WWA. Chuck is a manager for a Fortune 500 company. He is also a Seafair Pirate and father of teenaged daughter.

Nicole Francois, Promotional Chair, is the founder and managing member of Market Well, a full-service promotional agency that specializes in meeting the needs of health care professionals and their patients. Nicole supports Candlelighters by providing pro-bono marketing counsel, copy writing services, creative direction and design of promotional items and invitations for fund raising events.

Heather Bennett, Heather is the mother of 4 year old Baily who passed away from cancer November 17, 2009.  Baily was diagnosed in April 2009 with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a non Hodgkins Lymphoma, and had a tumor surrounding his heart.  Despite 5 different chemos, a round of high dose radiation, he passed away before his stemcell transplant.  Heather is now dedicating her life to fundraising for a cure for cancer, particularly childhood cancer.  She is so thankful for the bereavement retreat and grief groups offered by Candlelighters and hopes to help other bereaved families in the future.

Molly Hirtzel,  Molly moved to Washington 30 years ago with her family & hasn’t left since. She has a degree in graphic design from Cornish College of the Arts & recently obtained a Certificate in Project Management from UW. She has worked at Starbucks Corporate for 9 years on the Store Development team & enjoys traveling, painting, reading and hanging out with family & friends.

Stephanie Martin, member at large

Janna Hendrickson, member at large

Jeanne Nguyen, Treasurer

Beth Goheen, Member of the Parent Advisory Committee, works in the printing industry in Poulsbo. She has three daughters who all have had multiple cancers due to an inherited condition called Li Fraumini Syndrome. Beth’s family epitomizes the mission of Candlelighters and yet they jump in and give back at every opportunity.

Anne Young, Member of the Parent Advisory Committee, has been involved with Candlelighters since 2002. As a Pediatric Oncology Social Worker for nearly a decade, Anne sees first hand the impact childhood cancer diagnoses have on each patient and family she serves. Anne works at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma where she facilitates a parent support group and is a member of the Pediatric Palliative Care Committee.  She lives in South King County.