Co-Founder, Executive Director, Board Secretary

Founding Claire’s Place Foundation with her daughter Claire has been a way for Melissa to give back and share her experience with other families living with cystic fibrosis.  “Leading this organization is my way of keeping Claire’s legacy alive.”

Co-Founder, Former Chairman of the Board

John Wineland is an author, teacher and speaker, who for over a decade, has been leading both men and women in the realms of spiritual intimacy, life’s purpose and embodiment. John is a founding member of Claire’s Place Foundation which he started with his daughter Claire and her mother Melissa.

Chairman of the Board

Laura McHolm is the co-founder of award-winning NorthStar Moving Company. As one of the few women at the helm of a moving company, she is changing the way we move. Laura has been a member of the Claire’s Place Foundation Board since its founding and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2016.

Treasurer

Trish Dixon is acting CFO of Los Angeles-based Dixon Construction, Inc. a builder of high-end custom homes in Southern California.  She helped start and has managed the family-owned company for over 19 years. 

Director

“As a physician, I have cared for the full age range of people with CF, including infants, children, and adults. I am a proactive person, with over forty years of CF experience in multiple hospitals nationwide, who has a great understanding of both the emotional and physical factors in this condition.”

Director

Ryan Azevedo is an award-winning filmmaker that has produced and directed live concert and behind the scenes videos for multi-platinum and Grammy award-winning artists and multiple New York Times bestselling authors.He is also the founder of MediaBlitzz, which has created the marketing strategies behind Oscar-winning films, best-selling books and multi-platinum recording artists.

Director

An Oscar-winning filmmaker, British Royal Navy Pilot, leading Hollywood talent agent at International Creative Management and more, Nicholas Reed has spent much of his career championing talented artists and their film, television and documentary projects. In 2013, Reed founded SHAREABILITY, the world’s first “storytech” company.

Director

Awarded “Woman of Influence 2022” by GlobeSt.com, Julie is recognized for her remarkable achievements and distinguished work and leadership in the real estate industry. As COO, Julie leads New Standard Equities’ corporate operations as well as multifamily operations, including capital projects and asset management in the Western U.S

Director

As a former attorney and the sole owner responsible for every part of her small businesses, Mara has worn multiple hats. From CEO to CFO, she became the first franchisee of Nothing Bundt Cakes and grew that business to seven bakeries. Following, Mara founded a thriving consultancy, KKN Consulting, LLC, where she assists clients to achieve sustainable growth.