Each committee below is chaired by a member of the COCA Board of Directors. All COCA Members are welcome to join committees. If you are interested in joining a committee, please email either Jennifer Amundsen, Executive Director at jennifer.amundsen@cocai.org or the committee chair listed for the particular committee.
Governance/Administration (Includes Only Members of the Board)
- President – Ryan Campbell- Chair, ryan@happinessiscamping.org
- Past President – Brandon Briery, PhD
- Secretary – Jennifer Benton
- Treasurer – Tini Graff, CPA
- Michele Vernon, MSW
- Erin Ulmer
Membership
Membership Committee Purpose: To develop new and innovative ways to attract new members as well as retain current
membership. The committee will work alongside Regional Liaisons to identify and recruit new membership camps, promote
the awareness of COCA resources (including the PDLC and conference), and recommend the development of any
additional supports to meet member needs.
- Gillian Anderson – Chair, gillian.anderson@cancer.ca
- Brandon “Spot” Padgett
- Laura Vaughn
- Tyler Olsen
Development
Development Committee Purpose: To assist with grants and funding sources, outreach and collaborate on marketing
materials needed for potential foundations and expanding funding sources, etc.
- Jennifer Benton – Chair, jennifer@campdream.org
- Ryan Campbell
- Becky Felak
- Brandon Briery, PhD
Research & Education
Research & Education Committee Purpose: To provide members education through Medical Contact Hours and Best
Practices tracks at the annual conference, quarterly educational videos and/or webinars; materials and resources on the COCA website as well as content for the Professional Development Learning Center. This committee also reviews research proposals as well as develop COCA tools to evaluate internal research and networks to build relationships within the medical field, by representing COCA at various conferences throughout the year.
- Lynne Royer-Willoughby, RN, MSN, NP – Chair, lynne.willoughby@specialdays.org
- Holly Senn, CCLS
- Laurel Christensen, LCSW, OSW-C
- Ryan Campbell
- Brandon Briery, PhD
- Ashley Clinger
Gold Ribbon
Gold Ribbon Committee Purpose: Oversees the education program of Best Practices and Guidelines, specific to their setting and population, which are documented and delivered in the course of providing a medically and emotionally safe pediatric oncology camp experience. The committee reviews and updates the Standards to improve the Gold Ribbon Accreditation program. Upon review of each camp’s visit report, this committee makes a recommendation to the COCA Board of Directors regarding whether the camp has earned accreditation.
- Mike Amylon, MD – Chair, amylon@stanford.edu
- Brandon Briery, PhD- Vice-Chair
- Dina Dattilio
- Michele Vernon, MSW
- Lynne Royer-Willoughby, RN, MSN, NP
- Holly Senn, CCLS
- Michael “Knuckles” Vasquez, ASW
- Lauren Burke
- Matt Ruttler
- Tracey Gaslin, PhD, CPNP, FNP-BC, CRNI, RN-BC
- Kaye Wagner, MD
- Jenn Balkema
Social Media & Marketing
Social Media & Marketing Purpose: To develop, implement, and oversee effective marketing and communication
strategies across all digital platforms to enhance the organization’s visibility, engagement, and overall brand presence.
The committee will focus on promoting the organization’s mission, values, brand, and initiatives through innovative and
impactful social media campaigns, content creation, and Member engagement.
- Michael “Knuckles” Vasquez, ASW – Chair, knuckles@okizu.org
- Callie Campbell
- Jennifer Benton
- Tini Graff, CPA
- Becky Felak
Conference
Conference Committee Purpose: To assist in planning and executing COCA’s annual conference. This includes recruiting
sponsors and exhibitors, planning session content, and securing breakout session, keynote, and COCAcademy speakers, as
well as planning the New Attendee Meet & Greet, Conference Kick Off Reception, and Hospitality Suite. This also
includes organizing conference logistics such as the registration table, silent auction, attendee experiences (swag bags, local
restaurants, scavenger hunt, etc.), and volunteer recruitment.
- Zeff Gomes
- Michele Vernon, MSW
- Gillian Anderson
- Laurel Christensen, LCSW, OSW-C
- Ryan Campbell
- Michael “Knuckles” Vasquez, ASW
- Brandon “Spot” Padgett
- Molly Dugan
Finance
Finance Committee Purpose: To review financials and investments, make recommendations to the Board regarding
financial policy.
- Tini Graff, CPA – Chair, boymom.bjm@gmail.com
- Erin Ulmer- Vice-Chair
- Becky Felak
- Brandon Briery, PhD
- Jason Kirkland