Terri Wingham, CEO & Founder

Terri Wingham is the CEO and Founder of A Fresh Chapter. A breast cancer diagnosis at age 30 changed Terri forever, transporting her from corporate life to a foreign world of chemotherapy and surgeries. An international volunteer travel experience in South Africa helped Terri see that struggle is universal – and inspired her to provide individuals deeply impacted by cancer the opportunity to expand their focus beyond the disease and discover new purpose in their lives. Terri is a committed global health advocate and cancer support innovator who speaks frequently on topics relating to using adversity as a catalyst for growth. Terri holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Entrepreneurship from Royal Roads University in Victoria, Canada.

Lyndsey Womack, Operations & Program Manager

Lyndsey Womack is the Operations and Program Manager for A Fresh Chapter.  She has spent the last 10 years working in non-profit spaces focused on fostering connections and positive change. Lyndsey, her wife, and pup live in Kansas City where they enjoy concert-hopping, porch gatherings, and traveling to connect with loved ones. Lyndsey is excited to be a part of the AFC team and contribute to the impactful work of A Fresh Chapter.

Philip Odiyo Ouma, Kenya Country Lead & Facilitator

Philip Ouma is a Psychologist with extensive experience in Psycho-oncology. He is currently studying for a Doctoral degree at Erasmus Medical University (Netherlands). Philip trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York through the Union for Cancer Control Fellowship. He is currently a Fellow at the Association of Union for International Cancer Control Fellows and was awarded Naomi Stearns Fellow in 2018 for his role in developing psychosocial oncology in Kenya. Philip was elected in 2021-2023 to serve as a director representing Africa at the International Psycho-Oncology Organization (IPOS). He is passionate about empowering cancer patients through psycho-education and trainings. He has been involved with AFC since 2017. I am happy to be part of the AFC Kenyan team and I look forward to seeing AFC grow in Kenya and Beyond.

T. Jimenez, Senior Development & Communications Associate

T. is the Senior Development and Communications Associate for A Fresh Chapter. Their commitment to supporting positive social change has led them to many rich experiences, such as organizing in their hometown of Long Beach in pursuit of racial and housing justice. Most recently, T. worked with a nonprofit serving currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. They are a firm believer that the trajectory of one’s life is greatly affected by circumstances that are largely out of one’s control, but with support, one’s opportunities for growth and actualization improve. For this reason, AFC’s mission speaks to their heart and values. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, reading, and nurturing their passion for photography. T. holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a certificate in nonprofit management.

Anna Miller Elliot, Senior Communications & Programs Coordinator

Anna is the Communications Coordinator for A Fresh Chapter. Anna grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and recently moved to Oklahoma! With her husband and beloved dogs, Manning and Roy, she enjoys hiking, exploring and time on the water. Anna joined our team with a background in social media and digital marketing and a passion for nonprofit work focused on improving the lives of others. She is excited to take on this new role and put her past experience towards a fulfilling cause.

Ivasha Cyrilla, Kenya Senior Program Coordinator

A cancer diagnosis propelled Ivasha Cyrilla’s entry into the cancer space in 2016. She joined a support group run by Kisumu City Cancer Organization as a volunteer nutritionist for fellow survivors and cancer patients within the group. Ivasha also actively got involved in cancer awareness campaigns. Before joining AFC as a participant in the Kenya Elevate Program 2019, she had ventured into the field of Monitoring and Evaluation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Ivasha hopes to broadly impact the lives of cancer survivors and caregivers in Kenya through her work as facilitator and program coordinator. Outside of the cancer sphere, she enjoys making and selling samosas, farming, reading, writing and running.

Enti Mooskin, Program Coordinator

Enti Mooskin is the Program Coordinator for A Fresh Chapter. She is a Washington, DC, native and resides with her cat Nala. Enti graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Psychology and has worked at several national and international nonprofits in the areas of  international education and community development, equity in the U.S. legal system, and marine conservation. She is excited to work with the AFC team to support the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Outside work, she enjoys soccer, culinary explorations, and ocean adventures.

Tony Simiyu, Kenya Mizizi Lead Facilitator & Alumni Coordinator 

Tony Simiyu is a CML survivor for the last 10 years. He is passionate about cancer advocacy and creating meaningful change in his community. He is A Fresh Chapter’s Mizizi Workshop Lead Facilitator and Alumni Coordinator for Kenyan programming. He has a background as a trained Lawyer.

Alvinah Hope, Kenya Programs & Communications Coordinator 

Hope is enthusiastic about working for and helping people in the community. Hope has volunteered in the cancer space in Kenya for more than three years and has a background in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy. Hope’s free time is spent reading, listening to music, and time in nature.

Manisha Braithwaite, Development Support Associate

Manisha Braithwaite is an avid world traveler with a broad background in Canadian, U.S. and global volunteering. Her extensive experience in planning and logistics, combined with her passion for traveling and volunteering, help her in her key operations role with A Fresh Chapter. Her roots lie in Toronto, Canada and she received her B.A. from the University of Western Ontario. Manisha balances her work with her other interests in sports, fitness, traveling, spending time with family & close friends, and devoting her time to organizations that assist children.

Janet Ottersberg, Facilitator

Janet’s career in the health and wellness industry has spanned over 30 years, including work as an Occupational Therapist, Massage therapist, yoga instructor, Daring Way facilitator, group facilitator and Life and Wellness coach. She has been facilitating with A Fresh Chapter since 2016 and works as the director of education for the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health. Janet is passionate about life balance and when she is not doing the work she loves she can be found on the dance floor, traveling, spending time with her family or walking her dogs.

Lisa Nielsen, Facilitator

Lisa Nielsen is a Facilitator with A Fresh Chapter and a member of the 2014 India Odyssey Circle. She is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist.  Lisa has worked in several facets of the wellness industry for over 22 years.  Her work includes personal fitness training, nutritional coaching, cooking classes, outdoor fitness and mobility classes, personal cheffing, and varying wellness retreats.  Her new business “Vibrant Life Wellness Coaching” (formerly Zen Fitness and Nutrition) is a way for her to bring all of her passions and experiences in wellness under one roof.  She is especially interested in working with functional movement and mobility, therapeutic nutrition, and mental, emotional, and spiritual wholeness.  She loves educating and inspiring others to live healthy lives by finding a balance in body, mind and spirit.

Latoya Cauley, Facilitator

Latoya Cauley is a member of the 2019 Peru Odyssey Circle, Ignite 2020 Circle, Kenya Elevate Program 2020-2021, AFC Explorer (Facilitator in Training) Program, and co-host for AFC Live Series on Social Justice. She currently serves as an Ambassador on the selection team as well as facilitator of Ignite Programs and Empower workshops. She is a 11-year breast cancer survivor, diagnosed at the age of 34. Searching for ways to process such a diagnosis, she started her advocacy journey with Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) in 2013 where she serves as breast cancer survivor helpline volunteer and Young Advocate. She is also a member of National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBBC), a 2019 graduate of their Project Lead Institute, Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy Advocacy Ambassador, and Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us. Latoya is a Chicago native, receiving her B.A. from Saint Xavier University. She finds great joy in spending time traveling with family and friends.

Dana Buning, Facilitator

Dana Buning first volunteered with A Fresh Chapter by bringing a film crew to Peru to tell the story of the 2016 Odyssey Program. Since then, her role with the organization has evolved, and she is grateful for the ongoing opportunity to facilitate with A Fresh Chapter. She is passionate about writing and fostering communication and connection. Dana earned a BA in English from the University of Tennessee and an MFA in Filmmaking from The Film School at Florida State University. She is a breast cancer survivor.

Emily Ochieng, Facilitator

Emily is a facilitator with the A Fresh Chapter Kenya Ignite Program and an alumnus of the Kenya Elevate Program 2020-2021. Sparked by the journey of caregiving, Emily has spent more than 5 years volunteering in the cancer advocacy space in Kenya—serving in program management and policy advocacy. Emily is a health advocate who is passionate about addressing disparity in health systems and cancer stigma in Kenya. Emily believes everyone has been affected by cancer at some point and we must take responsibility to help our communities cope with this burden. Emily is also a Trainer, Facilitator, and Public Speaker in advocacy for children and adolescent sexual health.

Rose Kariuki, Facilitator

Rose Kariuki is a Breast Cancer warrior who has been involved with AFC’s Kenyan programs since 2019. Rose also participated in the South Africa Odyssey Program in 2018. Rose is a facilitator-in-training and a Community Ambassador who is helping the Kenyan alumni stay connected as well as supporting the rollout of the AFC Mizizi workshop program in Kenya. She is a happy soul who likes to make a difference in the lives of many who cross her path.

Colleen Broughton, Ambassador/Connector

Colleen Broughton is a member of the 2017 Perú Odyssey as well as the 2020 Alumni Ignite Experience. Since 2018 she’s helping lead Alumni Ambassador training and happily talked to fellow cancerians. Colleen has been living with Triple Negative Breast Cancer for over 8 years (6 metastatic), and is grateful for the connection she’s found with other AFC members. She also trained with Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and is a breast cancer national helpline volunteer. Colleen is a Seattle native with a long tenure in healthcare marketing, curating memorable field trips, and hugging.

Kate Baer, Ambassador

Kate is a member of the 2017 Peru Odyssey, a Program Associate for 2019 Peru, and an Alumni Ambassador since 2018. Kate is a freelance writer based in Northeast Wisconsin. She is a patient advocate in the metastatic cancer space. Kate was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer at the age of 32. She has been living while undergoing continual cancer treatment since 2010. She is passionate about cultivating connection through volunteering, writing, traveling and storytelling. Kate has a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis on Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.

Wanda Lucas, Ambassador

Wanda Lucas is a member of the 2016 Peru Odyssey Circle and an ambassador supporting the selection and scholarships teams. She is an 11-year breast cancer survivor, and founding member of the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates. She is the vice president of the Board of Directors for the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) and serves as a Board member for the Annie Appleseed Project.  She is a graduate of NBCC’s Project LEAD Institute, and a programmatic reviewer for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. In 2011, Ms. Lucas was recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House and was honored for her grassroots advocacy by NBCC in 2014. Ms. Lucas received her BS from the University of Illinois and her MBA from American University.

Chris Rito, Ambassador

Chris is a member of the 2017 Peru Odyssey Circle, and a survivor of kidney cancer living in suburban Indianapolis with his wife and six kids (and two dogs). He participated through his employer, Eli Lilly, via the partnership between A Fresh Chapter and Lilly’s Connecting Hearts Abroad volunteering program. While in Peru he was blessed to prepare and serve meals to the families staying at Casa Hogar  — an organization that provides lodging and meals to impoverished cancer patients and their families — and was especially touched and motivated by his interactions with the children there.  He only reluctantly thought of himself as a cancer survivor, and was a “stereotypical guy” in that he initially resisted the idea of healing the emotional scars of cancer. Nonetheless, he benefited from A Fresh Chapter in ways he could not imagine, and now wants to give back and encourage others to feel this same benefit by being a program mentor.

Neha Kothari, Ambassador

Neha is a member of the 2017 Peru Odyssey Circle, a Program Associate for the 2019 Peru Circle, and has helped in various Ambassador roles over the past few years (the selection team, program mentor, fundraising mentor, program planning). She is a Pittsburgh native and currently based there by way of Ann Arbor, Boston, NYC, Moshi (Tanzania) and St Pete. She is an avid traveler, a Zumba girl, a football fan (go Michigan and go Steelers!) and a breast cancer survivor. She enjoys long dinners with good friends, loves music, is motivated by the sun and is passionate about meditation – sitting and leading. Neha has spent a good amount of volunteering abroad as well as in her local community and she is involved as an advocate in the young adult cancer space. She is also truly excited to connect with others starting their fresh chapter experience.

Kahron Palet, Ambassador

Kahron Palet is a member of the 2016 Peru Odyssey Tribe and an ambassador with the selection and fundraising teams. After a life changing diagnosis of DeNovo Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2013, Kahron decided to combined her years of management, organizational and fundraising experience into a focused mission as a breast cancer advocate , mentor and counselor for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Recovery, various Medical organizations and A Fresh Chapter.  Her goal is to help others live their best life, even with a cancer diagnosis. Her advocacy has led to invitations to write and speak about continuing to appreciate life as a stage 4 patient, and to educate others about the disease. Her trip to Peru with A Fresh Chapter was an incredibly amazing experience that forever changed her life.

Stefani Reed, Ambassador

Stefani Reed is a member of the 2016 Peru Odyssey Tribe and ambassador with the selection team. During the day Stefani Reed works in crime and intelligence analysis at a local police department; identifying crime patterns, forecasting the occurrence of future crime and assisting with investigations. Stefani is a Lymphoma survivor. Since completing chemotherapy in 2015, Stefani has fundraised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk each year. During her trip to Peru, she dug into the emotional scars that cancer left behind.

Suzanne Shoemaker, Ambassador

Suzanne Shoemaker is a member of the 2015 South Africa Odyssey Tribe and supports the selection team as an ambassador. She has been a nurse anesthetist for 11 years.  She has a degree in psychology and worked in mental health for several years before going to nursing school.  Upon completion, she worked in Neuro/Trauma ICU for 6 years and then attended graduate school at the Medical University of South Carolina.  Suzanne has been a longtime supporter of A Fresh Chapter.

Rachel Mehl, Ambassador

Rachel completed treatment for breast cancer in late 2016. She has since been seeking opportunities to give back to the cancer community who was–and continues to be–so gracious to her. Rachel loves adventure, so zip-lining through the jungles of Costa Rica with AFC is a memory she won’t soon forget.

Michael Polkowitz, Ambassador

Michael participated in the 2016 Peru Odyssey through his employer, Eli Lilly and Company, and their Connecting Hearts Abroad Program. He volunteered at the Instituto Nacional De Enfermedades Neoplasicas, a cancer home in Lima. While there he served and helped prepare meals, provided hope, motivation and inspiration to cancer patients and their family members during their cancer journey while seeking treatment. Michael is passionate to help others through his work and community service, including leading a team to raise money for life-changing research on rare cancers. Michael lives and works in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Hannah McEdwards, Ambassador

Hannah McEdwards is a member of the 2016 Peru Odyssey Tribe and an ambassador supporting scholarships. She is a breast cancer fighter. She has volunteered with the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation for 4 years as a fundraising champion and also a director for the CBCF CIBC Run for the Cure.  In her professional life, she is financial advisor and assists people and their families plan for the best by preparing for the worst. Hannah traveled to Peru with AFC and truly believes that any survivor, caregiver, and fighter deserves a chance to give back in order to heal their own emotional scars. Hannah will be assisting scholarship recipients with their ripple impact action plans and making sure each person has the opportunity to successfully pay forward their experience.

Maureen Genna-Hough, Ambassador

Maureen Genna-Hough is a member of the 2016 U.S. Odyssey Tribe and an ambassador supporting selection and ambassador coordination. She is an eight year Breast Cancer survivor who has a desire to give back to the people who helped her every step of the journey. Maureen is a graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. She has supervised customer support personnel in a fast paced environment and has been responsible for on-time delivery and forecasting needs of perishable food products. She brings her expertise to Fresh Chapter and is excited to be involved.

Tanessa Noll, Ambassador

Tanessa Noll is a member of the 2016 Peru Odyssey Tribe and is serving as a Communications Ambassador for A Fresh Chapter. She loves writing and helping others tell their stories. Since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, Tanessa has been involved in the cancer community, most recently as a RISE Advocate with Young Survival Coalition. She received a BA in Communications from the University of La Verne and an MA in Teaching from City University of Seattle. Tanessa lives in Shelton, Washington with her husband and two sons.

Scott Hynes, Ambassador

Scott participated in the 2017 Peru Odyssey through his employer, Eli Lilly and Company, and their Connecting Hearts Abroad (CHA) Program. He volunteered at the Mother Theresa Missionary Center, Home for the Dying and Destitute in Lima. While there, he served and helped wash clothes, put away laundry, prepare meals, feed residents, provided physical therapy, as well as provided hope, love, and compassion to the children and adult residents. Scott was born and raised on Iowa and is now living in a northern Indianapolis suburb.  Scott is married and is the father to two beautiful young daughters (ages 4 and 7), who provide his motivation and inspiration. Scott is passionate about cancer research, physical fitness, and Michigan football.

Shelley Barnes, Ambassador

Shelley is a member of the 2017 South Africa Odyssey Tribe. Diagnosed at ages 25 & 27 with breast cancer, she found courage and strength in sharing her experience with others, and considers herself not only a survivor but an advocate. 

Born, raised and currently residing in Washington, D.C., she works as a Senior HRIS Analyst in the telecommunications industry and actively volunteers in the young survivor community, focusing on spreading the word on the importance of self-care and awareness, and being a voice to the young women affected by this disease. With a combination of faith and boldness, she truly believes in the power of healing through connection and honesty. Shelley holds a B.S. in Business Management from North Carolina State University. She has an extreme love of the arts, music, her family, podcasts, Netflix and her dog Lily. 

Holly West, Ambassador

Holly is a member of the 2017 Peru Odyssey tribe through her employer, Eli Lilly and their Connecting Hearts Abroad program. She volunteered at a daycare facility serving underprivileged children, where she assisted teachers in preparing for their lesson plans and help to improve the surroundings by painting a mural and planting a garden. Holly is a wife, mother, and avid yoga practitioner who lives in Indianapolis.

Erin Best, Ambassador

Erin is a member of the 2017 South Africa tribe. She lives on a beautiful spring-fed lake in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, son, and three cats. She enjoys traveling, hiking, running, cooking, eating, playing the oboe and piano, and singing Hamilton at the top of her lungs. She was a high school math teacher for fifteen years and now works part-time teaching adults at a local technical college. Oh yeah, she also has had breast cancer since 2013 which metastasized in 2016. Although she prefers not to have cancer define her, she has found tremendous joy connecting with other cancer patients in Wisconsin and around the world.

Catherine Williams, Ambassador

Catherine was one of the 6-10% of people diagnosed with “de novo”, or from the beginning, stage IV metastatic breast cancer after her first mammogram at 40 years old. She was shocked and overwhelmed, but knew she had to DO SOMETHING. She is a patient advocate and volunteers for several organizations including METUP, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, METAvivor, UC San Francisco, Bay Area Young Survivors, and A Fresh Chapter. Catherine is determined to help change the landscape of metastatic breast cancer.

She was born and raised in the SF Bay Area and she just bought her forever home in Oakland with her husband Chico and their two miniature schnauzers, Coco & Charlie. She enjoys spending time with family, especially her twin sister Jen and nephew Holden. In her spare time she also loves books, music, traveling, cooking & eating (she never met a pizza she didn’t like!), outdoor adventures and the Oregon Ducks. After a couple of life-changing experiences that helped her deal with her diagnosis, she adopted a new motto: We never have another chance at today!