A 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization
MISSION AND vision
Wish Upon a Teen is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing resources, time and opportunities to teenagers with severe life-limiting medical conditions. Through creative, social, and educational opportunities, our goal is to normalize their environment and rebuild their self-esteem as they transition to adulthood.
Wish Upon a Teen’s founder, Michelle Scerbo, has an extensive background as a Child Life Specialist caring for children and teenagers. Through this experience, she learned that the particular needs of teens are often overlooked within the medical community. The combination of normal teenage stressors along with the impact of a severe life-limiting medical condition or injury can make the transition to adulthood extremely challenging. Wish Upon a Teen provides ongoing support, age-appropriate programs and a variety of fun events to teenagers throughout the United States.
executive committee
MICHELLE SCERBO
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Michelle began her career as a Child Life Specialist at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA, where she provided critical emotional and psychosocial support to children and families navigating hospitalization, serious illness, and complex medical conditions. Following a specialized internship in hematology and oncology, she joined the pediatric liver transplant team, working closely with patients and families throughout some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Through her work with adolescent patients, Michelle recognized a significant and often overlooked gap in programs and resources designed specifically for teens facing serious medical challenges. That experience became the catalyst for founding Wish Upon a Teen, an organization created to ensure that adolescents facing serious illness and extended hospitalization receive meaningful, age-appropriate support.
As Founder and President of Wish Upon a Teen, Michelle provides strategic leadership for the organization’s programs, partnerships, and continued growth. Working alongside Executive Director Nancy Sovran, she helps lead hospital collaborations, corporate and community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and program development. Under her leadership, Wish Upon a Teen has grown into a national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting teenagers facing serious medical challenges, helping bring comfort, dignity, connection, and a sense of normalcy during extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Michelle’s commitment to advocacy extends well beyond her professional work. As a single mother raising three children with unique needs, she understands firsthand the complexities families face when navigating medical, developmental, educational, and support systems. These experiences have deepened her commitment to advocating for stronger resources, greater inclusion, and more meaningful community support for children, teens, and families with special needs.
Michelle brings together her professional background, nonprofit leadership, and lived experience as a parent to champion a simple but important belief: young people and their families deserve to feel seen, supported, and connected, especially during the moments when they need it most.
You may contact Michelle directly at michelle@wishuponateen.org
staff
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NANCY SOVRAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nancy Sovran is from Metro Detroit, growing up in Southfield. She and her husband, Andrew, have nine children. Wish Upon a Teen met Nancy in 2012 when they decorated her young daughter, Hope’s hospital room after she received a bone marrow transplant at CS Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Being able see her daughters spirits lift after a simple act of decorating a hospital room, Nancy knew there was something special about Wish Upon a Teen. Soon, She began volunteering with the organization and after a year, she took a full time job, doing what she loves most, making a difference one teen at a time.
With strong ties in the community, Nancy brings a belief in ”making a difference” to every teen through Wish Upon a Teen. As Executive Director since 2015, Nancy works closely with hospitals, businesses and civic groups. Under her direction, Wish Upon a Teen grew from having six hospital partners to 86.
In addition to her work at Wish Upon a Teen, Nancy is on the pediatric and emergency room family advisory council for Beaumont Health in Royal Oak. Nancy was selected as one the of Esteemed Women of Michigan for 2019.
JUDY BURNETT
Communications Specialist
Judy brings to Wish Upon a Teen nearly 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including fundraising, donor relations, professional writing, website content and database management. She received a degree in Special Education from Wayne State University and taught adults with developmental disabilities. Despite having polio as a child, Judy earned a black belt in karate. She is married with two children, and an avid reader of forensic science novels.
TRICIA KEEFER
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Tricia Keefer is a Med/Peds trained physician who currently practices pediatric hospital medicine and adult/pediatric palliative care at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, MI. Her clinical passions include children’s symptom management and quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses. She is active in quality improvement and medical education with a focus on family-centered care. Her research interests include palliative care, pediatric pain management, and inpatient pediatric care.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JULIA BROUDY
Julia Broudy is currently the Manager of Community Relations at Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), where she helps build and implement the club’s impact and community initiatives across Los Angeles. Prior to LAFC, Julia spent over four years in social impact consulting, leading strategy, partnership development, and engagement for Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits such as, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sandy Hook Promise, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Make-A-Wish. Her work sits at the intersection of sports, education, and community impact.
MARY KATE GLAZE
Mary Kate, recent graduate of Michigan State University (GO GREEN), was born and raised in Michigan but recently moved out to NYC and now Columbus, Ohio to purse her career in Packaging. Mary Kate is currently a Design Engineer at Onyx Packaging and loving every second of the beginning of a wonderful career path. When she is not in the office working, she enjoys boxing, shopping, and taking fun weekend adventures all along the East Coast. Her inspiration to become a part of the Wish Upon A Teen organization not only came from her sister, Hope, who is an active member of the organization but also when she got to decorate a room at CS Mott Children’s Hospital. Seeing the face of her sister after her room was decorated was extremely amazing but being on the other side doing the decorating for someone deserving was an amazing heartwarming experience.
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ALLISON HAZLETT
Allison Hazlett is a well-accomplished and highly respected packaging engineer and proven executive leader with over 20 years of experience within the cosmetics and beauty industry. Throughout her time in the industry, she has worked across an array of prestige color cosmetics, personal skincare, fine fragrance and haircare. Allison has held executive positions with the focus on helping to grow and expand brands exponentially. Building off of her experience, deep relationships within the industry and her own entrepreneurial spirit, Allison started her own Consulting Firm in 2016.
Allison and her family reside in Westfield, NJ where she is an active member of the community. She most recently co-founded the Junior Board for the Westfield United Fund and has been busy focusing efforts on expanding fundraising efforts and exposure throughout the local community.
MOLLY SOVRAN
MARKETING &
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Molly is junior at Michigan State University where is she is majoring in Advertising and minoring in Spanish. When she’s not spending time following the latest trends, she enjoys movies, fashion and listening to great music. She hopes to one-day relocate to New York City where she aspires to work in the fashion industry. Her inspiration to become a part of the Wish Upon a Teen family came from her sister Hope, who is an active member of the organization. Having first hand experience with a sibling in and out of the hospital, this organization really hit home for Molly. Giving back to the community and helping people has always been an important aspect of her life. She is the co-president/founder of Wish Upon a Teen’s student organization at Michigan State University. Molly is taking her skills to school by lending her voice to further the mission of Wish Upon a Teen. She hopes to become a member of the Junior Board post-graduation.
GABBI TIMMIS
MARKETING &
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Gabbi was born and raised in Birmingham, MI. She is currently a junior at Michigan State University and is the Vice President of Formal Recruitment for her sorority, Alpha Phi. She is majoring in Communications/PR where she hopes to be apart of the comeback and work in Detroit. Gabbi enjoys spending her summers up at Glen Lake with her crazy family, dragging her friends to spinning class and diving into a good book. Gabbi first got introduced to Wish Upon A Teen as a volunteer one summer and became so in love with the organization she decided to become an intern. She has become a fantastic asset to the team, lending her creative and energetic personality to incorporate new ideas to the organization. Gabbi is also the co-president/founder of Wish Upon A Teen’s student organization at Michigan State University. She is excited to get started and change the lives of teens at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
JULIE KLOTZ
Julie Klotz brings an extensive background in media, sports partnerships, community engagement, and relationship building throughout her career. Most recently, she was introduced to Wish Upon a Teen during her involvement with the United Football League and the Michigan Panthers, where she served as Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships. Through her work with the organization, Julie had the meaningful opportunity to help design teen hospital rooms and create memorable experiences for teens and players alike.
The organization holds a deeply personal place in Julie’s heart, reminding her of the many days and weeks her sister spent in the hospital years ago. She often reflects on how impactful an organization like Wish Upon a Teen would have been for her family — helping make the hospital feel a little more like home during long treatments and difficult days.
Julie was honored to receive the Wish Upon a Teen - Teen & Community Award last year and is incredibly excited to now join the board and continue supporting the organization’s mission of bringing comfort, hope, and joy to teens and families during challenging times.
Known for her warmth, generosity, and heart of gold, Julie is a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend who leads with compassion in everything she does.
KATIE MAZZOCHI - NYC
"Katie is the Senior Manager of Global Product Development at MAC Cosmetics, where she oversees new development for all color cosmetic collections. Born and raised in Middletown, NJ, she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in the cosmetic industry. Although a New Jersey girl at heart, she currently resides in NYC and enjoys exploring the city and hanging with her family, friends, and Jack Russel Terriers on the weekends. She first got involved with Wish Upon a Teen through her prior company’s sponsorship of the NYC Spa Day Event in 2015 and has been honored to work with the organization ever since.
CHELSEY OEFFLER
Chelsey Oeffler serves as Senior Director of Community Relations and Player Programs at the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), where she leads the club’s philanthropic efforts through its Community Relations team and the LAFC Foundation. She also oversees player programs and player marketing, working closely with athletes to support both their professional platforms and community impact.
With experience across the NBA and MLS, Chelsey has built her career around using sport as a vehicle for positive social change. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and helping communities feel seen, supported, and connected.
Chelsey first connected with Wish Upon a Teen during her time with the Detroit Pistons and was immediately drawn to theirmission and the meaningful impact it creates for teens. She is truly honored to be part of an organization that brings hope, dignity, and joy to young people facing serious medical challenges.
MOLLY SOVRAN
MARKETING &
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Molly is junior at Michigan State University where is she is majoring in Advertising and minoring in Spanish. When she’s not spending time following the latest trends, she enjoys movies, fashion and listening to great music. She hopes to one-day relocate to New York City where she aspires to work in the fashion industry. Her inspiration to become a part of the Wish Upon a Teen family came from her sister Hope, who is an active member of the organization. Having first hand experience with a sibling in and out of the hospital, this organization really hit home for Molly. Giving back to the community and helping people has always been an important aspect of her life. She is the co-president/founder of Wish Upon a Teen’s student organization at Michigan State University. Molly is taking her skills to school by lending her voice to further the mission of Wish Upon a Teen. She hopes to become a member of the Junior Board post-graduation.
GABBI TIMMIS
MARKETING &
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Gabbi was born and raised in Birmingham, MI. She is currently a junior at Michigan State University and is the Vice President of Formal Recruitment for her sorority, Alpha Phi. She is majoring in Communications/PR where she hopes to be apart of the comeback and work in Detroit. Gabbi enjoys spending her summers up at Glen Lake with her crazy family, dragging her friends to spinning class and diving into a good book. Gabbi first got introduced to Wish Upon A Teen as a volunteer one summer and became so in love with the organization she decided to become an intern. She has become a fantastic asset to the team, lending her creative and energetic personality to incorporate new ideas to the organization. Gabbi is also the co-president/founder of Wish Upon A Teen’s student organization at Michigan State University. She is excited to get started and change the lives of teens at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
MOLLY SOVRAN
Molly Sovran is a New York City-based wardrobe consultant and tech professional at Shopify, where she combines her expertise in e-commerce and digital strategy with her passion for personal style, confidence, and storytelling. But Molly’s connection to Wish Upon a Teen is deeply personal. Her sister was a recipient of support from Wish Upon a Teen during her teenage bone marrow transplant journey - an experience that left a lasting impact on their entire family and inspired Molly’s dedication to giving back.
Over the years, Molly has been involved with Wish Upon a Teen in so many meaningful ways — first as a college intern, then through volunteering, donation efforts, and serving as a junior board member. Now, as she officially joins our east coast board, she brings incredible passion, creativity, and vision to our mission.
Molly is especially passionate about helping teens feel confident, seen, and like themselves again during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through her background in fashion, tech, and community-building, she hopes to help expand the reach of Wish Upon a Teen while creating meaningful experiences centered around self-expression and confidence.
ambassadors & LEADERS
DR. C. A. "TRICK TRICK" MATHIS
ambassador
Dr. C. A. “TrickTrick”Mathis as our newest celebrity ambassador to join forces with our amazing ambassadors! He has already been so involved with making a difference with our teens- from walking at the #RunwayofHopesandDreams, to designing hospital rooms. “A permanent Imprint on the city of Detroit, Dr. Christian Anthony Mathis, or more popularly known by his infamous stage name "Trick Trick". The world re known, Detroit raised Recording Artist/ Actor/ Activist/ Film Director & Producer is evenly active in ALL of his endeavors. "TRICK TRICK" inherited his love for music from his parents who worked in the music industry. Young Christian started his journey playing drums in church. Self taught, he quickly acquired a desire to learn to play other instruments. A disagreement with the Pastor caused young Trick Trick to be removed from church musicianship. His rebellion directed him to a local nightclub with interests in DJ'ing. His freshman skills landed him an opening spot just before the broadcast.
With a life story similar to that of any other troubled teen in an urban neighborhood, Christian overcame the adversity's by turning his negative energy into music. He went with the name Trick Trick at an early age due to his double efforts to succeed. He proceeded to a studio in Ferndale, MI with good friend Eminem, that then changed his life forever. Eminem urged Trick Trick to leave the streets and continue with his music. Dr. Mathis is now the Director of the State of New York Chaplain Federation's Detroit Chapter. Trick Trick has his own non-profit organization, "The Christian Anthony Foundation which mentors Youth Groups and underprivileged individuals nationwide, via workshops, traveling exploring etc.” As "UNCLE TRICK" The Godfather of Detroit.
SARAH FORTSCH
ambassador
Sarah Fortsch is a 17-year old singer-songwriter born in New York State and is currently living in Michigan. Sarah started playing guitar when she was 6 years old and wrote her first song when she was only 4. In the first grade, Sarah had her first public performance playing acoustic guitar as she sang 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and was strongly encouraged to pursue her music career. When she was 10 years old, she started singing Elvis Presley covers at several coffee shops around the area, sparking her love for public performance. Sarah Fortsch was ecstatic to drop her first album, 'Pacifier,' in the summer of 2015, at age 16. One of the songs on the album, 'White Sheets,' won an 'Academia Music Award' for Best Pop/Acoustic song. At age 15, Sarah won first place for her performance at The Apollo Theatre in NYC at the world-famous 'Amateur Night' ('Stars of Tomorrow section) with her original song 'Kingdom' with the Apollo band (song is available on the album). She also was chosen as one of the finalist in 'Detroit's Got Talent' competition where she performed her original song, 'Take it All.' She was a part of the Knows Resolve foundation which is a charity to raise awareness and help prevent suicide among teens. She performed her song "My Salute" at a fundraiser for that as well as for lots of other charitable events.
LYDIA JARJOSA
ambassador
Lydia Jarjosa is the Executive Producer of Mojo in the Morning, the #1 rated morning radio show in Detroit, Toledo, and Grand Rapids. From starting on the iHeartMedia street team to becoming a leader in Detroit radio, Lydia’s passion, dedication, and heart for the community have always shined through.
Lydia has already made such an incredible impact on our Wish Upon a Teen families. This past Christmas, during an incredibly difficult time, Lydia was instrumental in making sure one of our families felt surrounded by love and support. Through Mojo in the Morning’s Breaking and Entering, the Jabczenski family was surprised in a way that brought so much joy, hope, and unforgettable memories during the holidays. It is something we will never forget.
JESSICA LUNDY
ambassador
Jessica Lundy is the new host for WMYD TV20 Detroit, an amazing TV station that focuses on providing the community with the best source for news and entertainment. She has a exciting new segment “In and Around the D” that showcases the hottest events in Metro Detroit. Before TV hosting, Jessica traveled around the country as an Auto Show Product Specialist and Narrator. She also produced and hosted a TV show, Visit ASquare, which featured local business in the Ann Arbor area. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, shopping and spending time with her family.
JOEY NAMOU
AMBASSADOR
Joey graduated from Brother Rice High School in 2011 and Oakland University in 2015 with a degree in Marketing. He started as an intern for the Mojo in the Morning back in 2012 in his first year at OU. Ever since, he fell in love with the radio industry and now is a full-time member of the Mojo in the Morning show on Channel 955. Joey has a HUGE passion for giving back and loves to make the people around him smile.
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JERI ZINK
ambassador
Jeri Zink is a marketing executive currently working in fashion. She started her career in hospitality & sports marketing. Originally from Detroit , she came in contact with Wish Upon a Teen in 2020 while partnering on a fashion show. She really was impressed with Wish Upon a Teen and has been an advocate ever since. Jeri currently splits her time between Chicago and Detroit with her fiancé and her three bulldogs.
WISH UPON A TEEN
advisory board
Erica Surman, Beaumont Children's