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 working as a Child Life Specialist at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA helping patients and their families cope with challenges related to hospitalization, life-threatening illnesses, and disabilities. After completing her internship in hematology/oncology and then taking a full-time position with the pediatric liver transplant service, her experience with the teen population led her to establish Wish Upon a Teen, the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to serving teens.
As President of Wish Upon A Teen, Michelle is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s programming. She also works very closely with the executive director, Nancy Sovran, to spearhead corporate and celebrity partnerships, hospital collaborations, and fundraising efforts.
Michelle is a single mom of 3 children, all whom have unique needs, as well as advocating for more community resources for parents of children with special needs. Michelle currently resides in Malibu, CA with her 15 and 17-year-old children.
​
You may contact Michelle directly at michelle@wishuponateen.org
staff
.jpeg)
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
MARY KATE GLAZE - Columbus, OH
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.
TK KUBVORUNO
TK, 25-year-old Founder of University Viral which was awarded “2018’s fastest growing collegiate travel and events company in the USA of 2018”. Due to the companies recent success and milestones, TK was Featured in Entrepreneur Magazine's write up awarding him as one of the top 15 "Successful Entrepreneurs You Should Be Following" in 2018. TK also serves as a Leadership Development and Curriculum Development advisor for Michigan State University, while also instructing a 3 credit COM 490 course on Event Leadership at the University along side Distinguished Professor Bill Donohue. TK is on a mission to shake the Travel, Events, and Entertainment industry. TK is a firm believer in collaboration, a solution focused mindset, resourcefulness, always pushing innovation, and most importantly execution.
TK has his mind set on creating a platform that will connect and develop the next generation of innovative entrepreneurial minds who share a common desire to leave the world a better place through experiences
.jpeg)
ALLISON HAZLETT - NYC
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.
KATIE MAZZOCHI - NYC
DAVID TESSLER
"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.
David is the Co-Founder and CEO of Michigan Funders, Jabs Gym and Recraft. He is also VP of Birmingham, MI based Rain Marketing. David is a serial entrepreneur helping start-ups and local small businesses raise capital and scale their businesses. David is an active Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) member, serves on the funding panel for the Goldman Sachs 10K small business program and speaks across the state about local investing and small business fund raising. At Jabs Gym he works with at risk youth through their USA amateur boxing program. David is married with two English bulldogs (kids soon!)
ambassadors & LEADERS
.jpeg)
CAMILLE CATHEY
ambassador
Camille Cathey is from Wynne, Arkansas and is currently a junior Communication Studies and Public Relations major at the University of Alabama. Not only does Camille serve her university as a full-time student, but she is also Client Development Director to the #1 Student-Run PR firm in the nation- Capstone Agency, a consultant at a public speaking resource - the Speaking Studio, Director of Communications for External Affairs within Student Government Association, and Director of Speaker Development within Tide Talks. Camille first got involved with Wish Upon A Teen when she was 15 years old, helping to set up and provide swag bags for one of our annual Wish Upon A Teen Proms. She is passionate about helping others and increasing awareness about teenagers' needs within the medical community.
Camille created her own service initiative at the age of 12 called Proudly Volunteer' in which she encourages people of all ages to find out what they are passionate about and direct that passion toward giving back. She has
worked with various organizations such as the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and CMN Hospitals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and curling up with a good book.
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.
DR. DARRIUS
AMBASSADOR
Dr. Darrius is a radio personality and host of Detroit's #1 rated night show - The Doctors Office - Weeknights 7PM to midnight on 97.9 FM WJLB.
​
"The Doctors Office" radio show is a high-energy broadcast with a heavy dosage of hip-hop, r&b music, celebrity interviews, ticket giveaways, hometown hero's, and a credable source of all breaking media.
Partnering with major sports teams and community organizations, Dr. Darrius is alway ready, willing, and prepared to assist and encourage today's youth to follow their dreams.
​
The Doc began his media practice as a student journalist while attending the Communication & Media Arts high school. Serving as a newspaper journalist, the schools 1st student public-address announcer, and play-by-play sportscaster for 90.9FM WDTR Radio.
​
Earning sportscaster of the year, his high school diploma, and a letter in media broadcast, Dr. Darrius took his talents to the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. While at Specs, he began an internship with Detroit’s urban radio powerhouse, FM98 WJLB.
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.
KIRBY GWEN
ambassador
Born and raised on Detroit’s Eastside, Kirby Gwen is Detroit’s Midday Motivator on air at FM 98 WJLB! Kirby has more than 9 years of experience in the industry, a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts, she has also interned and did over nights on air at multiple Detroit Radio Stations. A true lover of the arts before wholeheartedly accepting radio as her true calling Kirby was an illustration major at Detroit’s College Creative Studies.
Kirby’s passion for the radio industry is driven by the opportunity to help create positive changes in the lives of others. Though the years she has worked for and partnered with The National MS Society, The Red Cross, ABC, Capital Area District Libraries, and T-Mobile just to name a few. Striving to live by the principle of gratitude, she believes that it is her responsibility to give back and uplift her community as much as possible for all that has been graciously given to her in the pursuit of her dreams.
As the new host of Midday’s at the legendary FM 98 WJLB Kirby Gwen could not be more over the moon. “I’m still waking up pinching myself. It is an honor and a dream come true to work at the station that sparked my passion for radio as a kid. Detroit is my home and the people of Detroit hold my heart, I am so grateful for the chance to connect, grow, and share with a community that means everything to me.”
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.
​
MADELYN MILLER
ambassador
Madelyn Miller is the Detroit Lions Insider for Woodward Sports Network. She previously reported for ESPN for years while she served as Oakland University's team correspondent and in-arena Host. Madelyn loves serving the community and brightening the lives of others around her. She is thrilled to partner with Wish Upon A Teen to help bring joy to and create memories with teenagers across the country.
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.
.jpeg)
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​