CDF Staff
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation has the right team to make big things happen. See more about our staff below, and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!
Dana Davis Executive Director
Dana Davis has spent most of her life as an activist, philanthropist and educator, fueled in part through her own personal struggle with type 1 diabetes with which she was diagnosed at age seven. She was the inspiration for the Barbara Davis Center and has been at the forefront of the renowned Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Together with her family, she has raised over $100 million for diabetes research and wellness. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a Master’s Degree in Education, Dana began her career as an elementary school teacher and later created a high-fashion comfort shoe line. Dana lives in Colorado and has a great love of animals.
Amanda MillerDirector of Events & Sponsorships
Amanda, an Iowa native, moved from the Midwest to Denver in 2013. She has a passion for the nonprofit industry and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her two children and husband. Amanda has a niece that has type 1 diabetes so the cause is very near and dear to her heart. Amanda manages CDF’s sponsorships and largest fundraisers, including The Carousel of Hope in Beverly Hills and The Carousel Ball in Denver. You can contact Amanda at Amanda@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
Kristi GrounderDirector of Operations
Kristi’s role is to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the day-to-day activities of CDF by streamlining processes, implementing best practices, improving systems, and championing the team. Kristi also partners with the BDC to support the yearly ATDC educational conference. She loves to volunteer, travel with her family, read, and learn new things. You can contact her at Kristi@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Lindsay KlattStewardship Manager
Lindsay’s role includes supporting the office of the executive director, donor relations and stewardship management, facilitating special events and collaboration with CDF’s board of directors. Lindsay was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12 and is a Denver native. She enjoys spending her time with family and friends, reading, and doting on her precious dog, Honey. You can contact Lindsay at Lindsay@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Sydney LundgrenCommunity Engagement Manager
Sydney’s role is to bring together the community and CDF. She gets to work with our amazing advocate program, support groups, volunteers, and sponsored fundraisers. Sydney was diagnosed as a type 1 when she was 11 years old. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, volleyball, and playing with her dog Richard Parker. You can contact Sydney at Sydney@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Miriam AndoliniContent Manager
Miriam is the Content Manager and works with the Marketing Specialist to create meaningful content and graphics that ensure the underlying mission of the foundation is consistent. She serves as a passionate advocate for CDF and The Guild. Miriam was the Guild Program Manager for 3 years prior to moving into her new role. She is a Colorado native and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. She spends most her time gardening or creating NFT art when not in the mountains. Miriam can be contacted at MAndolini@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org .
Sophia HousnerDevelopment Manager
Sophia is originally from small town Indiana; she moved to Denver in 2021 from Tennessee. She has a passion for people and loves spend time in fellowship with friends and family. Sophia loves to explore new places, spend her time baking, and watching movies with her fiancé. Sophia’s role includes donor relations, stewardship management, creating and sharing impact reports, and working with the CDF team to find and cultivate grant opportunities. She can be reached at Sophia@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Mackenzie AtencioGuild Program Coordinator
Mackenzie’s role as Guild Program Coordinator includes meeting with members of The Guild (CDF’s volunteer membership group) and helping coordinate its programs and events. Another Colorado native, Mackenzie loves being near both the mountains and the city. In her free time, she likes to read, catch up on the latest Netflix series, and spend time with her friends. You can contact Mackenzie at Mackenzie@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Morgan PalmerMarketing Manager
Morgan (she/her) studied Digital Media Management in Austin, Texas where she played college soccer. After graduating, Morgan has worked in marketing and design where her creativity fuels her passion. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. She also enjoys listening to music and attending concerts. Morgan can be contacted at Morgan@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
Gaven WilsonOffice Administrator
Gaven is the Office Administrator here at CDF and works to maintain office efficiency and organization whilst offering support to various events and programs throughout the year. Gaven also oversees all publication orders, including The Pink Panther book series. A Seattle native, Gaven has been in Colorado since the spring of 2022. Outside of work, Gaven can be found restaurant-hopping, spending time outdoors, or singing in local choirs around Denver. Gaven can be contacted at Gaven@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.
Carter NelsonAuction Coordinator
Carter is a born and raised Idaho native that recently moved to Colorado after graduating from the University of Idaho. She double majored in Public Relations and Communication with a passion for nonprofits and helping her community. After work she can be found out on walks in nature, cooking or baking, or reading a good book. Carter can be contacted at Carter@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Rachel D'OrnellasAccounting Specialist
Rachel was born and raised in New Mexico where she studied Accounting and Human Resource Management. She moved to the Denver area in 2018 with her husband and two daughters. Outside of work, she can be found playing board games with her family and friends or attending and teaching taekwondo classes. Rachel can be contacted at Rachel@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
