Board of Directors

Founder & Chair

​

Laura founded HOPE & JOY from Austin Corp in memory of her son's joyful spirit. She currently serves as a professor of accounting at the University of Indianapolis and serves as Client Service Director for SweetWorks Consulting. Prior to that, Laura spent over 20 combined years in finance and accounting leadership with PwC and Cummins. During this time, Laura served on several nonprofit boards with missions of serving children with disabilities. She earned her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and her master's in accounting from Ball State University. Laura is passionate about sharing her learnings, skills and heart to assist medically and developmentally complex children and their families in living their best lives.

Legal

​

Tom is an attorney residing in Indianapolis, Indiana. He currently serves as the Director of Strategic Development and General Counsel for the Townsend Company in Muncie, Indiana. Tom has worked at a variety of companies during the past twenty-five years in both a legal and business capacity in Indiana as well as New York City. He has served on a number of not-for-profit boards and councils in the Indianapolis area to provide leadership and fundraising support. Tom received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College outside of Philadelphia, PA and his law degree from Duke University in Durham, NC.

Marketing & Events

​

Kim is an educator and fitness enthusiast. She has over 27 years working in the fitness industry as a group fitness instructor and coach. She is the founder and head coach at Sweet Spot Coaching and has over 14 years classroom teaching experience. Kim has lead fundraising for various charities including the Ironman Foundation and the USAT Foundation and has directed local road racing events for nonprofits. She has a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a minor in biology and general science education and master's degrees in zoology and public service administration with an emphasis on nonprofit management. Kim currently resides in Fort Wayne, IN and enjoys spending time with her three rescue dogs.