MastoKids Board Members & Officers

  • Jess Harnish (IL)

    PRESIDENT

    Jess currently lives in Illinois with her husband & three children. She has been a nurse practitioner in gastroenterology for the last 10 years. She started her career as an RN in the Neonatal intensive care unit for 13 years, an area that will always be near her heart. 

    Volunteering & giving back has always been a part of Jess. Previously, she volunteered as the director of a nonprofit for multiple years but stepped back prior to Reed’s arrival. When Reed was diagnosed at 4 months with UP, she searched for the best places to find information. This lead them to Mastokids. 

    She is honored to serve as a Mastokids officer and board member to help increase our presence, and reach more families & bring awareness to Mastocytosis. 

  • Carla Karstens (MN)

    BOARD MEMBER
    SECRETARY
    MEMBER SERVICES

    As the proud Grandmother of a MastoKid, Carla felt a strong desire to do anything and everything she could to help bring much-needed awareness to this rare and often misunderstood disease. She wanted to share her knowledge and experiences to ensure that others could better understand the challenges faced by those living with pediatric mastocytosis.

    Through her successful business IDS Apparel, she was able to create and design a fun range of MastoKids Merchandise, which not only provides an important additional layer of awareness about pediatric mastocytosis but also ensures that proceeds from the sales of these items are donated back to support the vital work of MastoKids.

  • Becky Ware (SC)

    BOARD MEMBER

    Becky and her family live in the upstate of SC. Becky is an RN with a background in NICU, and in the past few years has taken a remote job working with medically complex children. They have 2 dogs and enjoy spending all their time outside them!

    Both Becky and her husband joined Mastokids after their son was diagnosed at about 8 months old. They wanted to be involved, not only to gain more knowledge but also to find fellowship with other masto families. They are both serving their first year on the board and are so grateful for this community!

  • Justin Ware (SC)

    BOARD MEMBER

    BIO coming soon.

  • Megan Palmeri (DE)

    BOARD MEMBER
    FUND DEVELOPMENT

    Megan and her husband Cory reside on the Delmarva Peninsula with their three children, Adam, Ashlin, and Luca. She received a degree in Emergency Paramedicine which has helped tremendously on the journey for their youngest son’s diagnosis and treatment. She enjoys helping others at every turn and has a difficult time saying no, so being on the board and serving as an officer seemed like a logical choice. The Palmeri family enjoys the beach, fishing, sleeping in, and watching the Bills win on Sundays.

  • Waleska Ramos (FL)

    BOARD MEMBER

    Waleska is an Environmental Health & Safety professional with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.

    Waleska is also a wife and mother to four children, ages 20 to 1. Her journey with mastocytosis began when her youngest child was diagnosed at just four months old. Navigating the complexities of this condition led her to Mastokids, where she found invaluable support and guidance. Inspired by the community's impact on her family, Waleska is committed to giving back and helping other families facing similar challenges.

  • Cris Richardson (SC)

    TREASURER

    Cris has served as a Mastokids volunteer for 16 years, with a strong desire to help families in their journey with pediatric mastocytosis. She encourages families to define the disorder in their lives rather than let the disorder define their lives. Cris and her family enjoy hiking, visiting waterfalls, and roadtripping.

  • Rachel Palacio (NV)

    VP INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS

    BIO coming soon.

  • Ashley Gordon (TX)

    VP SOCIAL MEDIA & PR

    Bio coming soon.