Board of Directors

Denise Kuchinski

President

Denise has a B.S. in psychology with a minor in sociology from Florida Southern College, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. After college she worked with severely emotionally disturbed children on the clinical staff at Peace River Center while living in Tampa, Florida.

After moving to Charlotte she started acting, booking dozens of commercials and industrial films. She was the spokesperson for Honda of Concord and Toyota of Concord for almost 12 years.

When her son Xander was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor she devoted 100% of her time to her son. After his passing Denise was determined to demonstrate to her daughter, Evangeline that happiness was possible no matter what. She studied books on how to survive the loss of a child, took classes, went to grief counseling and began meditating more than an hour each day. After years of hard work to heal, the idea came to her to give joy to children with cancer just as she had tried to do when her own son was sick.

As the President of Xander's Acts of Kindness Foundation she is devoted to giving these gifts to children, lifting up their parents and giving hope to the entire family.

Caroline was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She moved to Charlotte in 1998 after graduating from the College of Charleston with a BA in Communications. She is married and has two daughters, Virginia and Jane Whitaker.

Caroline met the Kuchinski family the week after Xander had brain surgery. During the time Xander was sick, Caroline and her family made many memories with the Kuchinski's. She feels blessed and honored that they had a chance to know Xander and be a part of his journey.

Vice President

Caroline Penland

Juli Barnhart

Secretary

I was introduced to the Kuchinski family in June 2020. The timing was perfect. My 20-year career had just ended abruptly because of Covid, and Brian was looking for help with his company, Peaceful Ponds.

Fast forward to today, I see Brian daily at the office and have grown close with Denise and Eva. I'm honored to have been asked to serve on the board. Over the years I've donated time at various non-profits. It always warmed my heart to be able to give back.

My husband Jim and I love spending time outdoors, traveling and cheering on our favorite sports teams.

Amy was fortunate to know Xander Kuchinski from birth and saw the joy he brought to his parents and all those around him.

Amy currently serves as the Americas Compliance Chief Operating Officer at BNP Paribas. Previously, Amy has participated in volunteer and fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Autism Speaks, Family Promise and served as member of the Junior League.

Amy and her husband Troy stay very busy with their two young boys, Jack and Jett. They enjoy sharing food with loved ones, cycling around the city, trips to the library, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Amy Hansen

Treasurer

Jeremy Selan

Fundraising

Jeremy Selan has been actively involved in several Charlotte area nonprofits over the past decade including the Harris YMCA, American Marketing Association and Project Life Movement.

When Covid hit in March of 2020, and many of the philanthropic opportunities went away, he took his passion for helping nonprofits and combined it with his love of craft beer and founded The Charlotte Beer Collective. His organization helps raise funds and awareness for small nonprofits through beer events and unique brewery experiences.

Jeremy and his wife Jen are expecting their first child, a daughter, later in the summer. They have a black lab named Molly and love their friends and neighbors!