Meet the Team

Our Founder Colleen Kisel

On February 15, 1993, seven-year-old Martin Kisel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, commonly known as ALL. After Colleen Kisel watched her son endure a series of painful procedures as well as intensive chemotherapy as part of his treatment protocol, she discovered that providing him with a small toy after each procedure resulted in a calming distraction from his pain.

Colleen could see the joy these toys gave her son and believed this would be good for all children who were being treated for cancer. She began a letter writing campaign to solicit donations, and in August of 1996 her efforts paid off when she was honored with a large donation from Aramark Corporation. That year, Colleen officially founded the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

Executive Director Kendra Connor

Kendra Connor joined the Treasure Chest Foundation as the Executive Director in July 2023. She came aboard with the goal of expanding on the amazing and solid foundation built over the past 27 years. Kendra brings to her role years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a Volunteer and Fundraising Director, Program Director, and Advocate Supervisor. She also obtained a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Grace College. She also has a wealth of experience and enjoyment of public speaking. Kendra is an innovative leader who strives to preserve the core of the Treasure Chest Foundation while stimulating progress for the next generation of donors and supporters.

In her free time, Kendra enjoys being the Lead Instructor at the nonprofit martial arts school, C3 Martial Arts. She is a 2nd-degree black belt in Combat Hapkido and a 1st-degree in TaeKwonDo. Kendra adores her three nephews and loves spending time with her family.

Board of Directors

  • Salvatore Cirrincione

    President

  • Maureen Cipolla

    Vice President

  • Glen Ponczak

    Treasurer

  • Tammy Girten

    Secretary

  • Meghan Abraham

    Member

  • Joseph Bullington

    Member

  • Giuliano Cipolla

    Member

  • Jack R. Hallberg

    Member

  • Connie Lemar

    Member

  • Paul Maiellaro

    Member

Staff

  • Candace Muys

    Administrative Assistant

  • George Popelka

    Bookkeeper

  • Kimberly Perchez

    Distribution Specialist | Event Coordinator

  • Jessie Zeller

    Graphic Design Specialist

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of most charitable organizations, and our Foundation is no exception. Without these hardworking individuals we could not accomplish our mission of providing comfort to children and teens fighting cancer.

Below are just a small sample of the many volunteers that enter our doors and help bring our mission to life.