OUR TEAM
Staff
Tonia “Nalu” Farman
Executive Director & CEO
Tonia’s background is in marketing and communications in the outdoor industry, but that took a twist after her brother passed away from cancer in 2007. That experienced steered her career into the unexpected world of cancer, inspiring the birth of Project Koru (formerly Athletes 4 Cancer). Though her career changed, she approaches her work with a similar mission: To influence positive change in people’s lives through outdoor experiences.
Mindy “Librarian” Buchanan
Program & Outreach Director
Mindy has 15 years of diversified program development and management experience. She holds degrees in communications, public health, and bio-ethics.
Her Power Name, Librarian, stems from her love of books and stories; share your favorite book (or books!), and she'll share a recommendation.
Molly "Kiko" Maher
Camp Director
Molly reluctantly attended Camp Koru #2 pretty broken and beat up recovering from breast cancer in 2010. While external scars had healed, the internal ones were wide open. By the time she left Camp Koru, she had shifted from cancer victim to survivor. Since her first camp to now as Camp Director, she has found a renewed sense of self through connection to the elements and campers. At home, you can find her sharing her love of music and yoga through performance and teaching.
Chloe "Medusa" Deodato
Donor Recognition Coordinator
Chloe has 13 years of management experience in genomics and marine biology. She attended Camp Koru 19 as a 14-year breast cancer survivor and loved the honest and encouraging environment at camp. She wants all cancer survivors to have access to the peer support she didn't have post-treatment. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys road tripping, music, and Salsa dancing.
Noelle "Sun dog" Smith
Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator
Noelle earned her writing chops as a local TV news reporter before making the switch to help nonprofits master fundraising and marketing strategies.
She loves strong black coffee, soccer, historical nonfiction, and NPR's This American Life.
Board of Directors
Garret Zallen, MD
Director Pediatric Surgery - RiverBend
Project Koru Co-Founder & Board President
Rob Chimelak
Global Program Quality Manager, General Motors
Joanna Hershey
Public Interest Attorney
Candice Gerlach
Supervising Senior Tax Accountant, CBIZ
Matt Scott
Chief Development Officer, CauseMic
Tonia Farman
CEO, Project Koru