OUR TEAM
Staff
Mindy “Librarian” Buchanan
Executive Director & CEO
Mindy has been an advocate for adolescent & young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors for nearly eight years and brings 15 years of diversified program development and nonprofit 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.
Beth "Vi" Peck
Chief Advancement Officer
Beth is a cancer survivor, and Camp Koru 26 alumna. She brings her "vivacious" personality as well as an extensive background and knowledge in non-profit and all areas of fundraising. Beth leads Project Koru's development efforts, alumni engagement, and serves as our Camp Koru Director.
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.
Co-Founders
Tonia “Nalu” Farman
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. Though her career changed, she approaches her work with a similar mission: To influence positive change in people’s lives through outdoor experiences. Read her 2018 letter to Project Koru supporters.
Board of Directors
Garret Zallen, MD
Director Pediatric Surgery - RiverBend
Project Koru Co-Founder & Board President
tonia farman
Owner/Operator, Cascade Kiteboarding
Project Koru Co-Founder
Joanna Hershey
Public Interest Attorney
Matt Scott
Chief Development Officer, CauseMic