Jennifer Kaintz: Co-Founder & Executive Director

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Jennifer is a dedicated mother to her three children: Madelynn, Harrison, and Emersynn. A graduate of Kutztown University, she was previously employed as a middle school teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In memory of her beautiful daughter, Emersynn, Jennifer co-founded the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation, where she serves as the Executive Director. Through the foundation, she is devoted to raising awareness for pediatric palliative and hospice care, while supporting families in similar situations, ensuring that they receive the care and compassion they need. 

 

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, walking her dogs Noelle and Stella, reading, and stargazing. Jennifer actively volunteers for other non-profit organizations and is a parent representative for ARC Syndrome research.

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Nicholas Kaintz: Co-Founder & Financial Officer

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Nicholas graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. He is Vice President of Snyder Hoffman & Associates, an engineering firm that specializes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Nicholas uses his skills and experience to help the firm grow and thrive, tackling challenges with creativity and leadership. 

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As a devoted father, Nicholas, alongside his wife Jennifer, co-founded the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation. This foundation is close to their hearts, and Nicholas plays a key role as the Financial Officer. He is committed to sharing Emersynn's light and story with all.

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Nicholas's personal interests include fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities. He also enjoys quiet evenings at home with his family, where Emersynn is always close by.

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Kimberly Labert: Secretary

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Kimberly has dedicated nearly four decades of her life to the pediatric healthcare profession. As the Director of Pediatrics, her commitment to her field is a testament to her passion and expertise. 

 

Emersynn, her niece holds a particularly special place in Kimberly's heart. She is always willing to share her remarkable story with others.

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Kimberly is happily married and the proud mother of two children. Being a grandmother to her adorable grandson adds even more happiness to her life. She enjoys spending time with her family, and those moments are packed with laughter and love. When Kimberly is not working, she loves gardening and baking.

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Louise Hunter: Board Member

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Louise's career as a nurse began 47 years ago, with 40 of those years dedicated to hospice care. Her journey began in home hospice, where she devoted 32 years providing compassionate care. Over the past eight years, Louise has expanded her expertise to include both home and inpatient hospice care. 

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About 25 years ago, Louise began caring for pediatric hospice patients. She feels incredibly blessed to be paid for work she loves and would gladly do for free. In addition, she has been a recipient of the Friends of Nursing Award and was recently honored with a Daisy Award. Louise is committed to raising awareness about pediatric palliative and hospice care and is honored to serve on the board of the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation. ​

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Louise has been happily married to her husband, Larry, for 34 years. Together, they have two children, Sara and Nich, and she is also a loving stepmother to Larry's daughter from his first marriage, Aimee. In her free time, she loves walking, reading, swimming, and playing with her bonus grandsons.

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Krista Laverty: Board Member

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Krista holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Art Education and is currently a stay-at-home mom. She is married to Glenn and has two children who keep them busy with dance, gymnastics, scouting, art, music, and living room theater.

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She got to know the Kaintz family as they were experiencing Emersynn’s pregnancy, birth, and extraordinary life, just around the corner in our small town. Watching a family much like your own navigating through the best and worst moments of their life together brings a lot of perspective, gratitude, and compassion for families facing the same situation. She has learned so much about how communities can support and provide for those facing what feels impossible. Through Emersynn’s Foundation, she hopes they continue to spread awareness, education, and light to pediatric hospice patients, their families, and their communities. She is so proud of their beautiful work she has witnessed grow from an unimaginable loss and it will always be an honor to assist this goal in any way possible. Emersynn’s light lives on in all of the hearts that she touches through her family’s efforts. 

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In the community, Krista is a Girl Scout Leader, part of the Greater Allentown Walk for Childhood Apraxia of Speech Planning Committee, and assists with the PTA. In addition, she does design work for other local nonprofits and campaigns. When she is not busy giving back to others, Krista enjoys reading, cooking, fiber arts, painting, movies, museums, family dance parties, and amateur gardening. 

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Jacqueline Ludwig: Board Member

 

​Jacqueline has been a nurse for 15 years. She spent 5 years working as a nurse in the emergency department and has dedicated the last 10 years as a hospice nurse, caring for both adult and pediatric patients. Jacqueline takes a lot of pride in the compassionate work she does and carries every personal experience with her.

Jacqueline is the mother of three beautiful children: Taylor, Keegan, and Kennedy. She is married to her best friend, Tony. They do not like to take life too seriously and spend a lot of time laughing together. In her spare time, Jacqueline likes camping with her family and friends. She spends a lot of time running her children around to their activities.  Jacqueline likes being outside in the summertime and enjoys taking the kids swimming and to the beach.
 

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Madelynn Kaintz: Junior Board Member

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Madelynn is an eighth-grade student who aspires to major in engineering and eventually attend law school. Currently, she participates in chorus, the Reading Olympics, and is a member of National Junior Honor Society and Builders Club. In her free time, Madelynn enjoys baking, snowboarding, singing, reading, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family. She is also part of a competitive dance team and has a passion for helping others.

 

Madelynn is excited to be a board member of the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation to share the love and light that her little sister, Emersynn, brought to their family.