Mary Ann Fithian is mom and caregiver for Will and her chronically ill child Faith. She is a certified small group facilitator and is passionate about helping families get the resources they need to care for their chronically ill children. Mary Ann also co-hosts the podcast “Love the Mooseness,” a talk show focused on exploring topics important to parents and caregivers of children with serious illness.

Patrick Smith, MA, is the Director of Camping at North Star Reach. A 25 year veteran in the camping industry, he is passionate about building community and connectedness through the power of play.

Rev. Victoria Lovell, B.A., M.Ed., MDiv., is a former educator and coach of 20 years. She is the award-winning author of the children’s book, “My Guy in the Sky,” and the founder of Angel Whispers Ministries whose mission is to lead those poor in mind, body and spirit to a life of wholeness. She also serves at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where she is the associate pastor, an advocate for those experiencing homelessness and a missionary in Uganda, Africa.

Jessica Doletzky, CCLS, CTRS, is North Star Reach’s Outreach and Family Liaison Specialist. Prior to joining North Star Reach in 2014, she was a Child Life Specialist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for nine years, where she worked with pediatric patients and families in the hospital setting.

Emily Gordon is a single mom and caregiver for her daughter, Vara, who is a medically complex cancer fighter. An experienced support group facilitator for families caring for chronically ill children, Emily relies on humor to help her process her own losses and to help others cope. She is a senior executive at the global talent acquisition/solutions company, PeopleScout.

Mary Ann Fithian is mom and caregiver for Will and her chronically ill child Faith. She is a certified small group facilitator and is passionate about helping families get the resources they need to care for their chronically ill children. Mary Ann also co-hosts the podcast “Love the Mooseness,” a talk show focused on exploring topics important to parents and caregivers of children with serious illness.

Rebecca Patrias, M.D., is North Star Reach’s Medical Director. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, “Dr. Becky” has been a practicing physician at the University of Michigan Health System, and at St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals in Ann Arbor and Chelsea. Since 1989, she has run a private practice in Chelsea. 

Along with her many roles at North Star Reach, Ami Walsh directs the program “Story Studio” for campers and family members. She believes creative expression is accessible to everyone. Discovering what you want to say, and listening to others, can offer hope during the darkest times.