OUR TEAM
Founder
Olivia "Liv" Lipnicky
Olivia lived her life with kindness, always worrying about others. When she was diagnosed with cancer her first concern was helping other kids affected by the same disease. During her last summer she organized the first “Liv like a Unicorn” clothing drive, which raised over $10,000 for cancer research. She passed away in November 2019 after a 9 month battle. Her family has continued the “Liv like a Unicorn” foundation to help carry on her wishes to support families and fund a cure for pediatric cancer.
Executive Director
Emma Lipnicky
Emma is Olivia’s mom, as well as mom to Liv’s little brother Jack. She and her husband Brian have been married for over 10 years. Before becoming a mother Emma was a special education teacher for children with Autism. When her family was thrown into the world of pediatric cancer Emma saw the desperate need for funding to find a cure for brain and spinal cord tumors. Her family is committed to this foundation as a way to carry on Liv's mission while they #LivlikeaUnicorn and #Bethegood!
Board Member
Katie DiNonno
Since 2014 Katie has been the co-owner of Jersey Freeze. With two bustling locations Jersey Freeze has become a pillar of Monmouth county, constantly giving back to the community. Katie met Liv at the end of her battle and was inspired by Liv's message to #bethegood. For Liv's first birthday in heaven Katie created "Liv's Birthday Shake" which was sold at both Jersey Freeze locations. Every year this special shake raises thousands of dollars for the foundation. Katie hopes to inspire other businesses to #bethegood and help make a difference for pediatric cancer families.
Board Member & Treasurer
Brian Lipnicky
Brian is Olivia's dad, as well as dad to Liv's little brother Jack. He and Emma have been married for over 10 years. Brian holds a BS in Biotechnology with a minor in Biochemistry from Rutgers University as well as an MBA with dual concentrations in Finance and Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Brian has spent his career working in sales for the Bio-Pharmaceutical industry. He is currently an Area Business Manager for a top Biopharmaceutical Company. Brian is committed to finding breakthrough opportunities for funding research that will make a difference in pediatric brain tumors.
Board Member - Hospital Donations Liason
Joyce Maltese
Joyce Maltese is a dedicated community advocate and former educator. A proud mother of two grown children, Kaitlyn and Michael, Joyce's passion for education and child development guided her 30-year career as a special education teacher. Joyce and her husband, Chris, own Woody’s Roadside Tavern, a local restaurant that prides itself on community involvement. Together, they view their business as more than just a restaurant; it serves as a platform to support local charities. In her role, Joyce works closely with child life directors, ensuring access to Unicorn Boxes, which provide comfort items for pediatric patients, as well as financial assistance for families in need. Additionally, Joyce helps organize summer toy drives for the local hospitals to replenish a much depleted inventory during that time of the year. Joyce is both proud and honored to be part of the Liv Like A Unicorn Team, collaborating with many dedicated individuals who strive to "be the good."
Board Member - Community Outreach Coordinator
Stacey Savage
Stacey is a proud mother of three children: Brayden, Delaney, and Mackenna, and wife to her amazing husband, Morgan. Stacey has a BA in Early Childhood Education and is the Director of the Colts Neck Reformed Church Early Learning Center in Colts Neck, NJ. Stacey’s school teaches empathy and kindness through "Kids Helping Kids" service projects while promoting the idea that, “You were never too little to help.” She hopes to extend that idea that no one is ever too little to help and to "Be the good," to young children, while spreading awareness of pediatric brain cancer far beyond her own school.
Board Member - School Outreach Coordinator
Kerri-Ann Bresocnik
Kerri-Ann is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Jillian and Kendall, and loving wife to her husband, Erik. Their family's life was turned upside down when Kendall was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2020. She passed away just 34 days later. Her brief, yet fierce battle with cancer inspired her family to "Be the Good" and make a difference in the lives of other children fighting this horrible disease. Kerri-Ann has a BA in Elementary Education and has been a Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher for 20 years in Sayreville, NJ. She hopes to connect with other schools and educators to spread awareness and inspire other children to "Be the Good".
Board Member
Sharon Myers
Sharon is a proud mother to two girls, Siena and Cora, and loving wife to her husband, Don. Sharon earned her degree from Syracuse University and worked as a fashion designer before starting her family. While being at home with her two little girls, Sharon began her business "Blackbird Arts" to be able to work from home and raise her children. It was then she first learned about the amazing work done by Liv Like a Unicorn. Instantly captivated, Sharon seamlessly integrated herself into the cause, offering her boundless support. Sharon aspires to sow the seeds of empathy and communal responsibility in her daughters and their peers. Her creativity and vision are a perfect complement to all that Liv Like a Unicorn believes in. Sharon lives each day by the #BeTheGood mantra.
Board Member - Junior Board Coordinator
Vanessa Demma
Vanessa became involved with Liv Like a Unicorn after her daughters, Giuliana and Audrina began sewing hospital gowns through their organization G’s Giving Gowns. G’s Giving Gowns became a Unicorn Box partner and her daughter Giuliana soon founded the Junior Executive Board for the foundation. Vanessa, being a Girl Scout Leader for the past ten years, and inspired by her daughter’s philanthropic journey, jumped at the opportunity to become a youth advisor to the Junior Board. The foundations mission resonates with Vanessa especially after watching her own niece battle Pediatric Brain Cancer.
Vanessa earned her Masters Degree in accounting from Wagner College. She is a proud mom to daughters Giuliana, Audrina, two dogs and wife to Joseph.
Board Member - Marketing
Brittany Pace
Shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Livia, Brittany went searching for a cause she was passionate about to donate her time. She came across the Liv Like A Unicorn Foundation and her time as a volunteer quickly proved that she had found a second home; a place where she could provide value and help to make a difference for families facing the unimaginable.
Brittany earned her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and is a proud mom to Livia and wife to Nick. She and her husband own a martial arts business with a mission to help each student become the most confident versions of themselves.
Staff
Jessica Ellam
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Jess has a special place in her heart for children, which naturally drew her to Liv Like A Unicorn. What began as a small volunteer project to organize their new office space quickly grew into a fulfilling, permanent position at the foundation. Alongside her role with Liv Like A Unicorn, she owns and operates a professional organizing business—a skill set that helps keep the office organized and running smoothly. When she's not at Liv Like A Unicorn or organizing, she's busy with her amazing children and enjoying time with family.