Olivia “Liv” Lipnicky
Founder
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.
Emma Lipnicky
Executive Director
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!
Katie DiNonno
President, Board of Directors
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.
Brian Lipnicky
Treasurer, Board of Directors
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.
Joyce Maltese
VP, Board of Directors & Hospital Donations Liason
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 our Unicorn Club, 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.”
Jade Pereira
Social Worker
I’m a proud mom to Miles and Marchesa and wife to Jason — my greatest joys and daily inspiration. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’m passionate about supporting others with empathy, compassion, and authenticity. Outside of my professional work, I love channeling my creativity into crafting and making beautiful, meaningful things. I’m truly excited to bring both my professional expertise and creative spirit to Liv Like a Unicorn. Whether I’m caring for my family, serving my community, or creating something by hand, I strive to bring heart and intention into all that I do. I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible foundation and look forward to working hard to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve.
Kerri-Ann Bresocnik
Board Member – School Outreach Coordinator
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”.
Brittany Pace
Board Member, Marketing
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 and wife. She and her husband own a martial arts business with a mission to help each student become the most confident versions of themselves.
Matthew Kanarick
Member, Advisory Board
Matt became involved with Liv like a Unicorn after attending one of their local events. From that moment, and meeting Emma, he knew he had to be involved with this organization.
He is a Sr. Vice President, Sr. Commercial Relationship Manager at PNC bank in Hamilton, NJ and has been in commercial banking for 19 years.
Matt is passionate about advocating for children, his family is a licensed foster family. Matt’s proudest accomplishment is being dad to Olivia and Abigail. He feels that volunteering and teaching his girls how to “Be The Good” will help them develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of community.
Matt can’t do it all alone. He has been married to his wife Christine since 2012. The Kanarick family lives in Manalapan. He is honored to be a part of the Liv Like A Unicorn team.
Shannon Cortina
Member, Advisory Board
Shannon Cortina is a marketing leader with a record for creating awareness and generating demand for global B2B technology companies. With the precise balance of strategy and pragmatism, she brings immense energy and focus to her role. She is a graduate from Catholic University and completed Yale’s School of Management Executive Education – Women’s Leadership Program in 2016.
Shannon enjoys being a mother of two amazing daughters and is passionate about advocating for children and the local community.
Jessica Ellam
Staff
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Jess has always had a heart for children and the families who love them. Her passion for helping others led her to the doors of Liv Like A Unicorn, where she first stepped in as a volunteer. What started as a small act of service quickly grew into something much more, and she soon became a full-time member of the team.
In her role, Jess helps keep the Liv Like A Unicorn headquarters organized and running smoothly, supporting day-to-day operations and assisting wherever she is needed most. Jess feels deeply honored to be part of an organization that brings hope, comfort, and unwavering support to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. She is grateful each day to play a role in a mission that truly changes lives. When she’s not at Liv Like A Unicorn, Jess treasures time with her husband, Peter, and their two children, Molly and Mathew.
Brad Heinze
Executive Board
Brad and his wife, Sarah, have been devoted supporters of Liv Like a Unicorn since its earliest days. They were deeply moved by Emma’s extraordinary strength and her determination to ensure that no family faces pediatric cancer alone.
Brad is a Partner at Apollo Global Management with more than 20 years of experience in investment management and insurance. He has built his career helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity and purpose, skills he now brings to help Liv Like a Unicorn deepen its impact for families facing pediatric cancer.
Brad and Sarah live in Basking Ridge, NJ with their five children. Their family has long been inspired by Liv’s story and has made it a yearly tradition to work together to collect a truckload of clothing from their community for the foundation’s annual clothing drive.
Brad is honored to serve on the team in support of Liv’s mission.
Matthew Borowski
Executive Board
Matthew Borowski is an entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for hospitality and a strong belief in the power of service to transform lives. Throughout his career, Matthew has built his work around creating welcoming spaces, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for connection — principles that naturally extend into his role as a Board Member.
Bringing an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic perspective to the board, Matthew is focused on sustainable growth, thoughtful leadership, and long-term impact. He understands that strong organizations are built on vision, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people they serve. His background in hospitality has shaped his leadership style: people-first, solutions-oriented, and grounded in integrity.
Above all, Matthew is proud to be a devoted husband and father. His dedication to family fuels his passion for community and inspires his commitment to causes that create brighter futures for the next generation. Through his service, Matthew strives to help build organizations that lead with heart, act with purpose, and leave a lasting difference.