Jen Lau holds a Bachelor's in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health at Western Governors University. With over two decades of experience in Business Management and Human Resources, she has worked across various sectors, including Higher Education, Banking, Healthcare, and IT.   In 2011, Jen welcomed her eldest son, who was later diagnosed with biliary atresia. At just nine months old, he received a life-saving liver transplant from a living donor. Jen discovered her calling in advocating for pediatric liver disease and transplantation. She has held leadership roles in several transplant organizations, including the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) and the Starzl Network. Jen is currently a member of the OPTN Board of Directors and Expeditious Task Force. In January 2022, she co-founded BARE Inc. Jen resides in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL, with her husband and their two children.

Arvid Skrede, equipped with an associate's degree in electronic engineering and technology from Herzing College, boasts over a decade of experience spanning sales, IT, web design, and metal trades industries. He holds certifications in A+, OSHA 30, Toyota Train the Trainer, and ISO 9001. In 2013, his youngest daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with biliary atresia. At just nine and a half months old, Sophia underwent a life-saving liver transplant via a living donor. This life-changing event ignited Arvid's passion for using his skills to educate others about biliary atresia and liver transplants. Arvid, along with his wife Stephanie and their four children, calls Wisconsin home.

Amanda Janowick, a graduate in Broadcast Journalism from DePaul University, Chicago, IL, boasts an extensive background in video production, encompassing post-production, booking, research, coordination, scheduling, and field/studio work. Her journey took an unexpected turn when her son, Will, was born with biliary atresia, leading to the Kasai procedure and a recent liver transplant from his living donor father. Both are now recovering well at home. Amanda's commitment to her community is evident through her volunteer work, including a successful local school district fundraiser where she established partnerships with local organizations. Amanda and her husband reside in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL, with their two sons.

Sara Clark, an accomplished nurse with over a decade of experience in the nursing field, achieved a significant milestone in her educational journey by graduating from Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, in 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a foundation that has supported her diverse and impactful career in healthcare. Recently, Sara has embarked on a new professional path, assuming the role of a Pediatric Transplant Coordinator. This transition not only marks a significant career development but also holds deep personal significance for her. Sara's dedication and enthusiasm for her new role are deeply rooted in her personal life experiences, particularly as her daughter, Ashton, who was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, successfully underwent a liver transplant in May 2021. This profound personal connection to her daughter's medical journey has fueled Sara's passion and commitment to her role, where she leverages her extensive nursing expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric transplant patients and their families.

Jordan Sarbaugh brings over a decade of business experience to our organization, having held leadership positions in the logistics/supply chain and real estate/property management industries. She excels in implementing operational best practices, maintaining key performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Jordan's expertise extends to project management, business process optimization, and employee development. After her son was diagnosed with biliary atresia and underwent a liver transplant at the age of nine months, Jordan channeled her passion for advocacy. For the past five years, she has actively contributed to various transplant organizations, including the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT). In January 2022, Jordan co-founded BARE Inc. Jordan and her family reside in Denver, CO.

With over a decade of experience in tax management, Brittany Elliser's life took a different turn when her youngest son was diagnosed with biliary atresia and underwent three liver transplants within his first year. Brittany's journey as a parent inspired her to become an advocate for organ donation. Brittany has actively served as a member of a parent and family transplant organization and currently serves on the Board of Directors at the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. ​

Kate Mullen, holding a Master's in Social Work from New York University, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Drama Therapist. Kate offers individual counseling to children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health. In the summer, she directs Triple Threat Theater Camp, an art-intensive program that brings Broadway and film professionals together with young performers. ​ In 2016, Kate's son, Finn, was diagnosed with biliary atresia and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. At just eight months old, he received a life-saving liver transplant from a living donor. Kate's passion lies in advocating for organ transplant accessibility, especially utilizing live donors. She aims to shed light on post-transplant living, emphasizing the profound gift it represents and the associated challenges. Kate resides in Windham, NH, with her husband John, son Finn, and their puppy, Ned.

Anthony Gaona is a husband, father of twin boys, and an experienced real estate attorney based in New York City. Over the years, Anthony has routinely volunteered his time and efforts with Community Kitchens, Food Pantries and other non-profits focused on services for low-income individuals. In July 2021, Anthony’s son, Quentin, was diagnosed with biliary atresia and subsequently underwent a Kasai procedure. As of now, Quentin has his native liver. Besides a few extra medical appointments, Quentin is living his best toddler life alongside his brother. This experience inspired Anthony to advocate for biliary atresia, early detection and organ donation.

Stephanie Skrede, a graduate of Gill Tech Academy of Hair Design, has dedicated a significant portion of her life to volunteering, fundraising, and event planning, ranging from small local events to large corporate gatherings. In 2008, her role transformed into that of a full-time mom. Stephanie's world changed again in 2013 when her youngest child was born with biliary atresia, igniting her passion for advocating for a cure and organ donation awareness. Stephanie and her husband, along with their four children, reside in Kaukauna, WI, united in their mission to advocate for pediatric liver diseases.

Maria Bell holds a B.A. from Florida State University and an M.A. in Theoretical Linguistics from the University of Iowa. As a former linguist for the United States government, Maria's work and research supported defense, federal law enforcement, and intelligence community efforts across a broad spectrum of operations for multiple federal agencies. Since stepping away from this field, Maria has devoted her time to home education and research in classical methods of learning and instruction, which have been featured in online and print publications and podcasts. In 2021, Maria and her husband Ryan welcomed their fourth child. He was diagnosed with biliary atresia soon after birth, and at 22 months old, he received a life-saving liver transplant through living donation from an anonymous donor. Maria became active in advocacy work for pediatric liver disease in the months leading to her son's transplant and continues this work today. She brings this experience and her background in research and liaising to BARE to support strategy and policy initiatives and living donor awareness and education. Maria resides in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and their four children.

Daniel Owen graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Bioengineering and is currently a medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Between his undergraduate studies and medical school, Daniel briefly worked as a professional sound engineer and held various roles in live theatre, television, and events. In medical school, Daniel is actively involved in adult liver transplant and pediatric critical care research. He also volunteers in a Middle School Healthcare Careers Program and an elementary school tutoring and enrichment program. Additionally, Daniel serves on the medical school admissions committee and the student committee on medical education. Daniel’s personal journey with biliary atresia, having undergone the Kasai procedure in July 2000 and continuing to live with his native liver, has profoundly shaped his career aspirations. Inspired by the care and support he received from doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, child life specialists, and the BA community, Daniel is dedicated to giving back and advocating for others affected by biliary atresia.

Jenna Aguirre holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Carroll University, and has worked as an RN for nearly 10 years. She has worked in a variety of settings, including Neuro ICU, oncology, and home hospice. The COVID pandemic led her to the field of pediatric private duty nursing, where she has found her calling working 1:1 with disabled children in their homes and helping them live enriching and meaningful lives. In 2019, her son was born with biliary atresia, which ultimately led to a life-saving liver transplant graciously donated by a family friend. He had a complicated course post-transplant, and after years of strong advocacy he is finally doing well and thriving. Jenna’s passion lies within empowering parents and caregivers to advocate for their child’s needs, and advocating for continued research on biliary atresia and post transplant care. Jenna lives in Wisconsin with her husband Louie and their two children.