Board Members
Executive Team
Jen Lau
Co-Founder & President
Jen Lau has a Bachelor's in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Master level courses in Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Her professional life includes over 20 years of experience in Business Management and Human Resources including industries of Higher Education, Banking, Healthcare and IT.
In 2011, her oldest son was born and diagnosed with Biliary Atresia. At 9 months old, he ended up receiving a liver transplant through a living donor. Jen found her passion advocating for pediatric liver disease and transplantation through leadership roles in various transplant organizations. In January of 2022, Jen Co-Founded BARE Inc.
Jen resides in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL with her husband and their 2 children.
Jordan Sarbaugh
co-Founder & Vice President
Jordan Sarbaugh has over 10 years of experience in the business sector, having been a leader in industries such as logistics/supply chain and real estate/property management. During her time in those industries, she was responsible for implementing operating best practices, establishing and maintaining key performance metrics, adhering to current federal and state compliance requirements, business transition/implementation and operational training. Those roles helped her develop key skills in project management, business process management and employee development.
After Jordan's son was diagnosed with BA and underwent a liver transplant at 9 months old via living donor, Jordan decided to merge her passion for advocacy and business experience to drive change and progress within the transplant community. She spent the last 5 years as a leader and active member in various transplant organizations. In January of 2022, Jordan and Jen Co-founded BARE Inc.
Jordan resides in Seattle, WA with her husband, son and two dogs.
Stephanie Skrede
Secretary
Stephanie Skrede is a graduate of Gill Tech Academy of Hair Design. She has spent much of her life volunteering, fundraising and event planning from small events to large corporate events.
In 2008, Stephanie’s role changed to being a full time mom. Stephanie finds true joy in being a wife and mom.
In 2013, the youngest of Stephanie’s four children was born with Biliary Atresia, and the fight for a cure and organ donation awareness quickly became her passion.
Stephanie resides in Kaukauna, WI with her husband and 4 children. The entire family has made it their mission to advocate.
Brittany Elliser
Treasurer
Brittany Elliser has over 10 years of tax management experience.
Her youngest son was diagnosed with BA and underwent three liver transplants within his first year of life. Brittany's experience with her son's diagnosis and transplants inspired her to advocate for organ donation.
For years, Brittany has served as an active member of a parent and family transplant organization and presently serves on the Board of Directors at the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.
Members of The Board
Amanda Janowick
Board Member
Amanda Janowick has a BA in Broadcast Journalism from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. She has an extensive background in video production with post producing, booking, research, coordinating, scheduling and field/studio experience.
Her son Will was born with Biliary Atresia, went through the Kasai-procedure, and recently just received a liver transplant by a living donor- his dad. Both are recovering well and home.
Amanda has done volunteer work within her community including a local school district fundraiser where she built relationships with local organizations to become sponsors and gather donations.
Amanda resides in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL with her husband and two sons
Brittany Munn
Board Member
Brittany Munn has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from SUNY Buffalo State. She has previous experience as a Marketing Consultant, as well as the Director of Operations for a WNY based company. Brittany currently runs and operates her own photography business in Western New York.
In 2014, her youngest son was born and diagnosed with Biliary Atresia. At 6 months old, he received a life saving liver transplant through his father's live donation. Once her son's health stabilized, Brittany became focused on participating in the BA and Pediatric Liver Community. Brittany joins BARE with an extensive advocacy background. Her most recent project is developing mentor programs for both American and Canadian pediatric liver centers that aim to help bring support to new families diagnosed with pediatric liver diseases.
Brittany currently lives just outside of Buffalo, NY with her husband and three children.
Christopher Beeman
Board Member
Chris Beeman is the Sr. Director of Global Accounts- Medtech for Brightinsight, which is the leading digital health platform for regulated medtech and biopharma digital solutions. With over 20 years of commercial, organizational, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, Chris has spent the last decade helping organizations within the nonprofit and healthcare sectors create value through technological innovation and scale. Among those endeavors includes co-founding GiveGab which is aleading nonprofit giving platform.
In 2018, his son William was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia resulting in a liver transplant shortly thereafter. As a result of that experience, Chris, along with his wife Anna, have directed their passion and experience towards raising awareness for Biliary Atresia research, organ donation & transplant, along with the mental health aspects for chronically ill patients and their families.
Chris holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and resides in Hernando, MS with his wife and two children.
Kate Mullen, LICSW, RDT
Board Member
Kate Mullen has her Masters in Social Work from New York University. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Drama Therapist. Kate works in community mental health offering individual counseling to children, adolescents and adults. In the summer, Kate is the director of Triple Threat Theater Camp, an art’s intensive, bringing together Broadway and film professionals with young performers. Kate loves combining her theater background and integrating it with mental health and wellness.
In 2016, Kate’s son Finn was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and Alpha One Antitrypsin Deficiency. At 8 months old, he received a life-saving liver transplant from a living donor.
Kate is passionate about advocating for organ transplant accessibility for all children especially utilizing live donors. She strives to bring into focus post-transplant living and the duality of the gift that it is, and the trauma that surrounds it.
Kate currently resides in Windham, NH with her husband John, son Finn, and puppy Ned.
Arvid Skrede
Board Member
Arvid Skrede has an associates degree in electronic engineering and technology from Herzing College. He has over 10 years experience in sales, IT, web design and metal trades Industries. He is A+, OSHA 30, Toyota Train the trainer and ISO 9001 certified.
In 2013 his youngest daughter Sophia was diagnosed with biliary atresia. At 9 1/2 months old Sophia was transplanted via living donor. From that point on Arvid has found a passion in using his skills to help educate on biliary atresia and liver transplants.
Arvid resides in Wisconsin with his wife Stephanie and 4 children.
Brenda Cortez
Board Member
Brenda Cortez is a living kidney donor, creator of Howl the Owl®, and author of the Howl children's book series, Because of Organ Donation series, and Voices-19. She owns BC Books Publishing, and helps authors share their story to inspire others through her coaching and publishing services. In addition to writing, Brenda has a background in sales and marketing.
Ever since donating her kidney, Brenda has been an advocate for organ donation awareness, with an emphasis on pediatric awareness.
Brenda and her husband have two grown children, and they reside in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Advisory Council
Krupa Shah
Erin Babin
Dan Janowick