Board of Directors
KRISTA KELLER
President
As the founder of Enzo & Me, Krista is the proud mama of Enzo, a pediatric cancer warrior, who upon his devastating diagnosis knew that she had to do whatever she could to improve the treatment and prognosis of all childhood cancers for all children. Professionally, she has a background in childcare and real estate law. She has volunteered at various nonprofits, including the San Francisco SPCA and as a wish grantor for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. Prior to founding Enzo & Me, Krista served as the Chair of the Open Space Advisory Committee for the city of San Ramon, California.
“The things I have seen from the inside of the pediatric cancer world have changed me forever and there is no way that I could stand by and do nothing to help. I truly believe that cures for ALL pediatric cancers are out there and I will do everything I can to help make that a reality. There are no stronger, courageous and deserving beings than children, like my precious Enzo, fighting the big fight. For them, Let’s do this!”
DANNY KELLER
Vice-President
As co-founder of Enzo & Me, Danny looks to use his experience in the medical and academic fields at UCSF to drive the research, education, and innovation side of the foundation. He is excited about making many fantastic connections with top researchers in the field in order to improve outcomes for all children with pediatric cancer. Enzo is his world, and when he was diagnosed he and Krista resolved from day one that Enzo’s struggles would not only lead to his recovery, but also the cures of numerous other children.
“There are no words for the emotions you feel when you hear that your child has cancer. It’s something no parent should ever feel. I’ve been on two sides of this disease over the years- as a parent who is supporting other families with children who are fighting pediatric cancer, and now as a parent of a child with cancer. I hope that with this foundation we can help close that gap, connect with families who are lost in the fog of pediatric cancer diagnoses, and help guide both awareness and research support to keep future families from feeling the pain of pediatric cancer.”
CASSIE EVERSON
Secretary
Cassie is a loving wife and mama to two wonderful kids. Working as a Respiratory Therapist, she spent many years at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital as a Research Coordinator for Cystic Fibrosis patients. Her time in this position led to her passion for helping children, and now this passion has led her to the Board of Directors for Enzo & Me.
“As a mom, I feel a deep sense of compassion for people, especially children, and, as a former healthcare professional, I know much more research is needed for pediatric cancer. Watching Enzo, Krista and Danny navigate Enzo’s mis-diagnosis and then proper diagnosis of pediatric cancer has only deepened my resolve to help this community in any way that I can. It’s my compassion and desire to help others that drives me to sit on the Board of Enzo & Me”
Luis Siu
Board Member
Luis is a loving husband and father to two amazing kids. He was born and raised in San Francisco and attended college at Saint Mary’s College of California. Currently Luis works in the medical device industry for a company called CooperVision where he is a Global Regulatory Specialists. In addition to working in the medical device industry, Luis also works with youth in Pleasanton as a competitive soccer coach for the Pleasanton RAGE Girls Soccer Club. This passion and dedication working with youth for the past 20 years as a coach has driven Luis to this next step of joining the Board of Directors for Enzo & Me.
“I still remember the night as if it was yesterday. Danny Keller who I consider my brother called me and I thought it was going to be just like any other call where we joke and catch up. Come to find out this evening Danny was calling me to tell me that his sweet little boy Enzo was diagnosed with cancer. So many thoughts were rushing through my head that instant and all I could do was apologize to him and try to console him the best way I could by listening. At that moment and throughout Enzo’s battle, treatment and recovery I felt helpless and useless as I wanted to do something to help Enzo, Danny and Krista but al I could really do was offer my love and support. I always wanted to do more and when offered the opportunity to be part of the board I knew this was my opportunity. I want to help raise awareness of pediatric cancer and the lack of funding and treatments options available. I am extremely honored, humbled and proud to be part of the Enzo & Me Board!”
Priya Thakkar
Board Member
Priya is a long-time friend of the Kellers. Her son, Evan, met Enzo for the first time in Pre-School and they’ve been buddies ever since! Throughout the years, Priya has been an active participant in Enzo & Me’s fundraising efforts, and a vocal advocate for the foundation. A busy mom to Evan, juggling sports and education, Priya also runs a travel agency with her husband Savan focusing on luxury cruise experiences. Her experience in marketing, corporate development, and developing partnerships brings strong experience to the Enzo & Me team.
“Seeing Enzo go through what he experienced changes you. I’m so happy to support Enzo & Me in their mission to help kids all over the world battle this horrible disease, and hopefully to find a cure for pediatric cancers!”
Rene Epli
Treasurer
Rene is a loving husband and father of three wonderful kids. He grew up in Switzerland and eventually made his way to the US for work. The Epli family currently lives in San Ramon, where they stay active with kids activities and travel. Rene has immense expereince in the financial world, having served as CFO of numerous successful companies, including his current employer which creates and sells wine corks. We’re honored to have Rene on board to assist with the financials of Enzo & Me, and help keep every possible dollar going towards pediatric cancer research.
“We met the Keller family while Enzo was in the middle of his treatment. Having moved in across the street, we had no idea that the little boy we had only met a few times was battling for his life. I’m so happy for Enzo’s recovery, and honored to work with Enzo & Me to help other kids going through their battles.”
