Our vision is that every child has access to resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive

About

Champions for Children is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization founded in 2021. We are a group of women passionate about children’s health and wellness, and come together to raise our voices to ensure every child has access to needed resources in their communities, schools, and at home.

Comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors and a membership of over 40 women, we represent many backgrounds and interests, but unite in our common mission of raising awareness and funds to impact the children’s mental health crisis.

Board of Directors

Paula Widerlite, President and Chair
Widerlite Coaching & Consulting, LLC

Morgan Hart, Vice Chair and Chair of Philanthropy
Hart Health Strategy, LLC

Maureen Dymond, Treasurer
Adventist Healthcare

Susan Glover, Secretary
Tour De Force Partners

Lynne Carbone, Chair of Membership
Lynne Carbone & Associates, Inc.

Nancy Reller, Chair of Communications
Sojourn Communications

Colleen Brown, Board Member
Savvy Training & Consulting

Monica Schmude, Board Member
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Jen Young, Board Member
CURA Strategies

Diana Eisenstat, Board Member
Office of Senator Chis Van Hollen

Jackie Burman, Board Member
Securing America’s Future Energy

What People Are Saying

“As a physician, I am committed to helping kids not just survive but thrive in this digital era. By cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and healthy coping mechanisms, we can empower them to navigate the online world with confidence and compassion. Let us foster open conversations, provide guidance, and promote digital literacy to ensure that our children's mental health remains a priority. Champions for Children and the important work they are doing will help create a generation that embraces technology while prioritizing their own well-being."

— Dr. Claire Boogaard, Children’s National and Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)

“As a psychiatrist, I believe that in the age of social media, it is crucial to prioritize mental health for our children's wellbeing and overall development. We must teach them the importance of balance and self-care and encourage healthy relationships both online and offline. Champions for Children is helping to foster open conversations, promote empathy, and provide resources for digital wellness, so we can empower our kids to navigate the digital landscape with resilience, ensuring that they maintain their mental health in this interconnected world.”

— Dr. Marissa Leslie, Compass Health and Adventist Healthcare