Board Member Bios.
Laura Taylor, Esp.
President
Laura Taylor is the mother of Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor.
For over 35 years, Laura has been committed to providing affordable housing, and advocating for programs that help support and empower residents. Early in her career Laura worked for several private affordable housing agencies in senior positions responsible for property management operations. For a period, she was General Counsel, representing the management company in court for landlord tenant matters. Later in her career, Laura left the private sector to work for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (currently known as the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)). For 12 years she was the Director for the Bureau of Housing Management in the Division of Public Housing. She monitored, regulated, and funded 240 local housing authorities that provided housing for approximately 48,000 seniors, families, and people with disabilities. Subsequently, Laura took on the role of Assistant Executive Director at a local housing authority where she monitored the day-to-day operations and assisted with the implementation of several Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Currently, Laura works for a non-profit affordable housing organization with a “resident-centric” philosophy, which empowers independence and provides opportunities for connection in the community for its senior residents.
Laura graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Government. Later she earned her Juris Doctorate (JD) degree and passed the Massachusetts State Bar. She is currently licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.
Like her daughter Kelsey, Laura has been an advocate for patients and families living with sickle cell disease, leukemia, and other chronic and life threatening illnesses. Together, Laura and Kelsey, worked with the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Disease Association, the Boston City Council, the Boston Public School System, Tufts Medical Center Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC), as well as the Boston Globe and Pfizer, to bring about awareness. Laura continues one very meaningful advocacy experience that she and Kelsey accomplished together, prior to Kelsey’s death, which is speaking to Tufts Medical School students about the importance of the patient relationship
Laura is committed to continuing Kelsey’s legacy to bring awareness to sickle cell disease and leukemia, advocate for better research, medical treatments, and a cure for these devastating diseeases. “Being a mom to Kelsey and her sister, Marisa, has been my most successful commitment and accomplishment.”
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because Kelsey was my hero, my best friend, a strong, determined, young woman who was a true example of strength, joy, and love, despite all the pain and hardship she experienced throughout her life. Six months prior to her death, Kelsey knew in her heart that she had lost her battle with both sickle cell disease and leukemia and asked me to continue what she would not have the chance to do. I want the world to know that Kelsey was here, she made a difference, and she will continue to make a difference.
Marisa Taylor
Secretary
Marisa Taylor is the sister of Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor. For over 13 years, Marisa has been committed to providing quality education to urban youth. Early in her career Marisa worked for two years through AmeriCorps at Mother Caroline Academy in Roxbury, Massachusetts where she started as a study skills and technology teacher, and later was asked to teach 6th grade Math, and 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) and History. Afterwards she worked at Roxbury Preparatory Charter schools for 8 years taking on several roles as a Special Education teacher, 5th grade Reading and Writing teacher, 7th grade Math teacher, several years as an 8th grade ELA teacher, Instructional Coach and finally becoming Dean of Curriculum & Instruction. In 2018 she landed a position at Edward Brooke Charter Schools at the 8th Grade Academy as a Humanities teacher and is
now in her second year as a 10th grade AP U.S. History and American Literature teacher.
Marisa graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mass Media and Communications degree with a minor in Social Justice. Later she earned her Master’s Degree in the Arts of Teaching from Emmanuel College. She is currently licensed to teach 5th thru 12th grade English in Massachusetts and is working on getting her license to teach 5th thru 12th grade History and Social Studies.
Marisa is committed to continuing her sister’s legacy of fighting for all students to receive a quality education regardless of life circumstances or physical capabilities. Marisa also wants to continue to bring awareness to sickle cell disease and advocate for better research, medical treatments, and a cure for this life-threatening disease.
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because Kelsey was and continues to be my inspiration for creating an equitable and fair society in health care & education. Kelsey fought hard to attain her education so that she could use it not just to better her world, but everyone else in this world as well. Specifically, she was a sickle cell warrior, and later became a leukemia warrior. I want to use the Foundation to pick up her torch and continue to strive for those with life
threatening illnesses to get access to life-changing treatments and education.
Kimberly Glass
Director
Kim Glass is a founding board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation. She knew Kelsey for Kelsey’s entire life and is excited to help realize the Foundation’s mission to provide wellness and education resources for those with Sickle Cell Disease or Leukemia.
To this important board position Kim brings 25 years corporate and business consulting experience in the Washington DC and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. She spent 20 years in financial services and education finance leading a variety of teams in operations, product development, business development, and technology development and implementation initiatives. She led the design and implementation for newly trademarked technology solutions like electronic signature and business proposal solutions that led to $20 billion in annual contract sales. She was responsible for the integration of acquired and merged companies to achieve strategic growth goals, and she participated in many due diligence reviews to assess the value and feasibility of potential acquisitions. Kim also managed several internal organization process
improvement initiatives to improve the way company departments worked together to ensure higher quality service delivery between departments and ultimately to external customers and business partners.
Kim worked diligently with several small and start-up organizations to incorporate and obtain various business licenses, to implement operational processes and reporting structures and to determine start-up and growth staffing needs. She consulted on business relocations, entry into new markets, and the development of successful marketing plans for new and existing products and services. She also developed and implemented exit strategies for business owners interested in closing or selling all or part of
their business to retire. While consulting, Kim began her career as a college and university instructor. For more than 10 years Kim has been a professor of business, project management, and technology courses at several institutions in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
She has broad not-for-profit board experience, as well. Kim was named Vice President of the Board of Trustees of The Barker Adoption Foundation in Bethesda, MD. The Barker Foundation is a private, not-for-profit adoption agency serving families in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. During her tenure on the Board, she was an active member of the Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, and Risk Management Committee of the Board. In addition, Kim served on the Board of Directors for Dumbarton Concerts in Washington, DC where she invested her time in the award winning Inner City Inner Child outreach program, predecessor of the Inspired Child outreach program that exists to improve the quality of early childhood education for children from birth to age five living in Washington, DC’s most under-resourced communities. Its mission is to inspire a life-long love of learning and books through arts-based literacy programs for children and their teachers and families. In Northern Virginia, Kim was also a College Partnership Program Mentor of at-risk students with potential and desire to attend college. The program was part of Fairfax County Public School District’s College Success Program.
Kim earned her BS in Business Administration from Georgetown University and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. For over 35 years, she leveraged her business and life experiences to support and enhance educational opportunities for children in her community.
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because I am committed to continue that work. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to help those battling sickle cell disease or leukemia achieve their educational goals and to do it in Kelsey’s name. Her determination to complete her education and her compassion for others are the driving forces for this Foundation and my dedication to its mission.
Cathy Rosenfield, M.D.
Director
Dr. Rosenfield is a retired Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist. She practiced for over thirty years at Tufts Children’s Hospital in Boston. She provided care for children, adolescents and young adults with a variety of blood disorders including sickle cell disease and leukemia. Her experience working with individuals and their families with blood disorders gives her a unique perspective, and vast knowledge of the physical, emotional and social aspects of their care.
She was Kelsey’s hematologist from the time Kelsey was a toddler into her young adult years. Due to the multiple complications of sickle cell disease and the need for frequent clinic and hospital visits, Dr. Rosenfield and Kelsey knew each other well and developed a friendship over the years.
After Kelsey died, Kelsey’s mother and sister discussed the development of the KET foundation with Dr. Rosenfield and asked her to join the board of directors. Knowing Kelsey’s passion for ongoing education, advocacy and support for patients and their families, made this a very easy decision to join the board.
Dr. Rosenfield grew up in Chelsea, MA. She received her BS at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in NY and her MD at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She trained in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Brown University Rhode Island Hospital. She and her husband have raised three sons, a daughter and a variety of furry four-legged friends. She and her husband live in Lexington with their dog, Rebel. She continues to teach hematology to the medical students at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
I am a board member of the KET Foundation because despite the medical, educational and personal hardships Kelsey experienced, she never gave up on her goals and continued to advocate for herself and those with similar challenges. The KET Foundation was developed to preserve and continue that spirit for others. By being a member of the board, I can participate in keeping that endeavor alive.
Cathy Woodward Gill, Esq.
Director
Cathy has spent her career in the professional service sector where excellence and client service are paramount to a company’s success. She understands the way business executives and company owners think, and she thrives in situations where the need for strategic and critical-thinking skills intersects.
She is the Chief Strategy Officer for Redgrave LLP, a technology and information governance law firm, where she drives talent management and strategic growth initiatives. Prior to this role, she served as the Global Chief Operating Officer of Hausfeld LLP where she led the firm’s business operations in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Cathy’s experience at Hausfeld included, among other initiatives, leading an award-winning rebranding and web design project that received industry recognition in the U.S. and Europe and heading up the firm’s diversity and wellness initiatives. Before Hausfeld, Cathy was a Chief Practice Management Office at Goodwin Procter, LLP, an Am Law 50 law where she also practiced law early in her career.
Cathy has served on multiple non-profit boards and holds Professional Director accreditation from the American College of Corporate Directors. She founded the Resolution Run to Kick Cancer, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises money for cancer research and patient treatment programs. She has raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while training for marathons and has participated in the Pan Mass Challenge ride eleven times raising money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Cathy joined the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation board after meeting Kelsey’s mother, Laura, at a fundraising event for the organization. Having recently lost her daughter to substance use disorder, she and Laura have an unfortunate bond.
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because I have lost lifelong friends to cancer and, like other board members, I am committed to easing the impact of the disease on patients and their families.
Kayla Guzovsky
Director
Kayla Guzovsky is a dedicated professional with a passion for making a positive impact on communities through her extensive background in social services. Kayla has committed herself to supporting and empowering youth and families who have faced the challenges of domestic violence. Her work in this field has been characterized by compassion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments for those in need.
More recently she has worked hard playing a crucial role in drug user health initiatives. Recognizing the complex and interconnected issues surrounding substance use, she has been at the forefront of programs designed to provide support, resources, and education to individuals who use substances. Her approach is rooted in harm reduction, aiming not only to address the immediate needs of those affected but also to foster a sense of community and understanding.
Kayla’s journey has evolved, and she currently channels her passion into supporting communities through data analysis for programs focused on overdose prevention. As a key player in these initiatives, she harnesses the power of data to inform and shape effective strategies that can save lives. Her analytical skills and ability to translate complex information into actionable insights have proven invaluable in the work with community-based programs as they work hard to support those who use substances.
As she leans into that role, and works on completing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology, she extends her impact to the next generation by teaching preschool. Her nurturing and inclusive approach creates a foundation for young minds to thrive, fostering a love for learning and a sense of community from the earliest stages of development. Kayla’s diverse and impactful career reflects her unwavering commitment to social service, community well-being, and the holistic betterment of individuals facing various challenges. Her multifaceted experience and dedication to person centered care drives her in creating positive change at both the individual and community levels.
Kayla has considered Kelsey one of her closest friends since high school and credits her with teaching her the best lessons about strength, perseverance, and true friendship. Kelsey’s commitment to education is something that always inspired Kayla and was her greatest motivator as she navigated her own educational journey. To be in a room with Kelsey was to be in the presence of the greatest peace. She always admired that on good days and on pain days Kelsey was always her true to herself and used her experiences to create beautiful art and foster beautiful community.
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because Kelsey’s open heart and open mind are what made her such an amazing advocate for those living with sickle cell disease or leukemia, and to be able to help continue the work she cherished so much with the people so dedicated to her life and legacy is a true privilege.
Tia Marathas
Director
Tia Marathas is a board member for the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation. Tia is currently a Celtics Cheerleader and works full time in a Sales and Marketing role. In her free time, she teaches little kid's gymnastics. Tia is always volunteering and helping out numerous non-profits. She graduated from Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. While at Saint Anselm College, Tia was an intern for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in New Hampshire and helped many families with their children's last wishes. Tia works on the social media and marketing side of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation.
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because I want to help the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation be well known and raise awareness to sickle cell disease and leukemia.
Collin Lynch
Treasurer
Collin has been passionate about supporting and advocating for blood diseases and disorders for almost fifteen years. Starting his career at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Collin learned the importance of caring for those who have it harder than most. From there, Collin went on to hold a variety of roles at organizations like The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Cambridge Public Schools and The Disability Resource Center in Salem, MA. All roles where he was supporting youth who have disorders and disabilities. In most cases, helping them learn to advocate for themselves and hopefully have a little fun while they’re doing it. Collin is currently a partner and Chief Operating Officer of a tech startup in Boston.
Collin graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree in International Business Management.
Collin is also a severe hemophiliac and has been involved with the bleeding and blood disorder community his entire life. Collin has shared his story with Tufts Medical School cohorts every year since 2012 and more recently has been working with the New England Hemophilia Association on their BDSUMHAC (Bleeding Disorder Substance Use and Mental Health Coalition).
I am a board member of the Kelsey Elizabeth Taylor Foundation because Kelsey’s life was profound. Kelsey brought joy to this world and that joy will continue to live on and inspire others. I know the work we do at KET will help others understand the importance of advocating for sickle cell disease treatments and cures and I hope that we can help women like Kelsey thrive to make the world a better place.