Meet the team
Kirsten Arias
Events & Decor Chair
Kirsten Arias is Events & Decor Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. Kirsten is a Human Resource executive for GE Renewable Energy, where she is responsible for designing and executing global transformational people strategies that nurture engaging workplace cultures. She is passionate about working for a company that has a purpose to make the world a better place. That passion has carried over into her personal life as well. As a mother, the health, happiness, safety, and success of her children is and always has been Kirsten's number one priority. She joined Butterfly Children's Charities to contribute her experience and gifts towards children's well-being. Kirsten's son was hospitalized a few years ago, and she and her family were amazed at the support and medical care her son received. To think that there are kids out there with no support, and no care is simply heartbreaking. Kirsten supports Butterfly Children's Charities to educate, protect, and empower children everywhere and to heal and uplift those who have been mistreated through abuse and neglect. Kirsten and her husband Mike have lived in South Florida for over 25 years and have two children, Kameron and Drew.
Kim Ertag
Outreach Chair
Kim Ertag serves as Local Outreach Chair for Butterfly Children’s Charities. She grew up in Naples, Florida where at an early age her family instilled in her the importance of being active with local philanthropies. Early on when her brother with learning disability did not have an elementary school to attend, her family started a local non-profit foundation and operated a school to help him and other kids in the community with similar needs. She volunteered at the school and throughout the community. Her own professional career began as a photographer working for a local magazine in South Florida, covering feature stories, events and fashion. Her interest in fashion led her to move to Manhattan where she worked as fashion stylist and celebrity dresser at Donna Karan/DKNY for 15 years at their flagship store on Madison Avenue. She now resides in Parkland with her husband and two kids. She helps with the needs of her brother and aging parents. Her pastimes includes world travel, photography, the arts, pilates, yoga and cooking. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Liv Gabrielsen
Auction and Finance Chair
Liv Gabrielsen volunteers as Auction Chair and Finance Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. Professionally, Liv is the Regional Vice President of Sales for Rentals by Realtor.com. She oversees the building of the Rentals Multifamily sales team and strategy from the ground up. Previous to Realtor.com, she was the VP of Marketing for The Bainbridge Companies and a Regional Director of Sales with Apartments.com. Originally from Lima Peru, Liv has seen firsthand the lack of resources and assistance for abused and neglected children in third world countries. In addition, Liv was a Guardian ad Litem in Broward County for several years and understands the needs of adjudicated children in the U.S. The decision to join Butterfly Children’s Charities and assist with marketing and fundraising was an easy one. It’s a labor of love to help orphaned children in Belize and to raise funds for SOS Children’s Villages. In her free time, Liv is at the soccer field watching her son play travel soccer or attending her daughter’s dance recitals and volleyball games. She also loves watching and attending sporting events. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Derek, and they live in Parkland, FL with their kids and two Labradoodles.
Derek Gabrielsen
Finance Chair
Derek Gabrielsen is a Finance Chair at Butterfly Children's Charities. Professionally, Derek has over 20+ years of experience in the financial industry, working for companies like Deloitte and Bank of America. Currently, Derek works for USI, an insurance brokerage firm, overseeing the financials for several markets in Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. Derek has extensive knowledge of budget management, financial and cost analysis, and financial reporting. In his free time, Derek spends time with his wife, kids, and dogs. His kids' competitive sports keep him busy, as he logs many miles driving to and from practice, games, and tournaments. He enjoys traveling, sports, reading, cooking, and board games. Derek has enjoyed seeing the growth of Butterfly Children's Charities and is happy to bring his financial expertise as the charity continues to grow.
Danielle Hoffman
Events & Decor and Marketing Chair
Danielle Hoffman is an Events & Decor Chair and Marketing Chair at Butterfly Children's Charities. Prior to dedicating her time to philanthropic efforts, she was the Vice President of National Sales of PERQ, a tech firm specializing in artificial intelligence. Danielle’s passion for helping underprivileged children started at a young age ignited by her trips to visit her family in Peru. Seeing these impoverished children, she knew she wanted to help. She was involved in various charitable organizations throughout her time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale and Loyola University Chicago. She chaired the Service Committee for Alpha Kappa Psi for two terms and was on the Young Professional Board for Renaissance Social Service. She is currently an active fundraiser for both Liberty Children’s Home and SOS Children’s Villages Coconut Creek. Danielle loves spending time with her kids, Alexander and Isabel, her husband, Michael, and dogs, Cusco and Sydney.
Maritza Kandersack
Operations Chair
Maritza Kandersack is an Operations Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. In addition to her volunteer work, she is also a Senior Director, Global Integration Services for UKG, Inc. offering award-winning Human Capital Solutions globally. Her focus is on technology and integration of data solutions focusing on carrier integrations. Maritza also chairs the Women’s Employee Resource Group for UKG, Inc. serving over 6,000 women to build professional development skills and raise awareness on bias and inequality for an inclusive working environment not on in the US, she is focused on working with India and APAC as well. Born and raised in New Jersey until her family moved to Pinecrest, FL in the middle of her school years, her passion has always been helping others, volunteering her time yearly with various organizations throughout her childhood that has continued to be a lifetime commitment. In her personal time, she is a dedicated wife and mother, raising two toddlers with her husband, Dan Kandersack, VP Global Cloud Operations in Parkland, FL.
Nicolette Kase
Sponsorship Chair
Jasmine Lafontant
Outreach Chair
Dr. Jasmine Pierre Lafontant is an Outreach Chair for Butterfly Children’s Charities. She is a mother, emergency room physician, business owner, and philanthropist. She has worked with several charitable organizations since college and is very passionate about assisting Butterfly Children's Charities in its mission to help at-risk youth. With her Outreach team, Jasmine helps to create memorable experiences for the children at SOS Children’s Villages. In addition, she works to ensure that Liberty Children’s Home in Belize is adequately stocked with essential medications and supplies. As a doctor, Jasmine has served on a number of medical missions abroad, including Haiti where her family is from. She was born to struggling immigrant parents in New York and from an early age, Jasmine understood the positive impact that the kindness of strangers can have on a family. She believes that her biggest blessing in life is being a blessing to others. Jasmine and her husband Andy moved to Parkland in 2013 and own Goat Head Coffee Co., an organic coffee brand. Their company sponsors many local events, youth sports, school fundraisers, and beach cleanups. They have two young boys and can be found on the soccer and football fields most days of the week. Jasmine is a classically-trained violinist and enjoys world travel, music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Kristen Mackey
Marketing Chair
Kristen Mackey serves as Marketing Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities focusing on our social media and online marketing presence. Kristen helps curate content and provides strategy for furthering Butterfly Children's Charities' reach on social media. Kristen is the founder of a Social Media Marketing Agency, KMACK Marketing Co. and has been working in marketing for over 8 years. Butterfly Children's Charities' mission instantly captured her attention. She joined the marketing chairs to help expand BCC's exposure online to raise awareness and support the children in need. Kristen is a South Florida native and thrives in this Florida sunshine all year round. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing with her pups or jumping on her rebounder. She is also a decent scratch golfer because she hits a straight drive nearly every time.
Brian McCaffrey
Golf Chair
Brian McCaffrey is a Golf Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. In addition to his volunteer work, Brian coaches his son’s soccer and baseball team and is a Senior Financial Analyst at Cydcor. Born and raised in South Florida, Brian enjoys boating, fishing, water sports and golf. Brian married his high school sweetheart Vanessa and they have two children together, Kira and Gavin. Brian enjoys taking his family to the Florida Keys. Brian is excited to help Butterfly Children’s Charities this year as the Assistant Golf Chair.
Vanessa McCaffrey
Director
Vanessa McCaffrey is the Director of Butterfly Children's Charities. Vanessa has been an entrepreneur for over 15 years. She started her career in direct marketing and sales in 2005. After graduating college, Vanessa opened a direct sales company, Annex Incorporated, representing Fortune 500 clients. In January of 2019, Vanessa opened a second company, McCaffrey Ventures, specializing in business consulting and fundraising events. Most recently, Vanessa ventured into the medical industry by opening a medical clinic, Castaneda MD, that specializes in Endocrinology. Vanessa has always been involved with charities and non-profit organizations since she was a child. Her parents taught her that in life, we have to give and help others in need. Vanessa sits on the board for MYTQuinn Foundation that focuses on helping Liberty Children's Home that helps 42 children in Belize. Vanessa was born and raised in South Florida. She is married to her high school sweetheart Brian and has two children, Kira and Gavin.
Ashley Miller
Golf Chair
Ashley Miller is Golf Chair for the Butterfly Birdie Classic. Making a difference in the world has always been her passion. At an early age, Ashley would write to wildlife organizations to learn how she could help save the world. Weirdly enough, she would beg her parents to spend weekends picking up trash and recycling cans. As she got older, her focus changed. She knew she could make a bigger impact as a news reporter. Ashley is married to her wonderful husband, Kevin, and has two beautiful children. Together, as a family, they vowed to do something big. They pondered participating in mission trips to support communities in need. Then one day, she met some great friends who introduced her to the Liberty Children’s Home in Belize. In 2020, Ashley and Kevin visited the orphanage and brought along much-needed essentials like medicine, vitamins, and treats for their “rewards” store. They spent a few days getting to know the wonderful caregivers and beautiful children who come to call Liberty their new home. Since then, they’ve committed themselves to raising awareness for children abroad and locally who could use all our support. Ashley is honored to chair the Butterfly Children’s Charities Butterfly Birdie Golf Tournament. When not planning the tournament, Ashley is focused on her career as a local Realtor serving the Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties. She is also a PR and social media specialist for CHG Healthcare, a healthcare staffing company.
Kevin Miller
Golf Chair
Kevin Miller serves as Golf Chair for the Butterfly Birdie Classic. He lives in South Florida with his wife and their two children. Professionally, he is a realtor serving the Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties.
Gabrielle Moreno
Sponsorship Chair
Gabrielle was born in Sacramento, CA on Travis Air Force base. She started traveling the world at 3 months of age while her father served our country. She has lived in Germany, Puerto Rico and many places in the U.S.A. Gabrielle is now settled in Parkland with her husband, two children, two fur babies and the family turtle they rescued. Before children, she worked for a private medical practice as a nurse and surgical scheduler. Gabrielle has a passion for helping others and volunteering at her children’s school and other nonprofit organizations. Her favorite pastimes include cuddles with her kids, crafting, reading, traveling, being a soccer, baseball and softball mom and watching football. She is excited to be working with Butterfly Children’s Charities and making a difference in the lives of children who are in need.
Luisa Moreno
Auction Chair
Luisa Moreno is an Auction Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, and came to the US 20 years ago, with her husband Cesar, to look for better opportunities. Luisa is a Civil Engineer and along with her husband Cesar, they own the engineering consulting firm Nino & Moreno, Inc. Luisa takes care of all the administrative tasks of the business and manages/designs several civil engineering projects. Luisa is mom of two children - a soccer player and a ballerina. She divides her time between being a full-time mom and a full-time businesswoman; she enjoys the best of both worlds. She loves to go on runs, play volleyball, and have fun with her friends. She met Liv Gabrielsen along with her sisters, Vanessa and Danielle, which introduced her to Butterfly Children's Charities. Luisa believes that this country’s foundation is based on the good deeds of the people who work together to help others. She is very excited to be a part of this organization and wants to bring her background in project management and organizational skills to help accomplish the goals of Butterfly Children's Charities.
Silvia Ochoa
Outreach Chair
Silvia Ochoa is an Outreach Chair for Butterfly Children’s Charities. She is Colombian-born and currently lives in South Florida. Professionally, Silvia joined the sales team for a cosmetics company in 2005. Additionally, in 2003 she and her husband Roberto became business partners at El Balcón de Las Americas, a family-owned restaurant founded in 1997. Silvia is a busy mom of two, and her children Martina and Samuel inspire her to volunteer and make a difference. Silvia and her family has supported local and Colombia-based nonprofit organizations for several years; Butterfly Children’s Charities is one of many ways she works to help underprivileged children.
Evyan O'Keefe
Golf Chair
Justine Sama
Outreach Chair
Justine Sama is an Outreach Chair for Butterfly Children's Charities. She helps plan and facilitate events and collections for SOS Children's Villages locally, from organizing the Butterfly Team for the Steps for SOS 5k, to planning play dates at SOS, to collecting donations and supplies. She has been volunteering for SOS for over 5 years in various capacities. Justine worked as a physician assistant in dermatology, skin cancer surgery, and aesthetics for over 17 years. Due to the recent changing climate in education, she is taking some time away to focus on her children and philanthropic pursuits. She is excited to dedicate more time as a Room Mom, member of PTA, and Butterfly Children’s Charity Chair. She lives in Parkland with her husband, two children and rescue dog, Reese.
Parsiri Stelnik
Marketing Chair
Parsiri Stelnik serves as Marketing Chair of Butterfly Children’s Charities. Her professional background is in digital marketing strategy, with a focus on user experience optimization, measurement and analytics, retention marketing, and market research. She has experience on the agency side, in-house, and as an independent consultant, and has worked for industry-leading clients in e-commerce, financial services, technology, and others. She is from Boston and also lived in San Francisco and Madrid, Spain prior to moving with her family to South Florida in 2018. Through her kids’ preschool, she soon connected with the group of mothers and women who created and today continue to grow Butterfly Children’s Charities. She’s excited to work with this inspiring group to make a positive impact in the lives of children who most need it. In her free time she enjoys making art, travel, reading, cooking and baking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Parkland, FL with her husband, their two young kids, and their rescue dog.
Kimberlee Ward
Events & Decor Chair
Kimberlee Ward serves as an Events & Decor Chair at Butterfly Children's Charities. Kimberlee worked with Butterfly Children’s Charities for over a year prior to stepping into a Chair role, and has loved getting involved in helping children in her community and abroad. After visiting Liberty Children’s Home in Belize, Kimberlee is even more inspired to be working with this charity. She is from Salt Lake City, Utah and lived in Mexico City, Mexico before settling down with her family in South Florida. While in Mexico, Kimberlee worked with the International Women’s Club of Mexico City supporting children in need in the area. As a current substitute teacher, Kimberlee enjoys working with young children, helping them reach their full potential. Kimberlee is a busy mom to 4 young boys - Jack, Mick, Cruz and Liam. When she isn’t on the sports field, driving carpool or helping with homework, Kimberlee enjoys Pilates, reading, traveling and snowboarding.