Our People

Andy Thornton has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He began his career with Bank One, followed by Regions Bank. He then joined The National Bank of Indianapolis in 2007 and is VP and Corporate Banking Officer. Andy is President of the University Club of Indianapolis, serves as Treasurer for the Volunteers of America of Indiana, Random Acts of Flowers and The Woodstock Club. He is a former Treasurer of the Penrod Society.  

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to me?

  More families than not have been touched by cancer and unfortunately, my family is no exception. However, it was not until volunteering at the Riley Cancer Prom that pediatric cancer really grabbed my attention. I unexpectedly ran into a client whose daughter was one of the many kids in the room that were battling this terrible disease. This chance meeting really hit home that it can happen to anyone, including kids. I never had the pleasure of meeting Caroline, but I hope to utilize my financial background and contacts to help move the needle for the endowment and in turn pediatric cancer research.

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?

Nearly my entire career has been spent in healthcare delivering unique and life-saving technologies. Clinical research and collaboration with physicians, researchers, academia and industry are the life blood of breakthrough therapies. The need related to pediatric cancer research is apparent and significant. Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in their families, however it is even more tragic when it affects a child whose life is just beginning and blossoming. Through our efforts, we can truly make a difference for these patients, families and our communities. Please join us on the journey as I assure you it is a worthwhile mission and both meaningful and gratifying. Let’s share the blessing of life and a healthy wellbeing!

Endowment Advocate
Joey currently studies Vocal Performance at NYU’s Steinhardt School, with double minors in Producing and the Business of Entertainment. He is a proud graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis. He first became involved with the cause when he directed the 2017 North Central Lip Dub, which raised over $21,000 for the Caroline Symmes Endowment.

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?

When we were planning the Lip Dub, we knew we wanted to find a cause that would inspire people and help bring about change. The Symmes family has taken something harder than we could ever imagine and used it to provide hope for so many other families. After learning about their selflessness, I felt like I had a responsibility, in the best sense of the word, to do whatever I could to help. Once the video was released, it was clear to me that it was just the beginning of an exciting partnership, and I feel very grateful for every step we take towards funding a cure.

Senior Administrative Assistant, Salesforce   Emily assists the Indy Finance Leadership team at Salesforce and has been at the company since early 2020. Prior to joining Salesforce, Emily was an executive assistant to two different CEOs in the Indianapolis Tech community. Previously Emily was a kindergarten teacher in Pike Township for over 5 years. Emily is actively involved in two equality groups at Salesforce, OUTforce & BOLDforce. She also is a member of the Indy Finance Forward team & the Indy Site Council. Emily has her BA Degree from Ball State University.  

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to me?

  Over the years my husband & I have become close friends with David and Libby. Every year when we would attend the Pink Balloon event, the story of Caroline always touched my heart. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, & when it involves a child it’s even more heartbreaking. By sharing Caroline’s story with others in my network, I hope to inspire others and help raise money for pediatric cancer research.

President & CEO, CIE Holdings, LLC Ryan Drook is President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, of CIE, a world class distiller of premium Grain Neutral Spirits, Integrated Alcohols and High-Value Feed Products. Prior to joining CIE, Mr. Drook was a Managing Director within Deutsche Bank’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group with global responsibility for the firm’s Paper & Packaging coverage effort, as well as select Platinum Accounts including General Electric. Over his 16 year career with Deutsche Bank, Mr. Drook completed numerous advisory transactions in excess of US$71bn including sell-side representation, buy-side advisory, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, restructurings and leveraged buyouts, as well as numerous debt and equity financing assignments across a range of client needs. Prior to Deutsche Bank’s acquisition of Bankers Trust, where Mr. Drook was a member of BT Wolfensohn’s Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Advisory practice, he worked for The Boston Consulting Group in their Chicago office as a member of the firm’s Global Consumer Goods and Retail Practice area. Ryan graduated with a BS degree in Accounting from Indiana University and received his Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from The Harvard Business School. He currently resides in Carmel with his wife Anne and their three children (Holyn, Luke & William).

Roxanne has been working with non-profits for the last twenty-five years. After attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Roxanne put her education in sociology, psychology, and communication arts to work for the good of others. Joining the Endowment as Director of Donor Relations in early 2018, her primary responsibility is to build and maintain rapport with our current donors while reaching out to other potential people interested in contributing to the amazing work the endowment is doing for pediatric cancer research. She also creates the newsletters and announcements, assists with website content, collaborates on all events and projects and works with the endowment’s teen board.

For many years we had donated time and money to various causes, but never had a cause close to our hearts. When Caroline was diagnosed, our cause was dropped in our lap. During her hospital stays and visits to clinic, we would talk about raising money for research once she was out of treatment and healthy. Caroline never made it out of treatment.

With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.

Dr. Clapp said. “The work that will come from this endowment over the next 5-10 years will be astounding.” We expect nothing less.

For many years we had donated time and money to various causes, but never had a cause close to our hearts. When Caroline was diagnosed, our cause was dropped in our lap. During her hospital stays and visits to clinic, we would talk about raising money for research once she was out of treatment and healthy. Caroline never made it out of treatment.

With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.

A recent graduate of Davidson College (’19), Isaac brings with him a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector from his time working as both a teacher and administrator at Summerbridge Hong Kong. He was first introduced to the Caroline Symmes Endowment through the efforts of his brother, Joey Mervis, and is excited to be a part of the team and help empower students to make a difference.

Hey! My name is Ella Self, and I am a Senior at North Central Highschool, and this year’s Teen Board President. Outside of the Teen Board, I am the Co-President of North Central’s Counterpoints Show Choir, a member of NC’s Descants Show choir, an NHS member, Riley Dance Marathon Chair and Feminist Club member. I joined the Teen Board because I wanted to amplify the strength of the patients, survivors, and families affected by cancer. By fundraising for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the past, I wanted to find a way to improve resources and research; the CSCCE Teen Board was the next step in doing my part to help others. The board has opened doors I thought to be unimaginable and impacted my life in some of the best possible ways. Because of the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment Teen Board, I have decided to go into Healthcare Administration & Non-Profit Management after high school!

Hey! My name is Janie Akers, and I am a junior at North Central High School, where I am a member of the Women in Business club, Best Buddies, and an editor for my school’s news website. Outside of school, I am on a competition dance team and I have a passion for volunteer work in the community. This is my first year on the Teen Board and I couldn’t be more excited! I joined after learning about how horribly underfunded pediatric cancer research is, and because I want to work alongside other like-minded teens to make a difference in our world. A fun fact about me is that I recently tried to conquer my fear of spiders by holding a tarantula – it didn’t really work! I am super excited to be joining the board, andI I cannot wait to see what this amazing group has in store!

Hello! My name is Alex Barker, and I am a senior at Park Tudor. Outside of the CSCCE Teen Board, I am involved in Park Tudor’s Key Club, theater and choir programs, cheerleading, and softball. I have always enjoyed finding ways to help others, whether it be fundraising, volunteering, or both. The endowment is a perfect way to pursue this passion while raising awareness for a cause close to my heart. I went to preschool with Caroline, and while that was over a decade ago, I still remember how she was so filled with love, laughter, and joy. Caroline is an inspiration to me, and I am honored to share her story as well as help advance pediatric cancer research. When I’m not performing or cheering on a PT sports team–from the sidelines or the stands–I can be found walking my dog, kayaking, or spending time with my friends and family.

Hi! My name is Anastasia Ebersole, and I am a junior at Park Tudor High School. At school I am involved with the Key Club, the tennis team, the golf team, and I am also the president of the book club. Outside of school I enjoy baking, reading, and volunteering. I volunteered at numerous food pantries, my local library and by baking for soldiers across the globe. I joined the Teen Board because I want to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and help make a difference in people’s lives by raising money for research that hopefully makes their journey through cancer a little easier. A fun fact about myself is I worked as a ranch hand on a horse ranch in Wyoming. I am grateful to be a part of this Teen Board and I am looking forward to working with other teens to help in the fight against cancer.

Hello! My name Is Hannah Fulford, and I am currently a senior at Zionsville Community Highschool. Outside of school, I spend my time volunteering at the Indianapolis Zoo, telling my story at various Riley Dance Marathons, and playing lacrosse on the Circle City Lacrosse’s National 2023 Team. I am on my school’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team, and I am a member of National Honors Society, Mentoring Club, as well as being the president of Key Club. I have always had a passion for helping and volunteering whenever I can, ever since I was a child. Being a Riley kid myself, I have always wanted to be able to give back. I was able to get amazing care through Riley because my condition was cardiovascular in nature, which is a department with many connections and a lot of support. After learning about how Pediatric Cancer is not researched or funded at the same level, I felt compelled to get involved. I am extremely grateful and excited to help and be a part of something bigger than me and the CSCCE teen board was an opportunity I could not turn down. Two fun facts about me are that my favorite place to hike so far is Zion National Park and I love mint chocolate chip ice cream!

Hello! My name is Katie Genrich. I am a junior at North Central High School, where I am a part of the women’s lacrosse team, Best Buddies, and president of the French club. This is my first year as a member of the CSCCE Teen Board. I joined the Teen Board as a way to step outside of my comfort zone, while making a difference in my community! A fun fact about myself is that I am an avid stargazer!

Hi! I’m Audrey Hamilton and I’m a sophomore at Brebeuf. Outside of the board I am involved in cross country and track along with the pre-med club at my school! I joined the board in order to help those who have been positively affected by the Endowment’s fundraising efforts, working towards a better future for kids battling childhood cancer. I am so thankful to be a part of this board and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Hello! My name is Liam Hoffman, and I am a junior at Avon High School! Outside of the teen board, I love to play and watch soccer, as well as compete in Speech and Model UN. I was inspired to join the teen board because I always wanted to have a tangible, positive impact in my community, and after having a close family member affected by cancer, the teen board seemed like a fitting way to facilitate this impact. A fun fact about me is that I am fluent in German!

Hello! My name is Ellie Hunter. I am a junior at Park Tudor School. I swim, play soccer and lacrosse. I’m also involved in many clubs at school including Key Club and serving on the board for Mental Health Club. This is my first year being involved with CSCCE teen board. I’m excited to help fundraise for pediatric cancer research!

Hi! I am a senior at Park Tudor and am so excited to be returning to the CSCCE teen board! After being treated at Riley as a kid, it inspired me to join the teen board to help other kids. A fun fact about me is that I love watching old movies – my favorite is Breakfast at Tiffany’s! Outside of school I love learning about fashion and traveling. I am so grateful I get to be a part of something that can make such a positive impact!

Hello, my name is Joseph Mariani and I’m going into my senior year at Cathedral High School. At school, I’m a part of Mock Trial, Concert Choir, Theater, NHS, Cross Country, Track, Irish Adrenaline Show Choir Tech Crew, and Asian Student Union. On top of all of that, I’m an Eagle Scout and help my parents drive around my three younger siblings. It is a completely valid question to ask why I would want to add the Teen Board to my schedule, but I want to give back for the amazing life where I’m able to do all these things, and one way I can do that is to help the Caroline Symmes Endowment help those who need it. If for some reason you’re still reading this and want to know a fun fact about me, I don’t drink any caffeine.

Hi, I’m Mena Morcos and I’m a senior at University High School. At University, I run Cross Country and Track, and I’m involved in Dance Marathon, DECA, NHS, Student Council, and Blaze Craze (our spirit club). I chose to be a part of this amazing endowment through the teen board for the feeling. The feeling of not only knowing you are helping others – but the feeling that you are changing and even saving lives. The feeling comes from watching children overcome incredible adversity and beat the odds. I’m excited to work with the rest of the teen board as we raise money and plan events in the hope of improving resources and research for pediatric cancer. Step by step, we are fighting for a future where no child or family has to face pediatric illness again, and it will take all of us to do so. Also, a fun fact about me is I love to travel!

Hello!! My name is Mason Munn, and I will be a Junior at Avon High school this year. This is also my first year on the Caroline Symmes Teen Board. I am involved with many clubs at my school which include Student Government, Lead Club, Interact Club, DECA, and I also run track and field for the school. I also really love to volunteer around my community as much as I can. Outside of school I really love just hanging out with friends and being with my family. I joined the teen board this year because I wanted to try something new while also being able to contribute part of my time to this amazing cause. I just know it’s a great opportunity for me and to just use my time to help those in need. Another thing I love to do in my free time is travel. I love to just travel across the country and visit new places.

Hi! My name is Hadley Murphy and I am a Junior at Park Tudor. I’m involved in many clubs at my school including, my favorite, Model UN. This is my second year on the teen board. I joined in hopes of making a change in our city. A fun fact about me is that I can hula hoop for over 5 minutes.

I am going into my Junior year at Park Tudor. I play soccer and lacrosse for Park Tudor. I chose to be part of the teen board because I want to be able to take action to help fight pediatric cancer, and I am excited to be serving my second term. When I am not in school or working, I enjoy cooking and baking.

My name is Lara, and I am a junior at Park Tudor. I am involved with my school’s volleyball team, DECA club, Microfinance club, and Women in Stem club. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and learning new things. I am so excited to serve my second year on the teen board! I joined because I wanted to create an impact in defeating cancer, and the CSCCE significantly helps fund research at Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Let’s make our generation the last to know about cancer!

My name is Maggie Ryan, and I am a senior at Bishop Chatard High School. I participate in club and high school soccer, and I am an ice cream scooper at Lick Ice Cream in downtown Indy. I have a passion for helping kids, which inspired me to join the Caroline Symmes Team Board. As the President of Student Council and Dance Marathon at Chatard, I wanted to bring my leadership and fundraising experience to an organization outside my school community and help raise funds for the fight against pediatric cancer. One fun fact about me is that I am left-handed!

Hi! My name is Samantha Schleeter, and I am currently a senior at Carmel High School. A fun fact about me is that my birthday is 5505! Within my high school, I am heavily involved in our school’s Dance Marathon, as well as being in best buddies. I also help mentor freshmen! Outside of my school, I am involved in National Charity League (NCL), where we do volunteer work! I personally joined the teen board because of how passionate I am about this cause. My sister has a story like Caroline, and I want to do everything in my power to make sure another child does not have to go through what Caroline did. I want to help make a difference.

Hello! My name is Zainab Syed, and I am a rising Senior at Avon High School. I am very involved in various clubs and activities within school such as Speech and Debate, DECA, Student Government, and our Thespian Troupe. An interesting fact about me is that I have performed in over thirty musical theatre productions! This is my third year on the teen board, and I am so excited for what this year will bring! I have always found fulfillment through helping others, and this board allowed me the opportunity to do so. The work we do as a board is so rewarding, and I am beyond blessed to be a part of something that changes lives.

Hello! My name is Natalie Symmes, and I am a junior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and I am a part of the girl’s golf team. Outside of school I play golf for Indiana Golf Foundation. I chose to be on the teen board because it’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the community and raise awareness for this cause. Seeing the work of other teen board members inspires me to join and help to grow the endowment. Throughout the years, I have been to many CSCCE events and teen board meetings. I’ve fundraised for CSCCE by selling t-shirts and sweatshirts and want to continue during my years on the teen board. A fun fact about me is that my nickname is Butter.

My name is SaraGrace Toney, and I am a junior at Indiana Agriculture and Technology School. I am involved in FFA, 4H, Pony Club, and the Impact Team at my church. I enjoy riding horses, spending time outside, reading, gardening, and volunteering. A fun fact about me is I just cut and donated thirteen inches of my hair. I joined the teen board because I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded teens driven to make a difference in the world. After hearing Caroline Symmes’ story, I was motivated to join the fight to fund pediatric cancer research, and the Teen Board provides a great opportunity to do that.

Jess Cooper is a student at Indiana University Bloomington studying Nonprofit Management and Leadership with a double major in Social Work. She graduated from Carmel High School in 2021, where she first discovered the endowment at the annual “Runway for Riley” event as a freshman. She instantly fell in love with the cause and wanted to be a part of it. Being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and being treated at Riley in 2019, she felt even more connected with the cause. She served on the 2020-2021 teen board, and has continued her involvement with the endowment ever since. At IU, she is the Education Chair for the Hospital Relations committee of Indiana University Dance Marathon, and Vice President of Adventures for A Kid Again Indiana University Chapter. In the future, she hopes to continue her work in the Nonprofit world and working with Pediatric Oncology patients.

Khloe is a student at the University of Dayton (UD) studying political science and pre-law. She graduated from Franklin Central High school in 2021 and initially got involved with the endowment her sophomore year of high school. She served on the teen board from 2019-2021 and loved being part of a group that is dedicated to improving pediatric cancer research, since she has had friends who have also spent time on the oncology floor at Riley. At UD she is a peer educator helping students identify unsafe and unhealthy relationship dynamics, along with being a member of Best Buddies. In the future, Khloe plans to pursue a legal career in the nonprofit sector.

Maggie will be a senior at Hanover College. She is from Crawfordsville, Indiana and graduated from Southmont High School in 2018. She is a Business and Communication double major and serves on the executive board for Chi Omega Fraternity as the Recruitment Chair and Hanover College Dance Marathon as the Marketing Executive. Through Dance Marathon at Hanover College, Maggie discovered her passion for children’s health. “I am excited to continue following my passion through this internship.”

Zach Yetter is a 2021 graduate of Hanover College in Southern Indiana where he studied communication. He minored in Spanish and Business and is also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He is a proud 2017 graduate of Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter High School as well. Zach interned at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for two years and has been involved in the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment since the summer of 2020. He currently works at Epic Systems in Madison, Wisconsin and gained valuable experience and met amazing individuals through the Endowment.

Dr. Saadatzadeh is an Associate Research Professor of Pediatrics. He directs the patient tumor tissue research pipeline for Riley Hospital for Children. He works closely with the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core in this initiative and has developed over 40 solid tumor models, including four Wilms tumor models from patients seen at Riley Hospital. One of his main research interests focuses on development of targeted therapy for metastatic Wilms tumor.

Dr. Pollok is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Medical & Molecular Genetics. Her research program collaborates with the Precision Genomics team at Riley Hospital for Children to identify molecular signatures that predict relapse, recurrence, and metastasis in children, adolescents, and young adults with solid tumors such as Wilms tumors, sarcomas, and brain tumors. Dr. Pollok’s team is using tumor models developed in her laboratory from patients seen at Riley Hospital to develop and optimize precision genomics-guided therapies that are efficacious and safe. She also directs the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core for the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Renbarger is the Caroline Symmes Professor of Pediatric Cancer Research and Division Chief of the Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. She is an international leader in pediatric personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics and directs the Pediatric Cancer Precision Genomics Program at Riley Hospital for Children. The program – the only one its kind in Indiana – uses genetic testing to develop highly personalized treatments intended to target a child’s unique cancer. Dr. Renbarger’s research interests are in identifying precision approaches to treatment of aggressive cancers in children, adolescents, and young adults, and in optimizing long-term health outcomes in cancer survivors.