Our Team
Sue’s Gift Board of Directors
Brandy Nunes
PRESIDENT
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Community-focused, small business advocate, Brandy owns and operates Nunes Partners - a local insurance agency specializing in innovative healthcare solutions. She believes in helping people with an authentic, affordable, no gimmicks approach. Brandy joined the Sue’s Gift Board after experiencing a cervical cancer scare herself that also resulted in her mother and grandmother having hysterectomies at age 36 for the same reason. Originally from Dallas, Brandy graduated from California State University and worked in advertising prior to relocating to Colorado. She has served the Colorado Springs community since 2017. In her off time, Brandy enjoys hiking, disc golf, road trips, camping, spending time with her husband and dogs, and volunteering at various nonprofits and community organizations.
Caryn Becker
VICE PRESIDENT
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In 2011, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was important to me to find survivors and those that supported survivors. Thankfully I found Sue’s Gift right away. I’ve been volunTEALing for them ever since. I became a board member because I know how important this organization is to the community. It’s been so rewarding to watch the organization grow from a $25,000 a year budget to what it is today. In my spare time I love to read, hike and camp with my dog Coco. I am a Realtor serving the Pikes Peak Region.
AnnMarie Ortega
SECRETARY
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I am the Administrator for Solaris Hospice in Colorado Springs, and in Woodland Park. Helping people who need us the most and developing healthcare professionals to take care of patients is my passion and why I became a healthcare administrator. I believe in being an advocate for those who are facing difficult times, and difficult diagnosis. Putting life first is the mission statement I stand by daily educating patients and families on their healthcare journey. I am a native to Colorado Springs and have lived here my whole life. When not working I love spending time with my family in the beautiful outdoors that Colorado has to offer.
Mara Hagan
TREASURER
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I am a numbers person. Professionally, I am the Accounting Manager at a law firm in town. In my free time I love to travel, road bike, snow ski and water ski. I also like caring for others as a mom of two girls and as a volunteer for Sue's Gift. I am the Manager of the Sue's Gift Financial Assistance Program and enjoy getting bills paid for women in need. I am also the Treasurer on the Sue's Gift Board
Tarah King
AT LARGE
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I am the VP/Dual Financial Center Manager II for UMB Bank in Colorado Springs. I've worked extensively with nonprofits in the area and have a huge passion for helping others. When not working, I enjoy hiking, coaching basketball and volleyball, and traveling as much as possible with my daughter. I grew up right here in Manitou Springs where I attended Elementary through High School, then receiving my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Angie Valdez
AT LARGE
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I work professionally in Oncology Research with cancer patients and survivors for the last seven years. I have a passion for cancer patients as I know in one way or another cancer can affect everyones lives. I enjoy doing anything outdoors in beautiful Colorado! I really love my Bassett mix rescue pup, she’s our best friend. I am honored to be part of the board knowing how Sue’s Gift makes such a big impact in these women’s lives.
Julie Peterson
AT LARGE
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I am an attorney at a local law firm. After starting my career in St. Louis doing civil litigation, I transitioned my practice to primarily representing schools when I moved to Colorado Springs. Outside of work, I’m kept busy with two young children and trying to renovate our fixer upper with my husband. My grandmother and great-grandmother both passed from ovarian cancer so Sue’s Gift’s mission holds a special place in my heart.
Selma Cruz
AT LARGE
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I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2021. As a former educator, it is important to be able to educate others on the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, as well as learning to advocate for your own health journey. In my free time I enjoy being with friends and family, and traveling. I look forward to helping Sue’s Gift meet its mission of helping the women of southern Colorado.
Clay Worthington
AT LARGE
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Throughout my life, helping others has been an integral part of who I am. I chose a career in financial services because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of families in my community. At Edward Jones, we strive to make sure clients feel heard, and that we understand their unique story. We partner with clients to help them understand the investment world in terms they can relate to, and support their lives in ways that make sense to them.
I received my BS from Missouri State University in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and my MS from Midwestern State University in Kinesiology. In 2004, I started a 16 year career as an elite cycling coach with USA Cycling and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In 2010 I transitioned to coach in the Australian system for 7.5 years before returning home to coach for USA Cycling again, where I finished my coaching career. I am grateful for who I became in the process of pursuing that career, and to have been able to turn my education into coaching success across the globe and at all levels of the sport of cycling. I am proud to say that I have coached many athletes to success at the highest level they were eligible to compete. Our accomplishments include Olympic medals, World, Continental, and National titles, National records, Coach of the Year awards, and always with an eye on character development.
Having grown up in a small community near Kansas City, Missouri I have understood for a long time that being present in my community is important. I am currently present in my gym community at Crossfit Decimate for my own play and to give of my knowledge for health, fitness, and performance. I am a board member and coach with the Front Rangers of Colorado Springs; our local junior club for racing and recreational cycling. Hiking, trail running, watching NFL & UFC, quoting Brenѐ Brown, and social events with friends are also regular activities for me.
Sue’s Gift Staff
Susan DiNapoli
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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My family started this organization after we lost my mom, Sue, to ovarian cancer. My mother was always concerned about a patient’s ability to afford treatment. Helping women in this way, in her name, is such an honor. Supporting women throughout their cancer journey is incredibly rewarding, I am grateful to be able to do this work.
Sherry Martin
PATIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
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I am a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years of experience in the field of oncology social work, working with cancer patients and their caregivers in hospitals, cancer centers, behavioral health and oncology-focused non-profit organizations.
I am a past Colorado State Representative to the Association of Oncology Social Work and author of the book, Beginning Again: Tools for the Journey through Grief; A Step-by-Step Guide for Facilitators of a Grief Support Group. I live with my husband in Woodland Park, Colorado.