Meet the Board
Kerri Markley - President
My name is Kerri Markley. I first became involved with the medically fragile community in 2003, when I began working as a pediatric home health nurse. It didn’t take me long to realize that I felt a special connection to this extraordinary population of children and their families. I wanted to do more.
In 2007, I became a medical foster parent and have fostered 6 children with tracheostomies, ventilators, and feeding tubes so far.
My almost 2 decades of experience with this client population, both as a parent and as a nurse, has allowed me to also serve as a mentor to many families of children with medical complexities, particularly those who are new to the world of medical parenthood. It was through this role that I first met Viktoria, who provided me further inspiration because of her strong spirit and larger than life personality.
In an effort to enhance my ability to provide supports to families of medically fragile children, I decided to further my education. In December 2022, I earned my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse.
I am privileged to be serving on the board of directors for Viktoria’s Angels. Being able to utilize my passion, experience, and education, to provide encouragement and guidance for medically fragile children and their families, is like a dream come true for me. What’s more, is I can help others while simultaneously honoring the badassery of Viktoria’s Angels’ namesake. Doesn’t get much better than that.
Lea Leen
My name is Lea and I'm the treasurer for Viktoria's Angel's. Viktoria's Angel's was created to honor my youngest daughter, Viktoria, by helping families with medically fragile children. Viktoria became medically fragile in 2017, after discharging from a 103-day hospitalization, trach, vent and oxygen dependent, due to complications from SJIA (Systemic juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). Viktoria passed away on 6/23/21 at the age of 13. Although her life was short, it was full of adventures and so much love. Viktoria and I had an amazing tribe, that made it possible for our family to live life to the fullest, even when she was attached to a vent and oxygen 24/7. Over the years I have seen so many medically fragile families that were less fortunate than ours, only because they hadn't found their tribe. Viktoria's Angels wants to make sure all these families have a tribe, so they can live their best life too.
I also have 2 adult children, Garrett, 27 and Samantha, 29. Samantha has Down Syndrome and lives at home with me. I am Samantha's main caregiver so most of my time is spent at her beck and call, treating her like the princess that she thinks she is. Fortunately, we enjoy a lot of the same things, with outdoor concerts, warm, sandy beaches, traveling and sunshine at the top of our lists. I am also passionate about keeping my baby girl's memory alive and making her proud. Viktoria's Angels is a perfect way to accomplish this goal.
Kate Nelson
Hello! My name is Kate Nelson, I joined the medically complex community six plus years ago when my son was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus. From that moment on it has been a wild ride full of ups, downs, twists, turns and miracles. With determination, resilience and the help of our village my son Rory is living his best life!
When I’m not getting into happy shenanigans with my kiddo and our four-legged pal, I spend my “me time” exploring a variety of interests and hobbies. I am a certified Reiki practitioner, a skill I look forward to applying to my future business as a death doula. I hope to further my education in alternative care so that I have a toolbox full of ways to help myself and others find peace and resolve in our hearts. I enjoy making natural stone jewelry, camping, writing and new adventures with my little dude.
Being on the board of Viktoria’s Angels is an exciting opportunity to give back to the people and community who have never failed to lift my family up on those harder days, those days that seem impossible to navigate. No one should feel alone in this journey, or scared-we cannot wait to bring our tribe together and watch it grow! It is also a beautiful way to honor Viktoria and continue her legacy, the little princess who has inspired so many and who is so loved.