Meet the Board
Madison Holden
Executive Director and Author
Madison Holden, a 23-year-old woman, holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after securing a teaching position for second grade, she faced a significant health setback. Enduring a two-year journey of self-advocacy, she eventually received diagnoses for multiple rare diseases, profoundly altering her life. Transitioning from pursuing her dream job to relying on mobility aids, feeding tubes, and various other support, Madison's life took a drastic turn. Despite ongoing health challenges, her desire to support children persisted, leading her to conceive a way to impact young lives beyond the classroom setting. Throughout her health odyssey, Madison developed a fervor for advocating on behalf of the chronically ill. Combining her innate creativity, love for teaching children, and dedication to supporting others, she created Silly Lily—a nonprofit venture dedicated to furnishing chronically ill children with tailor-made books at no cost. Silly Lily aims to offer young readers characters they can identify with, fostering moments of connection and representation that resonate deeply with these children.
Email: sillylilyfoundation@gmail.com
Matthew Pagnozzi
Director of Communications
Matthew Pagnozzi, a Communication graduate, merges his experience in educational child settings with his current position as a Sales Representative at Amica Life. This blend allows him to apply his communication skills effectively at the Silly Lily Foundation.
His deep involvement with the foundation is driven by personal encounters that have profoundly impacted his life. Overcoming a childhood brain tumor and supporting his girlfriend, who is the Executive Director of the foundation, have strengthened his resolve to help children and families dealing with similar hardships.
Email: matt.sillylilyfoundation@gmail.com
Erin Murray
Community Outreach Coordinator
Erin Murray, an aspiring child life specialist, has faced personal challenges due to chronic illnesses. However, she has not allowed these obstacles to hinder her commitment to making a positive impact. Beyond her local community, Erin has touched the lives of numerous individuals. She is the founder of Comfort Cuddles, a non-profit organization through which she has crafted and donated over 800 handmade blankets to both children and adults battling chronic or terminal illnesses. Additionally, she works at Boston Children’s Hospital Cardiac ICU as an administrator and has dedicated time to visiting hospitals and bringing joy to young patients. Leveraging her firsthand experiences and unwavering passion for creating change, Erin channels her expertise, determination, and volunteer efforts into the Silly Lily Foundation, where she transforms ideas into tangible achievements.
Email: erin.sillylilyfoundation@gmail.com
Carrigan Nelson
Graphic Designer
Carrigan Nelson embodies the essence of resilience and hope, transforming her battle with Osteosarcoma into a powerful force. Her journey, marked by courage and unwavering determination, has not only been an inspiration to those around her but has also fueled her passion for making a tangible difference in the world. Carrigan's work with non-profit organizations, including Glimmer of Hope and MIB Agents, showcases her commitment to raising awareness for childhood cancer. At the heart of Carrigan's numerous contributions is her exceptional talent in graphic design, which she generously lends to the Silly Lily Foundation. Carrigan's ability to encapsulate complex messages into visually appealing designs has not only exceeded expectations but has also significantly amplified the foundation's impact. Her work is a testament to how creativity, when wielded by a passionate heart, can be a powerful tool for change. The Silly Lily Foundation is fortunate to have Carrigan as part of our team. Her presence brings a unique glow that brightens the lives of everyone she touches. Her journey, though fraught with challenges, serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the incredible impact one person can have. Carrigan's dedication to advocacy and her ability to inspire hope in others are invaluable assets that make her an indispensable member of our team.
Kaleigh Watkins
Social Media Coordinator
Kaleigh Watkins represents a beacon of resilience and hope in the face of chronic illness. Her journey, marked by personal health struggles and the emotional weight of her mom's health battles, has not been an easy one. The onset of her illnesses came out of nowhere in March 2022, and it took 20 months and 18 specialists before she finally received answers. In the last few months she has been diagnosed with POTS, IST, MCAS, hEDS, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, and Central Pain Syndrome. Kaleigh has turned her trials into a platform for advocacy and awareness, utilizing the power of social media to connect, educate, and inspire others who are navigating similar challenges. Her story is one of unwavering strength and determination, as she continues to seek answers and remedies for both her and her mom's health issues. Being part of Team Silly Lily, Kaleigh brings more than just her fighting spirit; she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and an innate ability to engage with people. Through her creative and relatable content, she not only shines a light on the realities of living with chronic conditions but also fosters a space where others feel seen, heard, and less alone.
Email: kaleigh.sillylilyfoundation@gmail.com
Meri Keller
Secretary and Photographer
Meri Keller, a mother of two, is deeply committed to the foundation due to her daughter Madison's long struggle with illness and lack of recognition for years. She admires her daughter's courage advocating for herself and others. Turning a negative experience into a positive one to raise awareness is a source of pride. She always believed that her daughter had the ability to impact others and spread love and support. Through writing books, her daughter is able to achieve this goal, despite her inability to teach in person. With Meri's expertise as a photographer, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant at Newport Public Schools, she channels her knowledge and volunteer work into the Silly Lily Foundation.
Email: meri.sillylilyfoundation@gmail.com
Emily Chandler
Children’s Illustrator
From a very young age, Emily loved being creative, and, growing up, she was lucky enough to connect with a wide variety of people from all walks of life and diverse health backgrounds. She used to work in hospitality, filling up her sketchbooks on her days off, but one day she reached a catalyst and decided to give her illustration career a chance. Emily and her friends would’ve benefited so much from children's books that reflected their own experiences, so now she is dedicated to illustrating stories that inspire empathy and understanding. She believes that all children deserve soulful, accessible, and relatable books, which is why she is so excited to be working with the Silly Lily Foundation.
