Meet the Team
MADISON HOLDEN
FOUNDER
Shortly after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and accepting a second grade teaching position, Madison Holden’s health rapidly declined. What began as a search for answers became years of relentless self advocacy, medical dismissal, and complex diagnostic challenges.
After enduring prolonged medical gaslighting and countless appointments, Madison was ultimately diagnosed with multiple serious chronic illnesses, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, Tethered Cord Syndrome, Eagle Syndrome, Craniovertebral Instability, Neurological Lyme Disease, Gastroparesis, Intracranial Hypertension, Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and multiple autoimmune conditions.
Her journey has required numerous major surgeries including brain, spine, and open abdominal procedures, extended hospitalizations, feeding tubes, implanted medical devices, and international travel for specialized care.
In the midst of isolation and uncertainty, Madison felt called to create something meaningful from her pain. She experienced firsthand how alone medically complex children and adults can feel when their conditions are rare, misunderstood, or minimized.
What began as a children’s book to help explain feeding tubes and ports grew into The Silly Lily Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusion, comfort, and life-changing support for individuals of all ages navigating chronic illness.
Madison’s mission is simple: no one facing chronic illness should ever feel invisible, unheard, or alone.
Marin Holden
Director of Fundraising & Secretary
Marin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Health Science and is pursuing her Master’s in Business with a focus in Healthcare Administration. She is a manager at a local restaurant and brings her leadership and organizational skills to every project she takes on.
Marin organizes fundraisers for The Silly Lily Foundation to raise awareness for chronic illness, inspired by standing alongside her sister throughout her medical journey.
Matt Pagnozzi
Director of Communications
Meri Keller
Treasurer
Meri is a mother of two daughters and lives in Middletown, Rhode Island. She works as an Administrative Assistant with Newport Public Schools and is a retired professional photographer. Meri loves helping parents advocate for their children while assisting the Foundation to support medically complex kids and families.
Steve Taylor
Director of Facilities and Operations
Steve has been an elementary school teacher and coach for the last 21 years. Prior to that, he was a painting contractor for 15 years and still hangs wallpaper and paints when he is not teaching. He is also a dedicated father.
His experiences in construction, helping others and problem solving make him the perfect leader for Facilities and Operations. Steve ensures the Foundation’s programs run smoothly and effectively.
