Who we are
Dedicated volunteers make up Maggie's Sole Mission's Advisory Board of Directors.
Lisa Nichols, Ph.D.
Founder, President
Lisa is the founder of Maggie’s Sole Mission, Inc. She is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Northern Colorado, a licensed counselor (LPC-S), and a proud TCU alum. She worked in mental health for twenty years within Texas nonprofit organizations and her own private practice. She is married to Gene (VP of Tech and Trails). Her mother instilled in her the importance of helping others, and she (still) hopes she makes her mom proud. Her favorite pair of shoes are the black and hot pink Brooks featured throughout the website because they were the last pair of shoes worn by her mother.
Michal Farmer
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Cheerleading Specialist
Michal is from Galveston Island, TX originally, and now resides in Fort Worth. She is married to Reid Farmer (the Director of Speedy Sneakers), and stays home with their toddler, Jack, and their senior dog, Lily. She has a B.A. in English, Creative Writing and has 10 years of fundraising support for nonprofits. These days, when she isn’t wrangling Jack, she runs a small social media management company. She loves gardening, small press poetry, singing like a pop star, and walking among the trees. Her favorite pair of shoes are her shin high rocker boots because they make her feel like a rock-star!
Kayce O'Brien, M.S.M.L
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Director of Kicks
Kayce is the Executive Director of Partner Experience for CollegeAPP. With experience in fundraising, volunteering and project management, Kayce brings her passion for serving others to Maggie's Sole Mission. She was raised in Fort Worth and was honored to know Maggie and help serve her vision through this board position. She is the proud co-parent to 3 amazing humans and 2 dogs. She lives in Littleton, Colorado where she and her family enjoy camping, hiking, gardening, playing in the snow, and traveling. Kayce's favorite pair of shoes are her flip flops, as that means there is either camping or a beach nearby!
Sarah Rubinson, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S
Member, Advisory Board of Directors - Secretary
Director of Flip Flopery
Sarah is a licensed therapist in private practice. She only wears tennis shoes to be ready for any hike or walk that might present itself. She has a 9-year-old child who is constantly growing out of shoes and who never stops running. She believes that everyone should have a good fitting pair of sneakers that allows them to run, play, explore, and be active!
Claudia Villanueva
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Director of Fancy Feet
Claudia works for St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, TX. She has worked in the education field for 17 years. While working at the Family Literacy program in Arlington ISD, Claudia met and worked with Maggie, and they became friends. Claudia is married with 2 daughters and 1 son. She is honored to have known Maggie and to be part of the mission to continue Maggie's vision. Claudia's favorite pair of shoes are her Sketchers because they are comfortable and provide support!
Jennifer Kass
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Director of Fuzzy Slippers
Jennifer is the Director of Marketing for TI Education Technology, where she has worked for more than 15 years, and lives in North Texas. During her career, she has worked in chemical engineering, finance and operations. She is also a wife, the mom of four kids, an avid runner and a Disney movie and parks aficionado. Raised by two educators, Jennifer believes in providing students with their basic needs like good shoes, so that they can focus on learning. Her favorite pair of shoes are her tennis shoes because she can go running in them!
Reid Farmer
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Director of Speedy Sneakers
Reid lives in Fort Worth, TX with his wife Michal (Cheerleading Specialist), son Jack, and dog Lily. He has worked in the medical field as a physical rehabilitation technician and a medical device sales manager for the past 7 years. He loves a good pun, music, running/hiking/biking, swimming, and hanging out with his two-year-old son on his new, fun adventures. He knows that a pair of shoes are good for the “soul”! His favorite pair of shoes are Brooks Cascadia 13, because when the trail shoes come out, you know things are going to be awesome!
Gene Nichols
Member, Advisory Board of Directors
Vice President of Tech and Trails
Gene has worked in financial IT for the past 20 years. He is an avid cyclist and hiker, and he is quite skilled at mapping out the best hiking trails in Colorado. He is married to Lisa and together they have 2 four-legged kids. His favorite pair of shoes are Altra trail shoes because wearing them means he is about to do something fun!
Macka Photography
Photography Extraordinaire
Our beautiful brand images are courtesy of Brooke Macko at Macka Photography! Brooke is a dear friend and supporter of our mission, and we are honored to collaborate with her!