OUR BOARD | playing-4-hope

Executive Director/President: Brian Thomas

Brian is a doctoral candidate at The University of Missouri - Columbia where he plans to obtain an MD-PhD degree. Brian’s dream has always been to become a physician as he has always had a knack for helping people in the community. When he finishes school, Brian is interested in practicing in a sub-specialty of Pediatrics and investigating childhood disease. Brian has been involved in various organizations, such as MedZou Community Health Clinic and Big Brothers Big Sisters, that serve and benefit a variety of people in Columbia, MO. In his downtime, Brian enjoys taking his dogs to the park, playing recreational sports and guitar, and socializing with family and friends. Brian is currently serving his 4th year as the organizations Executive Director/President and looks forward to Playing 4 Hope's continued growth and success.

Vice President: Andrew Behrmann

Andrew is an MD-PhD candidate at The University of Missouri School of Medicine and is interested in becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon in order to both treat and perform research on various cardiopulmonary disease processes. Andrew was involved in volunteer work with The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Habitat For Humanity while in college at Southeast Missouri State University and the MedZou Community Health Clinic since attending Mizzou. During his free time, Andrew enjoys watching and playing basketball, running and hiking the various trails in Columbia, and enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He is looking forward to helping Playing 4 Hope serve the children and families who need it most and to continue growing the organization and its ties with the community.

Social Media and Marketing: Bri Thomas

Bri is a graphic designer and a Creative Director at Hoot Design Co. in Columbia, MO. Bri is passionate about creating brands and helping companies and organizations grow. She was also an avid athlete for many years and was always focused on using her leadership position for good. In her free time she enjoys walking her dogs, socializing with friends, and working on her creative side through painting. Bri is also owner of a freelance company called Bri Thomas Art.

Board Member: Micaela Kemerling

Born and raised just outside of Kansas City, MO, Micaela is a medical student at the University of Missouri, currently interested in pediatric anesthesiology. During undergrad at Mizzou, she was a Mizzou cheerleader and enjoyed her time in athletics. During her time in medical school, she has been involved in peer mentoring through the PAWS program, Minorities in Medicine, and Mizzou Med Student Ambassadors, to name a few. She has been able to give back to the community through volunteering at the MedZou Community Health Clinic. She is an avid dog-lover and enjoys hot yoga in her free time. Micaela is ecstatic to continue pursuing her passion for athletics, the pediatric population, and giving back to her community through involvement in Playing 4 Hope!

Board Member: Ashwin Garlapaty

Ashwin is a medical student at the University of Missouri. While also attending the University of Missouri for his undergraduate degree, Ashwin worked with Mizzou Athletics to organize and direct student sections for football and basketball. He has a strong passion for volunteering and making a difference through Columbia City of Refuge, MedZou, Food Bank, and other community based organizations. He grew up around football, swimming, and waterpolo. Ashwin is using his prior experiences to help Playing 4 Hope in its mission to serve children and their families.

Board Member: Kristen Reese

Kristen is a medical student at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Born and raised in a small town, she has always enjoyed serving others and building relationships. She’s been a Mizzou fan her whole life and loves spending her free time watching Mizzou sports. Outside of school, you can probably find her in the gym as she loves staying active. She enjoys spending time with family, and her nieces and nephews keep her busy. She is looking forward to combining her love of medicine, kids, and serving others through Playing 4 Hope.

Founder (ex officio): Haley Ennis

Haley began the idea for Playing 4 Hope based on her past as a soccer player. Throughout high school she dedicated her games to her coach's wife who passed away during her freshman year. Throughout college Haley dedicated her games to her grandma, Mama, who was diagnosed with lung cancer. When Mama passed away in October of 2016, Haley and the board created a plan to grow Playing 4 Hope in her name. Haley is currently an elementary school teacher and enjoys spreading hope in her daily life.