The Alexxi Foundation

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Leadership

Board of Directors & Advisory Structure

The Alexxi Change‑the‑Trauma Foundation

Voting Board of Directors (7 Members)

These individuals hold formal governance authority and voting rights.

Keith Sellers

President / Chair

Keith Sellers founded The Alexxi Foundation with a clear mission: to make resources easier for everyone to access. Inspired by his niece’s spinal‑cord injury and the challenges families face in moments of crisis, Keith built the Foundation to bridge the gaps between trauma, information, and community. His leadership centers on clarity, compassion, and connection — ensuring survivors, caregivers, and loved ones can find the support they need without barriers or confusion. Through trauma‑aware advocacy and practical resource development, Keith continues to guide the Foundation toward its vision of accessible, human‑centered care for all.

Shyla Wolf

Vice President / Vice Chair

Shyla Wolf serves as a Board Member of The Alexxi Foundation, bringing lived experience, clarity, and a deeply grounded understanding of the challenges survivors, caregivers, and loved ones face after a spinal cord injury. As a mother who has walked through the hardest moments of trauma with her own child, she offers a perspective shaped by resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment. Shyla ensures that every decision the Foundation makes reflects the real needs of the community — clear information, compassionate guidance, and support that meets people where they are. Her voice helps keep the Foundation’s mission rooted in humanity, honesty, and connection.

Amanda Lefebvre

Secretary

Amanda Lefebvre brings lived experience, compassion, and heart to The Alexxi Foundation. She has witnessed Alexxi’s growth and life‑changing spinal cord injury firsthand, giving her a deeply personal understanding of the challenges families face after trauma.
Her perspective is shaped by years of resilience and advocacy, balancing empathy with action. Amanda’s strength lies in her ability to connect with others through authenticity and care — qualities that make her an invaluable part of the Foundation’s leadership.
As Secretary, she helps ensure clarity, organization, and communication across the board, supporting the Foundation’s mission to bring hope, education, and community to families navigating spinal cord injury.

Freddy Salinas

Treasurer

Freddy Salinas serves as Treasurer of The Alexxi Foundation, overseeing financial transparency and accountability across all operations. With a background in business management and a strong commitment to community service, Freddy ensures that every dollar entrusted to the Foundation is used responsibly and with purpose. His steady leadership and integrity help maintain the organization’s financial health while supporting its mission to make trauma‑aware resources accessible to survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Freddy’s approach combines precision, trust, and compassion — keeping the Foundation’s finances aligned with its values and long‑term vision.

LeAnn Knipe

Governance Chair

LeAnn Knipe serves as Governance Chair for The Alexxi Foundation, bringing an invaluable outside perspective and a wealth of lived experience to the board. Keith first met LeAnn through work, where her integrity, insight, and willingness to help stood out immediately. As a business owner, LeAnn understands the importance of structure, accountability, and collaboration — qualities that strengthen the Foundation’s governance and community impact. Her belief that we must pull together as a community to create meaningful change reflects the heart of the Foundation’s mission. LeAnn’s leadership ensures that every decision is guided by compassion, transparency, and a shared commitment to helping others.

Angelica Gonzales

Community Outreach & Fundraising Director

Angelica Gonzalez brings a vibrant spirit and deep compassion to The Alexxi Foundation’s outreach and fundraising efforts. Her natural ability to connect with people and inspire community engagement helps the foundation expand its reach and support those impacted by trauma. Angelica’s leadership ensures that every event and initiative reflects the foundation’s mission of comfort, education, and empowerment.

Alexxi Keefover

At‑Large Director

Alexxi Keefeover is the reason The Alexxi Foundation exists — the strength, compassion, and courage that sparked a movement. Her journey and her heart remind everyone that healing and hope are possible, even in life’s hardest moments. Alexxi’s positivity and care for others inspire the board to lead with empathy and purpose, building a foundation that is loving, inclusive, and dedicated to helping each person find their own strength. She is Stronger Than the Moment — and through her, the Foundation continues to stand stronger for all.

Advisory Roles (Non‑Voting)

These individuals provide strategic counsel and subject‑matter insight.

Omar

Advisory Member to the Board

Omar Carrizales serves as an advisor to The Alexxi Foundation, bringing deep insight shaped by family and lived experience. As Alexxi’s uncle and Keith’s husband, Omar has walked beside the family through every stage of trauma and recovery. Having seen firsthand how systems that appear full of resources can still fall short, he helps the Foundation stay true to its mission — turning understanding into action. Omar’s perspective ensures that the board remains grounded in empathy, accessibility, and the real needs of families, helping the Foundation fulfill its purpose with compassion and strength.

Juan Wolf

Advisory Member to the Board

Juan Wolf serves as an advisor to The Alexxi Foundation, offering a parent’s perspective shaped by lived experience and daily understanding. As Alexxi’s step‑dad and Shyla’s husband, Juan has witnessed firsthand how trauma affects not only the survivor but also the entire family — parents, grandparents, and siblings alike. Living that reality every day gives him a unique insight into the emotional and practical challenges families face. His perspective helps the Foundation stay grounded in empathy and authenticity, ensuring that its mission reflects the real experiences of those it serves. Juan’s steady presence and compassion remind the board that healing is a shared journey — one strengthened by love, understanding, and family.

Jay Torres

Advisory Member to the Board

Jay Torres serves as an advisor to The Alexxi Foundation, offering a deeply personal perspective shaped by love, partnership, and lived experience. As Alexxi’s spouse, Jay has witnessed firsthand the daily realities of navigating trauma, recovery, and resilience. Being there for Alexxi has given Jay a unique understanding of what true support looks like — not only for survivors but for the families who stand beside them. That insight helps the Foundation stay grounded in compassion and authenticity, ensuring its mission reflects both the challenges and the strengths found in partnership. Jay’s advocacy reminds the board that healing is not a solitary journey — it’s one built through empathy, patience, and unwavering care.

Heath Payne

Advisory Member to the Board

Heath Payne serves as an advisor to The Alexxi Foundation, bringing both technical expertise and heartfelt dedication to the mission. As Alexxi’s uncle, Heath’s connection to the Foundation is deeply personal — his love for his niece and his firsthand understanding of the impact of trauma drive his commitment to making a difference. Through his work with Artistic Innovative Design, Heath ensures the Foundation’s digital and creative platforms remain current, accessible, and aligned with its evolving goals. His passion for innovation and advocacy helps the organization stay connected, purposeful, and forward‑thinking, blending compassion with technical precision to support every facet of the Foundation’s growth.

Jed Duer

Advisory Member to the Board

Jed serves as an Advisor to the Board for The Alexxi Foundation, bringing a natural ability to connect with people and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals navigating trauma and recovery. With a strong presence and a relationship‑driven approach, Jed helps strengthen the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, sponsorship outreach, and community partnerships. His steady support and advocacy play a meaningful role in expanding the Foundation’s impact and visibility.

Professional Advisory Committee

Dr. Jeremy

Dr. Beau Gregersen

Dr. Todd A. Keller

DDS, MS

InMind Out Emotional Wellness Center - TBA

Dr. Jeremy

Nurse Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator, National Speaker

Jeremy brings over 20 years of clinical experience supporting patients from infancy through older adulthood. He earned his nursing degree from the University of Phoenix and his Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Cincinnati. As a Certified Diabetes Educator and national speaker, he has taught on a wide range of diabetes‑related topics and is recognized for his ability to translate complex medical information into clear, compassionate guidance.

Jeremy also lives with Type 1 Diabetes and has for more than 30 years. His lived experience gives him a unique understanding of chronic health challenges, patient overwhelm, and the emotional weight families carry when navigating long‑term medical conditions. His insight strengthens the Foundation’s trauma‑aware communication, patient‑family education, and clarity‑focused resources. When he’s not working, Jeremy enjoys time with his wife and two children or relaxing over a game of cards.

Dr. Beau Gregersen

Doctor of Chiropractic, Family‑Centered Holistic Care

Dr. Beau Gregersen has dedicated more than two decades to holistic health and patient‑centered care. Born in Houston and raised in Sugar Land, he earned his B.S. in Human Biology and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2004. He is Webster Certified and an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), reflecting his commitment to safe, effective care for patients of all ages—including expectant mothers and children.

Dr. Gregersen’s warm, family‑oriented approach mirrors the Foundation’s values of compassion, dignity, and stability. He and his wife of 19 years, Gigi, are the proud parents of Django and Lulu. His perspective helps the Foundation shape resources that honor the whole family system, especially during the early stages of trauma when fear and uncertainty are highest.

Dr. Todd A. Keller, DDS, MS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

Dr. Todd Keller is a respected periodontist with deep roots in the New Braunfels community. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science, then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He continued with a three‑year periodontal residency, again graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, and earned his Master of Science degree.

Dr. Keller opened his specialty practice in New Braunfels in 2003 and remains actively involved in community organizations, including the Wurstfest Association, Communities in Schools, and Leadership New Braunfels. He lives in New Braunfels with his wife, Amy, and their three boys—Mason, Axel, and Kyle. His commitment to community, family, and professional excellence aligns directly with the Foundation’s mission to support families with integrity, clarity, and long‑term stability.

Professional Memberships:

American Academy of Periodontology

American Board of Periodontology

Academy of Osseointegration

Southwest Society of Periodontists

Texas Society of Periodontists

American Dental Association

Texas Dental Association

River District Dental Society

InMind Out Emotional Wellness Center — Trauma‑Aware Mental Health Expertise - TBA

InMind Out provides compassionate, evidence‑based therapy services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Their team offers both virtual and in‑person sessions, ensuring accessibility and emotional safety for people navigating trauma, stress, and major life transitions. Their trauma‑aware approach aligns directly with the Foundation’s commitment to emotional grounding, clarity, and family‑centered support.

InMind Out’s advisory role strengthens the Foundation’s standards for:

  • trauma‑informed language
  • emotional safety in all materials
  • family‑system support
  • community group structure
  • crisis‑stage mental health considerations

Their partnership ensures that every resource the Foundation produces is emotionally responsible, safe, and aligned with best practices in trauma‑aware care.

Strategic Partners

Organizations and individuals who support the Foundation’s mission through professional services, creative collaboration, or operational expertise.

Artistic Innovations Design — Heath Payne, Founder

  • Website design, maintenance, and social media partnership

The Three Committees You Need Right Now (Required + Best Practice)

These are the committees that protect you legally, support you operationally, and give donors confidence. They also match the roles already assigned to your board members.

1. Finance & Audit Committee

Chair: Treasurer (Freddy Salinas)

Why you need it:

  • Oversees budgeting, financial controls, and grant disbursement
  • Reviews monthly/quarterly financials
  • Ensures audit readiness
  • Protects the organization from financial risk

This is the most essential committee for IRS and donor trust.

2. Governance & Nominations Committee

Chair: Governance Chair (LeAnn Knipe)

Why you need it:

  • Oversees bylaws, policies, and board compliance
  • Manages board recruitment and onboarding
  • Handles conflict‑of‑interest oversight
  • Ensures the board stays healthy, ethical, and effective

This committee keeps your governance clean and future‑proof.

3. Programs & Impact Committee

Chair: Could be President or Director At‑Large (Alexxi Keefover)

Why you need it:

  • Oversees program design and updates
  • Ensures trauma‑aware standards across all services
  • Reviews program outcomes and impact data
  • Guides partnerships with hospitals, nonprofits, and SCI groups

This committee protects the integrity of your mission and programs.

Optional Committees to Add Later (Phase 2 Growth)

These are helpful once you scale but not required at launch.

4. Development (Fundraising) Committee

Chair: Community Outreach & Fundraising Director (Angelica Gonzales)

Focuses on donor strategy, events, sponsorships, and campaigns.

5. Marketing & Communications Committee

Supports brand, messaging, awareness campaigns, and digital presence.

6. Risk & Compliance Committee

Useful once you have employees, contractors, or large grants.

7. Advisory Committees (Non‑Voting)

You already have the structure for this.

Examples:

  • Medical Advisory Committee
  • Mental Health Advisory Committee
  • SCI Community Advisory Committee

These bring expertise without adding voting board members.