Leadership
Guided by Experience. Driven by Purpose.
Cassie + Friends is led by a dedicated group of individuals—including parents, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders—who bring both lived experience and professional expertise to the work.
This leadership reflects the communities we serve. Many have firsthand experience navigating pediatric rheumatic disease, alongside deep knowledge of clinical care, research, and advocacy. Together, they help shape programs, guide strategic priorities, and ensure that decisions remain grounded in what children and families truly need.
By combining insight, compassion and a shared commitment to improving outcomes, this leadership is helping drive meaningful change across Canada.
Executive Leadership
Our executive team leads the organization’s strategy, programs, partnerships, and operations—working closely with families and partners across the country on day-today-basis.
Jennifer Wilson
Executive Director
Jennifer is the Executive Director of Cassie + Friends. When she joined C+F as their first employee in 2013, she had never heard of arthritis in children. Through learning about the condition and immersing herself in the pediatric rheumatic disease community, Jennifer found a noble purpose and has since dedicated herself to pursuing C+F’s vision of a pain-free future for kids.
Jennifer has two trailblazing daughters, Bella and Poppy, who are equally as passionate about helping kids with arthritis, whether by running with Team Cassie + Friends, sorting bottles with the Prime Family or hosting a JIA puppet performance at their school. Together, they share a passion for all of life’s colours and adventures.
Danielle Harrison
Manager, Programs and Partnerships
Marissa Sangers
Family Engagement Coordinator
Marissa has been involved with Cassie + Friends since 2019. Her contributions include leading multiple runs, assisting in fundraising efforts within her community, and serving as a Community Manager for the Online Support Network where she connects families affected by JA and other rheumatic diseases. Marissa’s dedication to supporting children with rheumatic diseases is deeply rooted in her personal experience, as her oldest daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis.
A strong advocate for causes related to inclusion and passionate about supporting children and families, Marissa invests her time beyond her professional role. Outside of work, she frequently spends her leisure hours crafting with friends or immersing herself in nature alongside her husband Jordon and their lively daughters, Charlotte and Riley.
Suraj Kumar Sunani
Systems Administrator & Data Specialist
Suraj is passionate about using data to make informed and strategic decisions. He graduated from Capilano University with a degree in Business Management, focusing on Project Management. He has completed multiple certifications in data analytics, including the Google Data Analytics Course, where he learned to use spreadsheets, SQL, R, and Tableau to process, analyze, and visualize data.
In his free time, Suraj enjoys fitness activities like exercising and snowboarding. He also loves playing video games and watching anime.
Danica Moschenross
Programs + Events Assistant
Danica is driven by a desire to understand human behaviour and its impact on communication strategies and leadership development for effective organizational success.
Passionate about community involvement, Danica has been a dedicated supporter of Cassie and Friends since high school, actively participating in various fundraising initiatives. Her commitment to the foundation is deeply personal, as she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at 11 years old, fueling her desire to give back to others facing similar challenges. She is also involved with the Cassie & Friends Youth Mentorship Program.
Outside of her studies and work, Danica enjoys unwinding with a good book, exploring the hiking trails around Vancouver, and travelling the world!
Danielle Harrison
Manager, Programs + Partnerships
Natalie joined Cassie + Friends in 2025 and is deeply passionate about fundraising and stewardship, particularly in underfunded areas, yet affecting thousands of families in Canada. She is excited to utilize her non-profit and fundraising event experience to broaden the reach of Cassie + Friends and to meaningfully connect with those affected by pediatric rheumatic diseases and their families. She is inspired by the impact made by Cassie + Friends and is thrilled to be part of a team that is truly dedicated to being a strong voice for affected children.
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys taking dance classes, travelling the world, and immersing herself in a new book whenever possible!
Founder Spotlight
David Porte
Co-Founder & Board Chair
David Porte founded Cassie + Friends after his daughter Cassie was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at a young age. What began as a single fundraising run quickly grew into a national organization supporting children and families across Canada.
Driven by lived experience and a deep commitment to improving care and outcomes, David continues to play a central role in shaping the organization’s vision, growth, and impact.
“When we started on our journey with this and we started on fundraising around the run, I realized I could do something.” — Co-Founder and Board Chair – David Porte
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Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides governance, strategic direction, and oversight to ensure the organization continues to grow responsibly and effectively.
Board members bring a diverse mix of lived experience, clinical expertise, and business leadership.
Advisory Committees
Cassie + Friends works closely with medical, scientific, and patient advisors to guide research priorities, program development, and emerging areas of need.
These committees ensure that our work is informed by both lived experience and leading expertise in pediatric rheumatology.
Working Together
What makes Cassie + Friends unique is the collaboration between families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and partners.
This integrated approach ensures that everything we do is grounded in real-world needs and informed by best practices in care and research.