Board of Directors

Leadership & Staff

Patrick Hopkins

Board President

Patrick is a Cleveland native with a passion for fundraising and leadership. He has deep experience in management, sales and marketing, and a bachelor’s degree in communication and business. He is the Marketing and Sales Manager for a manufacturing company. Patrick is a lifelong friend of the Scaparotti family and was part of the journey of Joey, David, Sam and Sara. In addition to his work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife Shelley and his two children Parker and Olivia, and loves to spend time outdoors and golfing.

Contact Patrick at: patrickhopkins@bbravefoundation.org

Sam Scaparotti

Board Member and Co-Founder

Sam Scaparotti has worked on multiple business startups, production and construction management. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning. Sam provides vision and strategic planning initiatives for B Brave. Sam, his wife Sara and a community of friends, medical professionals and family cared for and loved their son Joey through a difficult but meaningful life. This experience is what drives Sam to help children and families who are on the same journey.

Contact Sam at: samscaparotti@bbravefoundation.org

Sara Scaparotti

Co-Founder

Sara was born and raised in Boras, Sweden and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics. She has experience in human resources and marketing and leads strategy and execution for all aspects of B Brave’s fundraising, programming and finances. She also oversees volunteer management for the foundation. Sara serves on the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Healthcare Partners Committee and on the board of National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association. Sara loves spending time with her family and friends, spinning, boxing, yoga and enjoying the local parks.

Contact Sara at: sarascaparotti@bbravefoundation.org

Susie Brown

Founding Board Member

Susie uses her expertise in healthcare IT management along with graduate training in molecular biology to contribute to B Brave’s vision and strategy. She oversees technical operations for Systemlink, Inc, a DC-based healthcare software company. As a friend of the Scaparotti family, Susie cherishes the time she and her husband Scott spent helping to care for Joey, and strives to honor his legacy with her contributions to B Brave. In addition to her work, Susie loves spending quality time with family and friends – particularly Scott and their adorable son, Milo – and enjoys exploring nature, spinning, travel and really good coffee.

Scott Brown

Founding Board Member

Scott is a Cleveland native with a passion for organizational leadership. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and used his expertise and experience to help lay groundwork for the administrative and operational aspects of the foundation. His talent and knowledge help B Brave achieve its mission. In addition to his contributions to the board, he works as an Executive Producer at a Cleveland-based film production company, and is spearheading B Brave’s film documentary and podcast projects. Scott’s other passions include family time with his wife and son, spending time outdoors and listening to audiobooks.

Keith Richardson

Board Member

Keith has spent 15+ years working in tech and has now started his own company helping organizations improve their employee engagement to better execute on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. He has two Podcasts and is extremely passionate about helping build and maintain human connection through more productive and compassionate conversation.

He is the father of two amazing daughters, Adaline and Annabel, and is husband to his unbelievable partner in life, Cheryl.

Stephanie Jerse, Esq., MBA

Board Member

Stephanie currently serves as Cleveland Clinic’s International Compliance Program Director. In this role she has oversight of Cleveland Clinic’s compliance program and activities which have an international scope and helps to ensure Cleveland Clinic upholds its high ethics and best practice standards when pursuing and engaging in international projects and activities. Prior to this role, Stephanie developed and managed global trade and anti-bribery compliance programs for international organizations in multiple industries. She completed her undergraduate, MBA, and law degrees while working full-time. She currently lives in Mentor, Ohio with her husband, Kevin, and Siberian Husky, Zeus

Dr. Elissa Deggelman

Board Member

Elissa holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University. As a Pediatric Psychologist, Elissa provided treatment for hospitalized children with medical issues and their families. She is honored to serve on the B Brave Board and use her professional experiences to help families of children with degenerative neurological disorders. Elissa loves learning and spending time with family and friends, and is a voracious reader.

Our Staff

Kelly Moran

Program Coordinator

Kelly is a longtime friend of Sara and Sam and a supporter of B Brave. Most recently, she worked as an Administrative Coordinator, wearing multiple hats, solving myriad problems, and helping the business flourish. Kelly is also a gifted hostess who is talented in making anyone feel comfortable and at ease. She loves being in nature, decorating, and traveling to new places. Kelly lives in Hinckley, Ohio with her husband, Jason, and pup, Sadie.

Contact Kelly at: kellymoran@bbravefoundation.org