Meet our team!

Avery Yuan is a junior in high school. She started the Children’s United Foundation alongside Ares Gilson in 2025. She wants to improve access to summer camps for all kids, saying “I know how much a good summer camp experience can impact someone's childhood. I want this to be something anyone can be a part of.” Avery enjoys all aspects of running a non-profit, from the legal work to interacting with children. She is proud of how far the foundation has come and is excited to run the summer camp in 2027.

In her free time, Avery looks forward to running her nail business, thrifting, reading, and hanging out with friends. She enjoys being involved in her school and is a part of the Speech and Debate Club as well as the HOSA chapter. After high school, Avery hopes to attend medical school and eventually pursue a career in the medical field.

Sophie Shade is a junior in high school. Sophie joined the Children’s United Foundation in January 2026 and has served as Secretary ever since. Sophie rows for her local youth club after school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her dog. She enjoys getting to learn about the complicated process of starting a non-profit and looks forward to being a camp counselor next summer. Sophie hopes to study Astrophysics in college.

Penelope Holiday is a junior in high school who enjoys art, traveling, science, and spending time with her friends in her free time. She joined the Children's United Foundation in 2025 with the goal of helping her friends create something impactful. Since beginning the foundation, she's developed a focus on developing her skills in childcare and social-emotional learning while working as an intern during elementary summer learning. After high school she plans to attend college and become a biomedical engineer.

Zoe is a junior in high school who is passionate about working and learning with children. She has firsthand experience caring for kids through volunteering at a daycare and preschool program, babysitting, and being an older sister. She is a dedicated leader, serving as the secretary of Ingraham High School’s DECA chapter, a member of Teen Health Club, and competing in three sports. She is excited to use her leadership skills and passion for community service to help make a positive impact through the Children’s United Foundation.

Kai Murphy is a junior in high school. He joined in the spring of 2026 to get more involved in his community. Kai enjoys playing the piano, camping, and jogging. Currently, he works as a tutor at Kumon Learning Center. Additionally, Kai is a president of his high school’s mock trial team, and a captain of the wrestling team. After high school, he hopes to attend college and eventually work as a Foreign Service Officer.

Fianna McKee is a junior in high school who loves working with others, reading, writing, and playing volleyball. She joined the Children’s United Foundation in the beginning of 2026 because she passionately believes in the mission. Fianna has been an active leader in her choir community and a current camp counselor. She is also the social media manager for her school’s feminism club and enjoys advocacy through creative channels. Her future plans involve studying speech pathology and communication.

Kalyani is a junior in high school who enjoys playing volleyball, spending time at the beach, hanging out with friends, and traveling. She joined the Children’s United Foundation in 2026 because she wanted to give back to her community, develop her leadership skills, and help create meaningful opportunities for children and families. She is passionate about leadership, teamwork, and finding ways to make a positive impact both in and out of school. After high school, Kalyani plans to attend college and pursue a career as a corporate lawyer.

Mason Lemberg is a junior in high-school. He enjoys running for track and cross country, solving puzzles, and reading. He joined in the beginning of 2026 and he strives to make an impact in his community through helping the Children’s United Foundation. After high-school he hopes to attend college and become a mechanical engineer.