WE ARE ABOVE + BEYOND CANCER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alissa McKinney has over 24 years of experience in development. She took a brief hiatus from the non-profit world but realized her heart was full when helping others. During her time at the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Foundation, she served as the Senior Director of Development and Director of Development for Blank Children’s Hospital for 18 years. During her tenure she focused on the endowment, annual and capital campaigns for the hospital and the annual Festival of Trees & Lights event. She also brings a depth of experience with donor cultivation and stewardship to help enhance and expand programs. Before her work at the Foundation, she worked in political and nonprofit fundraising in Iowa and Texas.

Involved in the community, she currently serves as an Iowa 4H Foundation Trustees, Ballet Des Moines Capital Campaign committee member and on the Board of Christian Stewardship at Plymouth Church.

Alissa has two children, Emma and Isabel who both live in Washington DC. She shares her life with her partner Matt Gannon, two cats and one sassy corgi.

You can reach Alissa at alissa@aboveandbeyondcancer.org

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Mary Van Heukelom co-creates and leads the Optimal Living for Cancer Survivor Programs. She trains, educates and coaches cancer survivors to reduce the chance of relapse, and enhance recovery, through the implementation of holistic personal wellness programs that address all aspects of healthy living. Mary is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Wellness Coach (MA, CPT-CET-ACSM) who leads the Total Training Class, a small group personal training program for survivors, teaches Urban Pole Walking, Hike + Stretch, Forest Bathing, Sound Healing and facilitates book club, cycle club, and nutrition + cooking classes. Mary trained, trekked and led Cancer Survivor teams to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest, Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kailash in Tibet, and Huayna Picchu in Peru. As a certified running coach she participated in Coast to Coast for Cancer and co- coached Above + Beyond Cancer’s 2012 Race Across America cycling team. Her professional life purpose is to inspire others to discover their Optimal Health, of body, mind and spirit. She loves adventure, the outdoors, and time with her young adults children, Anna and Luke.

You can reach Mary at mary@aboveandbeyondcancer.org

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kelsey Parker has more than 15 years of experience working with nonprofits throughout the Des Moines metro and currently serves as the Operations Manager for Above + Beyond Cancer. Kelsey’s passion has always been helping people and is motivated by staying busy and productive to help strengthen teams and achieve goals. When she isn’t working, Kelsey is usually running from one activity to the next to cheer for one of her three children Abigail, Bryce, and Ira. Kelsey, her husband Dave, and their family love adventure, being outdoors hiking, camping, or kayaking and pushing themselves to try new things – just like Above + Beyond Cancer strives to do with cancer survivors and caregivers!

You can reach Kelsey via email at Kelsey@aboveandbeyondcancer.org

DIRECTOR OF MISSION DELIVERY

Becky joined the Above + Beyond Cancer team in 2023 and works primarily on events and marketing. Her goal is to streamline the branding and elevate the mission of Above + Beyond Cancer by connecting more people to incredible things happening within. A former small business owner and non-profit executive, Becky brings years of experience promoting efforts she cares about in her community. This work is especially important to her as both of her parents have cancer.

Becky can be found trying to visit every national park, watching or playing sports, drinking way too much coffee and enjoying live music. Her favorite activity of all is spending time with her children Mara, Noel and Flyn.

You can reach Becky at becky@aboveandbeyondcancer.org.