Danielle Puzio

Chief Executive Officer

Danielle brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the corporate and non-profit sectors to HNC Living. Known for breaking down silos and getting the most out of every team member, Danielle excels in organizational thinking and developing efficient and productive workflows. At her core, Danielle is a people-first executive with a passion for identifying and mentoring up-and-coming talent.

Prior to her appointment at HNC, Danielle led enrollment marketing and fundraising efforts at Baker University, a prestigious private university outside Kansas City. Before moving to KC, she spent 13 years working with the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Danielle is fluent in American Sign Language and led numerous teams during her tenure, including development, public relations, national outreach, interpreting, and products and training.

When she’s not raising much-needed funding for head and neck cancer patients, Danielle can be found on the sidelines of her kids’ sporting events or volunteering in the community.

Natalie Stewart

National Development Director

Natalie Stewart brings 25 years of nonprofit leadership to HNC Living, most recently as President and CEO of Gateway for Cancer Research, where she worked with leading research institutions, principal investigators, and the scientific peer review committee to help fund and accelerate early-stage cancer research. She also leads Philanthropy House, her own consulting practice supporting nonprofits through fundraising strategy and organizational growth.

Natalie’s earlier career includes Vice President of Chapter Advancement at Childhelp, leading national fundraising for chapters serving victims of child abuse and neglect, along with senior development roles at Banner Health Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, and JDRF’s Western Regional Chapter.

For Natalie, the mission at HNC Living is personal. Her niece is currently undergoing treatment for mandibular osteosarcoma, giving her a firsthand view of the financial burden head and neck cancer places on families and the difference that removing those barriers can make.

Originally from Australia and now settled in Arizona, Natalie loves spending her free time on the trails with her daughter or planning their next trip. At home, her two rottweilers, equal parts lovable and mischievous, bring plenty of toddler energy to daily life.

Alyssa LaVelle

Senior Director of Corporate Relations & Engagement

Alyssa is a Kansas City native with over seven years of experience within non-profit, government, and corporate organizations to implement effective communication strategies. Most recently, she served as a Community Initiatives Coordinator with Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) in Kansas City. While at MHDC, Alyssa led communities throughout the state of Missouri in developing strategic responses to homelessness, organizing statewide conferences, and implementing communication collateral to support the effort to end homelessness.

Alyssa received her Bachelors of Science in Public Relations from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Jodi Wilson

Director of Grants and Operations

Jodi brings over 20 years of non-profit accounting and program expertise to HNC Living Foundation, where she has been a team member since 2017. Jodi’s favorite part of her job is being able to help head and neck cancer patients with a portion of their financial obligations, so they can focus on their treatment, recovery and thrive in survivorship. Outside of work, Jodi enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and spending time with her family. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas, holding degrees in accounting and business administration. 

Tori Brokke

Assistant Director of Development

Tori Brokke joined HNC Living Foundation in 2024 as the Assistant Director of Development. She grew up volunteering for multiple non-profits including the American Cancer Society and local community theatres. Her professional background includes marketing, small business consulting, and event planning. Tori helps HNC raise much needed funds to support patients through their treatment and recovery from head and neck cancer. Outside of work, Tori loves to spend time with her family and play with her two corgis.