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.

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. 

Alyssa LaVelle

Director of Marketing and Special Events

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.

Brandi Rodriguez

Patient Advocate

A Kansas City resident for nearly 20 years, Brandi brings extensive experience in office management, event planning and marketing to HNC Living Foundation. As a Patient Advocate, she provides invaluable support to HNC Living Foundation patients by guiding them through the application process and securing necessary financial assistance. Outside of work, Brandi is a very busy mom of three, frequently found cheering at her children’s sporting events.

Brandi received her Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.

Tori Brokke

Assistant Development Director

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.