Our Team
Jeanna Lurie
with Juniper
Founder/President
For Jeanna Lurie, the drive to start a memorial foundation in Jeannessa's honor was as immediately present as the obvious shock and grief in the first days after her daughter's death. With a background in service work (specifically supporting birthing families) and non-profit administration and event planning, Jeanna felt confident that she could use her skills and experience to create an avenue for funding the work that was so near and dear to Jeannessa's heart. Developing Jeannessa's Friends has been a positive and productive way to cope with grief and helps her to stay close to Jeannessa. Jeanna looks forward to the joy and comfort provided by every animal and human served in Jeannessa's honor.
Kevin Lurie
with Jack
Founder/CFOAs Jeannessa's father, Kevin Lurie had a front-row seat to her boundless love for animals and her remarkable gift for brightening the lives of everyone she touched. When the time came to honor her memory, founding Jeannessa's Friends felt less like a decision and more like a calling. Kevin is committed to carrying forward the spirit and compassion that defined Jeannessa — building a legacy as beautiful and meaningful as the life she lived. He brings with him a deep well of experience in finance and nonprofit leadership, ensuring that her vision continues to thrive for years to come.
Emilee Camenzind
with Ace
SecretaryEmilee Camenzind joined the board of Jeannessa's Friends to honor the memory of her best friend from high school and help carry on the compassion that defined Jeannessa's life. Their shared love of animals was a central part of their friendship, and Emilee worked at the animal shelter where Jeannessa adopted her beloved dog, Humphrey. Through her experience in animal welfare, Emilee brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing shelter animals, survivors of abuse, and the organizations that care for them. She hopes to help Jeannessa's Friends continue making a meaningful difference while keeping Jeannessa's legacy alive.
Sara Robertson
with Emma
Public RelationsSara Robertson met Jeannessa in 2015 when they both performed in a production of The Little Mermaid with Sunnyvale Community Players. Shortly after, Sara’s childhood friend and fellow board member Emilee Camenzind introduced Sara to her new high school bestie–lo and behold, it was Jeannessa! Through a shared love of music, animals, and slumber parties, they became lifelong friends. Growing from teenagers to young women together, Sara had the privilege of watching Jeannessa work hard to pursue her dreams and dedicate her talent towards pet welfare.
For Sara, working with Jeannessa’s Friends has helped to transmute immense grief into meaningful work that honors Jeannessa and carries forward her mission. With experience in journalism, public relations and social media management (though now working towards a career in nursing), Sara looks forward to empowering the Jeannessa’s Friends community and is excited to watch it grow.
Laura Conry
with Annie
Board MemberLaura Conry is a good friend of the Lurie family. Having personally experienced the profound grief of unexpected loss, she was inspired to support the Lurie family in creating a lasting memorial to Jeannessa’s life—one that reflects the joy, compassion, and individuality that defined her. Building on her 20 years of non-profit and financial services experience, Laura is committed to helping build a strong foundation that can endure for generations, supporting those who share Jeannessa’s love of animals and the people who care for them.
Dr. Nicole Birdsall
with Jeremy Roenick
and Katie Taylor
Board MemberNicole came to Jeannessa's Friends the way so many people came to know Jeannessa herself — through dogs. When Nicole and her husband Ryan were searching for someone capable of caring for their three miniature schnauzers, all of whom had significant special needs including diabetes, spinal disease, and an amputation, they found Jeannessa through Care.com. From the moment she walked through their door, Jeannessa was pure sunshine. Their pack fell in love with her instantly. Joining this board has been Nicole's way of making sure that light continues to shine.
Dr. Nicole Birdsall brings more than 20 years of experience in product management, marketing, and organizational strategy to the board. Holding an MBA with a concentration in marketing, a Master's in Psychology with a focus in organizational behavior, and a Doctorate in Business Administration, she currently serves as a Director of Product Management in the tech industry and teaches marketing and new product development at the university level. She also serves on the Board of Directors for a dog rescue, where she has been a foster parent and volunteer since 2015, specializing in dogs with complex medical and behavioral needs.
Nicole hopes to help Jeannessa's Friends grow its reach and impact through thoughtful strategy, strong marketing, and the kind of practical, hands-on rescue experience that turns good intentions into lasting change — a fitting tribute to the remarkable woman who loved with her whole heart and brought sunshine to all.