At times in our lives people leave imprints in our hearts. They may be words that were said, the way someone acted, the look we saw in someone’s eyes, or the movements someone made. As we came together to create this foundation we remembered those who have inspired us. 

The inspiration to fulfill our mission is thanks to those who have left imprints on our hearts. The inspiration to work towards our vision is thanks to those who taught us the help of others during times of bereavement is sometimes essential for healing and movement in our future without those we once had beside us. The inspiration to have created our values was learned by our experiences with helping others through times of loss as well as dealing with our own hardships in life.

We are unable to take away what has happened in the past, but we strive to help make the future a little bit easier to cope with for youth, ages three to seventeen, who live in New Jersey and have suffered the death of immediate family members.

Tiffany Shevchik

My name is Tiffany Shevchik. As a child I knew I wanted my career path to involve youth. What began as babysitting and camp counseling led to my BA and MA degrees in the field of Education. Instead of becoming a teacher upon graduating college, I became a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Thus, I had the privilege of working with hospitalized pediatric patients, ages birth through early twenties, and their families, as well as children of adult patients who experienced extended illness, trauma, or the death of a parent. My path crossed with these pediatric patients and their families for 22 years.

While working with these pediatric patients I realized there was a gap in services available for youth who experienced the death of an immediate family member. I always wished I could do something more for these youth after a loved one in their immediate family passed away. However, I was only able to help them cope up until the day their loved one died.

In 2011 my father passed away suddenly. The emotional pain I experienced as an adult was immense. I could only imagine how a child or teen felt when one of their immediate family members passed away. This experience made me want to help these youth even more. My hope is that Beyond the Pappus, Inc. can give these youth a chance to voice what may help them cope after the death of an immediate family member.

Peter Shevchik

My name is Peter Shevchik. I have spent the majority of my career in the field of construction for over 30 years. I specify the majority, because for 22 years I assisted my wife, who is also part of this foundation, with the work she accomplished during her career in the hospital setting.

I have learned from my wife, and those she has had the privilege to work with, whether hospitalized pediatric patients, their siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, coworkers or donors, that it takes a village to help those in need. I have found the saying that the world is such a small place to hold much truth. I have spent years as a foreman and project manager working on various home projects as well as industrial projects. Although these fields are far from helping those who are sick, my path crossed with multiple customers who may have known my wife and/or those she had worked with in the hospital setting. 

I have learned from helping my wife that I truly enjoy helping youth and families in need of support during challenging times in life. People often tell me that I am humble, trustworthy, honest, hard working, and friendly. I hope to be all of this and more to those I will help along my path as a board member of Beyond the Pappus, Inc. 

Robert Lane

My name is Robert Lane. I have spent the past 27 years in the construction industry and 14 years as a fifty fifty partner in the salon industry.  My construction experience has evolved from managing small backyard jobs to projects upwards of a million dollars. My years in business has led me through good times and tough times while teaching me to understand the essential needs of sustaining an honest relationship with employees and clients. 

The close bonds with family and friends that I have maintained while navigating various companies has been coupled with my love for traveling. When traveling to various countries, I have found an interest in familiarizing myself with some of those languages, but most importantly, I have learned that there are many youth in this world who need the help of others to prosper in life. I have been blessed at times to help such children and teens, as well as adults, when my paths have crossed with them. 

My hope is that my knowledge of what companies need to be prosperous and my experiences of helping others will complement one another to build a successful future for Beyond the Pappus.

Kristin Suto

My name is Kristin Suto.  I am a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with twelve years’ experience working in a hospital setting with children and families during the toughest times in their lives, dealing with illness and loss.  My experience and passion for helping those in need has taken me to the present time of working with Beyond the Pappus.  The mission of this foundation is very close to my heart.  

For more than half my life, my father has not been with me.  He was diagnosed with stage four cancer when my brother and I were teenagers, and fought a courageous battle that we witnessed at a very pivotal time in our lives.  Our family was left in shambles when he died.  

Looking back, it was during that time that I wish there was a foundation like Beyond the Pappus, Inc., that we could have turned to for some joy in the midst of our sadness and support during our profound loss. In my career as well, I have found that foundations that provide bereavement support to youth are few and far between.

What I learned is that there is a light in the midst of your grief, and it can be found with the help of the ones who support and care for you.  Beyond the Pappus wants to help as many children and families as possible that are like my brother and I, find that light.  I am so proud to be a part of this amazing foundation!  

Monica Seeman

My name is Monica Semaan and I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). I love to spend time with my family and travel the world. As a Coptic Orthodox Christian, I am an active member in my church community and participate in service trips in other countries as much as possible. 

I have a passion for working with children in many different capacities, including my most recent work as a Certified Child Life Specialist in which I work with siblings who have a hospitalized brother or sister. I meet with these siblings for many different reasons, some including end-of-life and bereavement. A child who has lost a brother, sister, or caregiver is impacted in so many ways. Beyond the Pappus, Inc. hopes to reach these youth by granting them a wish and helping them cope as they move forward in life. My hope is that you can help us to reach our goals.