After serving as a SSK volunteer for 15 years, G.W. became the Executive Director in Jan. 2001. Since creating the California Fun-Time Fantasy in 1988, he has overseen the expansion of National Events that now include ten destinations and involve volunteers nation wide working with the Foundation to provide trips and activities for hundreds of young cancer patients annually.

G.W. became internationally known as a professional actor for his portrayal as Capt. Harris in the POLICE ACADEMY film series. He is also widely recognized as Sgt. Rizzo from the MASH television series and for his other feature and TV movies. He is currently a regular on the TNT television hit series, THE CLOSER.

G.W. was introduced to the Sunshine Kids by his goddaughter Brandy Aldridge who had been diagnosed with leukemia. Her experiences with other Kids who were also fighting cancer had a profound effect on Brandy, her family and friends. She inspired G.W. to begin working with the Foundation and with Rhoda in an effort to create more activities that would reach as many Kids as possible. His work with the Sunshine Kids has always been dedicated to the memory of this remarkable young woman.

Shannon Lillis joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1994. As Director of Operations she oversees the day to day operations for the Foundation. She is also responsible for the Foundation's national sponsor, Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.  In this capacity she maintains relationships with affiliate offices and coordinates fundraising events across the United States.

Lillis received a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jennifer Wisler joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1998. As Director of Children's Services since 2000 she is responsible for all children's events. Her main focus is the organization of National Events and the coordination of attending hospitals and volunteers across the country.

Wisler received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Brooke Webster joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2006 as the Director of Development. She is responsible for managing the day to day fundraising operations including identifying and cultivating new funding sources, grant writing, stewardship, and managing the annual fund.

Brooke graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Business Foundations. Before joining the Sunshine Kids, she worked in the Development Office at the University of Houston.

Sonya Diaz serves as the Assistant Director of Children's Services for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. In her current position, Diaz helps coordinate all local events. In addition, she visits Houston area hospitals, including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital weekly to distribute Foundation information and meet with patients and their families.

Diaz joined the Foundation in 1999. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

Edrian Brooks interned with The Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2005 and joined the Foundation as Activities Coordinator in August 2006.  In her current position, Brooks assists in coordinating National and regional events.

Brooks received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing/Management Information Systems from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ben Buchert has been producing videos of National Events for The Sunshine Kids Foundation since December 1998.  He joined the Foundation staff in 2001 as Videographer/Editor.  He attends all National Events and many local Houston area events.

Prior to his work at the Foundation, Buchert worked as an editor and photographer for United States Army Combat Training, Access Houston and KLP Productions.  He holds a degree in Video Production from The Art Institute of Houston.

Tank Malinovsky worked as a volunteer beginning in 1995 with The Sunshine Kids Foundation on the annual Texas Hill Country Adventure held in San Marcos, Texas. He became a staff member in September 2002 and attends National Events and local Kids’ activities.

Tank is originally from Shiner, Texas. Before joining the Sunshine Kids, he lived in San Marcos, Texas for 12 years, where he attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University).

Rich Hooper began his involvement with The Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1985 as a volunteer at the annual Winter Games National Event held in Aspen, Colorado. Since then he has been instrumental in many National Events throughout the Foundation’s history. Rich is responsible for a number of special projects that relate to expansion of infrastructure as well as growth of national activities. He also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Sunshine Kids Board of Directors.

Hooper served in the United States Marine Corps as a Fighter Pilot for eight years. He was a pilot for Delta Airlines for 30 years and a Senior Flight Instructor. He retired as the Chief Line Check Airman for International Operations. For the past four years he has instructed in the Aeronautical Technology Department at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Brooks joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2006. As Director of the Sunshine Kids Western Region Operations he is responsible for coordinating The California Fun-Time Fantasy, planning and conducting regional events, conducting regional fundraising activities, and serving as the primary spokesperson for The Sunshine Kids Western Region.

Brooks was Founder and Director of Youthvision from 1998-2001, a 501(c)(3) that provided inner city youth in Los Angeles the opportunity to create their own public service announcements while being mentored by Hollywood professionals.

Brooks has 17 years experience in Hollywood in a variety of positions, mostly in set lighting. He has worked as a department head on movies such as “The Lost World,” and TV series including “Cold Case,” “American Dreams,” and “The Closer,” where he met G.W. Bailey. He became inspired after volunteering when the Sunshine Kids came to visit the set.

Brooks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Columbia University in New York City.

Amy Cortina
Activities Coordinator - Western Region, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

Amy Cortina joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2007. As Activities Coordinator she is responsible for organizing and coordinating local in-hospital and out-of-hospital activities.

Cortina received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder School of Journalism and Mass Communications with a Political Science minor. After studying, she went on to serve rural Costa Rica for two years and three months as a rural community development Peace Corps volunteer