Meet Our Team
Jennifer Kaintz
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer is a dedicated mother to her three children: Madelynn, Harrison, and Emersynn. A graduate of Kutztown University, she was previously employed as a middle school teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In memory of her beautiful daughter, Emersynn, Jennifer co-founded the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation, where she serves as the Executive Director. Through the foundation, she is devoted to raising awareness for pediatric palliative and hospice care, while helping families in similar situations, ensuring that they receive the support and compassion they need.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, walking her dogs Noelle and Stella, reading, and stargazing. Jennifer actively volunteers for other non-profit organizations and is a parent representative for ARC Syndrome research.
Nicholas Kaintz
Co-Founder & Financial Officer
Nicholas graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. He is Vice President of Snyder Hoffman & Associates, an engineering firm that specializes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Nicholas uses his skills and experience to help the firm grow and thrive, tackling challenges with creativity and leadership.
His personal interests include fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities. He also enjoys quiet evenings at home with his family, where Emersynn is always close by. As a devoted father, Nicholas, alongside his wife Jennifer, co-founded the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation. This foundation is close to their hearts, and Nicholas plays a key role as the Financial Officer. He is committed to sharing Emersynn's light and story with all.
Kimberly Labert
Secretary
Kimberly has dedicated nearly four decades of her life to the pediatric healthcare profession. As the Director of Pediatrics, her commitment to the field is a testament to her passion and expertise.
She is happily married and the proud mother of two children. Being a grandmother to her adorable grandson adds even more happiness to her life. She enjoys spending time with her family, and those moments are packed with laughter and love. When Kimberly is not working, she loves gardening and baking. Emersynn, her niece holds a particularly special place in Kimberly's heart. She is always willing to share her remarkable story with others.
Louise Hunter
Board Member
Louise's career as a nurse began 47 years ago, with 40 of those years dedicated to hospice care. Her journey began in home hospice, where she devoted 32 years providing compassionate care. Over the past eight years, Louise has expanded her expertise to include both home and inpatient hospice care.
25 years ago, Louise began caring for pediatric hospice patients. She feels incredibly blessed to be paid for work she loves and would gladly do for free. In addition, she has been a recipient of the Friends of Nursing Award and was recently honored with a Daisy Award. Louise is committed to raising awareness for pediatric palliative and hospice care and is honored to serve on the board of the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation.
Louise has been happily married to her husband, Larry, for 34 years. Together, they have two children, Sara and Nich, and she is also a loving stepmother to Larry's daughter from his first marriage, Aimee. In her free time, she loves walking, reading, swimming, and playing with her bonus grandsons.
Krista Laverty
Board Member
Krista holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Art Education and is currently a stay-at-home mom. She is married to Glenn and has two children who keep them busy with dance, gymnastics, scouting, art, music, and living room theater. In the community, Krista is a Girl Scout Leader, part of the Greater Allentown Walk for Childhood Apraxia of Speech Planning Committee, and assists with the PTA. In addition, she does design work for other local nonprofits and campaigns. When she is not busy giving back to others, she enjoys reading, cooking, fiber arts, painting, movies, museums, family dance parties, and amateur gardening.
Krista got to know the Kaintz family as they were experiencing Emersynn’s pregnancy, birth, and extraordinary life. Watching a family much like your own navigating through the best and worst moments of their life together brings a lot of perspective, gratitude, and compassion for families facing the same situation. She has learned so much about how communities can support and provide for those facing what feels impossible. Through Emersynn’s Foundation she hopes to continue to spread awareness, education, and light to patients, their families, and their communities. She is proud of the beautiful work that has grown from an unimaginable loss and is honored to assist this goal in any way possible. Emersynn’s light lives on in all of the hearts that she touches through her family’s efforts.
Jacqueline Ludwig
Board Member
Jacqueline has been a nurse for 15 years. She spent five years working in the emergency department and has dedicated the last 10 years as a hospice nurse, caring for both adult and pediatric patients. Jacqueline takes a lot of pride in the compassionate work she does and carries every personal experience with her.
Jacqueline is the mother of three beautiful children: Taylor, Keegan, and Kennedy. She is married to her best friend, Tony. They do not take life too seriously and spend a lot of time laughing together. Jacqueline is always on the go, driving her children around to their activities. In her spare time, she likes camping with her family and friends. Jacqueline enjoys being outside in the summertime and taking her children swimming and to the beach.
Madelynn Kaintz
Junior Board Member
Madelynn is an eighth-grade student who aspires to major in engineering and attend law school. Currently, she participates in chorus, the Reading Olympics, and is a member of National Junior Honor Society and Builders Club. In her free time, Madelynn enjoys baking, snowboarding, singing, reading, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family. She is also part of a competitive dance team where she exhibits her dedication.
Madelynn has a passion for helping others and is the creator behind the personalized bracelets we include in every Twinkling Tote and Bereavement Bundle. She is excited to be a board member and share the love and light that her little sister, Emersynn, brought to their family.