Our Team
Christina Parrish - Founder/Chair
Christina Parrish founded The Purple Iris Foundation as a result of what was then her 3 1/2 year journey through pancreatic cancer. She was given the life-changing news on June 16, 2008. Needless to say, she initially reacted with shock and then was told that she had only 3-6 months to live with treatment. She was appalled and decided then that no one in her lifetime should be given this news – thus The Purple Iris Foundation was born to help raise awareness and support her fellow patients. Christina is proud to say that she is a 14-year survivor. Christina is living proof that there is hope. Christina is a seasoned human services professional, who through her 2 decades in the field has garnered exceptional experience and expertise working with adults and children with disabilities. She was also the director of a large child care facility, and most recently worked for a major bank in the collections division. Christina’s duties include but are not limited to: Coordinate the 5K fun run and the purple iris planting project, manage volunteers, public relations, business administration, and fundraising.
cparrish@purpleirisfoundation.com
Barbara Novelli - CEO/Treasurer
Barb has been involved with the Purple Iris Foundation since 2012 when she began volunteering as the business consultant. Barb’s involvement grew as she accepted the position of Board Secretary. She has helped to launched new campaigns for the Foundation and is versed in writing business plans and grants. She is also responsible for over-seeing the filing of required documents.
Barb is a 1982 graduate of S.U.N.Y Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a 1983 graduate of S.U.N.Y Cortland with a Master of Science degree in mathematics. She is also a 2005 graduate of Rowan University with a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership. Barb has 34 years experience in the field of Education. She is currently the High School Supervisor of the Business and Technology Departments.
bnovelli@purpleirisfoundation.com
Natalee Kohls - President/Volunteer Graphic/Web Design, Media Relations & Social Media
Natalee is a graduate of the University of Maine at Machias with an Assoc. Liberal Arts Degree, in 1987 and a graduate of the New England School of Communications in Radio Broadcasting, in 1991. Member of the Kappa Alpha Kappa Service Sorority. She brings her experience in media, broadcasting, promotions, web/graphic design and marketing. In private practice, Natalee is a ThetaHealing Practitioner and Intuitive Anatomy Practitioner....she teaches all levels of Usui Reiki, offers Reiki sessions, personal spiritual coaching, and is a motivational speaker.
nkohls@purpleirisfoundation.com
Phyllis Couch - Vice President
Phyllis brings with her considerable background in management, operational management, customer service, sales, financial modeling, accounting, and public relations. This experience was gained through more than 25 years as an office manager, Department manager and Optician. Duties will include but are not limited to: Helping the president coordinate the 5K fun run and the purple iris planting project, coordinating volunteers, public relations, business administration, and fundraising.
pcouch@purpleirisfoundation.com
Tyler Parrish - Volunteer "ProjktCncr" Project Manager
tparrish@purpleirisfoundation.com
Christie Hines - Public Relations Volunteer & Advocate
Christie Hines is a resident of Falmouth, Maine and is a single Mom to her 3 daughters Kaylee (25), Lacie (15) and Mallorie (12). Christie is a 6 year Breast Cancer Survivor and has been an advocate for the disease ever since. She has participated in events and raised funds for various cancer organizations for many years. In 2017, Christie's longtime boyfriend Tommy was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. She left her job to care for him full time. After a year's worth of trying everything to save his life, Tommy passed away on September 4, 2018. He had just turned 50 years old. After his passing, Christie researched and discovered the Purple Iris Foundation. She held an event in Tommy's memory to raise funds for the foundation and will continue to advocate and educate others about this horrible disease.
ccantara@purpleirisfoundation.com
Rhonda Williams - PIF Board Member
Rhonda has several years of nonprofit, and management experience. Rhonda has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. Rhonda’s passion for assisting those with pancreatic cancer comes from losing a family member to this disease in January of 2010, after a 5-year battle.
Rhonda’s goal is to provide personal and compassionate support to those who are affected by pancreaticcancer.
Rhonda is the Founder/National Director of the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
