Meet the Team
Gretchen Witt
Co-Founder & Executive Director
More About Gretchen
Favorite cookie flavor:
It depends on my mood.
Favorite thing to bake:
For me, baking is something I do for friends and family as an act of love. It gives me so much pleasure seeing someone enjoy something I baked…whether it’s cookies, banana bread, a cake or biscuits.
On a Friday night, Gretchen is:
With my family.
Who inspires Gretchen to #BeAGoodCookie?
Clearly, Liam is always my North Star but I do what I do because I know Liam’s expectation is that we would help other kids.
Eve Schenk
Chief Strategy Officer
More About Steve
This is a picture of me and my husband, Wallie (on the left) in Paris, our second favorite place on earth after New York City.
Favorite cookie flavor:
Chunky Chocolate Chip (honestly, I love, love, love all cookies - but am particularly partial to a good chocolate chip!)
Favorite thing to bake:
Baking is not in my repertoire. But appreciating the product of good baking is my specialty—with an emphasis on carrot cake, brownies, and—of course— “good cookies.”
On a Friday night, Steve is:
Doing something cultural in NYC—theater, an independent film, or an off-beat performance.
Who inspires Steve to #BeAGoodCookie?
I am inspired every day by the people who surround me who face challenges with a smile and courage.
Gayla Freeman
Director, Community Engagement
Amanda Troya
Director, Finance
More About Gayla
This is a picture of my husband, Daniel, my daughter, Gwendolyn, and me on Gwen’s first birthday. It’s really more of a family selfie since this was taken while social-distancing!
Favorite cookie flavor:
Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite thing to bake:
I love baking anything and everything, but if I had to choose one thing it would be banana bread.
On a Friday night, Gayla is:
I’m typically spending time with my family. We can usually be found walking around a local park, playing with our dogs in the backyard, or watching a movie
Who inspires Gayla to #BeAGoodCookie?
I am inspired by the 43 children who are diagnosed every single day with pediatric cancer. We have to keep fighting for better and less toxic treatments for each one of them.
Sydney Hincher
Coordinator, Donor Relations & Corporate Gifting
More About Amanda
In this picture, I’m at a vineyard with my hubby.
Favorite cookie flavor:
Liam’s Lemon Sugar Cookie
Favorite thing to bake:
Anything with 3 ingredients ;)
On a Friday night, Amanda is:
Having family time! I love hanging out with my 3 little ones and my husband doing whatever!
Who inspires Amanda to #BeAGoodCookie?
Ava Nichols, who lost her battle on 3/13/12 to diffuse intrinsicpontine glioma (DIPG). Ava’s mommy is my dearest, longest friend. No mother should lose their baby to cancer due to a lack of funds. I will forever be inspired to fight against pediatric cancer so that we can save every last child from fighting in the first place.
Ann Dang
Finance & Stewardship
More About Sydney
Favorite thing to bake:
Cookie Dessert—a layer of cookies dipped in milk, then a layer of whipped topping. There is actually no baking involved, but one of my family’s favorite desserts.
On a Friday night, Sydney is:
Usually spending time with my friends and family. I love to try out new restaurants, go to concerts and plays, enjoy the outdoors, or just stay in with a good book or catch up on my favorite shows.
Who inspires Sydney to #BeAGoodCookie?
I’m inspired to Be A Good Cookie by all the children and families that have been affected by pediatric cancer. By working at Cookies, I am able to see the difference we are making in the advancement of research to develop new, improved & less toxic treatments for kids battling cancer. This progress gives me hope and this hope keeps me inspired to always Be a Good Cookie!