Board of Directors

Karl & Kimberly Hoffman

CO-FOUNDERS

As Ellie’s parents, we are the founders of The Ellie Effect. We started doing activities in Ellie’s memory within the first few months of her passing as a way to honor her and continue her legacy. We wanted to bring “purpose from the pain”. We didn’t have exact intentions of what The Ellie Effect would become, but over time, the various activities expanded and solidified. In September 2021, we became a 501(c)(3) non-profit and made our group official.

Our heart for The Ellie Effect is to have Ellie’s life impact others. We had never heard of congenital heart defects before Ellie’s diagnosis, but now our every day is a reminder of these terrible conditions. Though so few people got to meet Ellie, through her legacy she is touching the lives of countless people.

  • Christina Houck

    BOARD MEMBER

    My husband and I met the Hoffmans in 2008 as the Youth Group Leaders for our then teenage children. Our families have grown strong in friendship and have shared together in ministry through the years. This has afforded us the incredible blessing of journeying alongside Kim and Karl. In the challenging context of the Cardiac ICU, we witnessed the beauty of their unconditional love as parents. I cherished my visits to CHOP, which often included delivering snacks and comfort supplies from our church family. We saw first-hand the outpouring of love and prayers inspired by Eliana’s miraculous, little life. My absolute favorite feature of Ellie was her precious, pouty chin. I currently serve alongside my husband who pastors our local church. We have 2 married children and two naughty rescue dogs. As a retired Physical Therapist, I now work part-time as a dog walker, my dream job. It is a privilege and joy to be on the Board of The Ellie Effect and to be part of the mission to continue her legacy.

  • Lisa Kolb

    BOARD MEMBER

    I am honored to be a member of The Ellie Effect board as of January 2023 and support their mission. Not only am I a friend of Kim and Karl, but I am a wife and mother to two grown daughters, a retired elementary teacher and a volunteer in the children’s ministry of my local church. One of my girls benefitted from the care of CHOP through the cardiac department, so I understand the need for resources and others coming alongside to be a community of support in uncertain times. I was blessed to be one of the few who actually met Ellie and can say that her vibrant, captivating eyes give me motivation to carry on the opportunities to give back to others in need in the congenital heart defect community.

  • Tina Townsend

    BOARD MEMBER

    I met Kim and Karl in 2016 when my family and I began attending Trinity Lighthouse Church. At that time, Kim and Karl were the youth group leaders and I had 2 teenage boys. I was so appreciative of how Kim and Karl welcomed my boys into the church and pursued a personal relationship with them. Even though my boys have outgrown the program, Kim and Karl are still a part of their lives.

    My husband, Pete, and I live in the Collegeville area. I currently work for the Perkiomen Valley School District as a paraprofessional. I am an avid reader - love to get lost in a good book! In addition, I also enjoy volunteering with different groups. Currently, I volunteer for the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Collegeville. You will find me either working with clients or helping to rotate stock in the warehouse. On Thanksgiving, I am part of a team that prepares a meal for the clients of Project Outreach in Royersford. I am very blessed and I am grateful that I am able to give back in this way.

    I am excited to be a part of The Ellie Effect. I look forward to being a part of helping to grow Eliana's legacy.