Experienced professionals committed to serving 529 Gold Star families with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication to our mission.
Federally recognized nonprofit with full tax-exempt status and IRS oversight
Public annual reports showing every dollar received and distributed to families
Independent board ensuring ethical operations and mission focus
Our board brings diverse expertise in nonprofit management, healthcare, business operations, and community advocacy—all united by a commitment to families of the fallen.
BS, MBA • Chemical Manufacturing & Supply Chain Executive • Former Board President, Yellow Brick Place
Courtney Stasko is the Founder and President of Starry Is Hope, bringing strategic expertise from her distinguished career in chemical manufacturing and supply chain management. Holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton and an MBA in Operational Management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, she has built a career on operational excellence and strategic leadership.
As former Board President for Yellow Brick Place, a cancer support nonprofit, Courtney strengthened community impact and organizational sustainability. Through Starry Is Hope, she channels her professional discipline and personal journey—having lost her husband Todd, an Air Force veteran, to service-related suicide—to help families find comfort and connection.
Journeyman Inside Wireman • Mental Health & Chronic Illness Advocate • Safety Educator
Eric Schwind serves as Vice President, bringing both technical proficiency and heartfelt advocacy to the organization. As a journeyman inside wireman, Eric has trained over 200 apprentices in electrical safety and education, demonstrating his commitment to protecting and empowering others.
Drawing from his personal experiences living with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, Eric advocates passionately for mental health and chronic illness awareness. He dedicates his time to teaching first aid, CPR, and OSHA classes, equipping communities with the knowledge and compassion necessary to remain safe and connected.
Degree in Marketing Management • Licensed Insurance & Investment Professional • Successful Business Owner Since 2014
Kristy Gaudiose serves as Secretary, bringing extensive business acumen and nonprofit governance experience to Starry Is Hope. As a successful business owner since 2014, she offers valuable strategic insight and operational expertise to guide organizational growth.
Kristy's background includes serving on nonprofit boards during critical growth phases, where her contributions played key roles in ensuring ongoing success. Active in her local community, she holds a board position for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner and brings professional credentials in both insurance and investments.
BA Psychology (UD) • MPH (OSU) • Healthcare Project Management & Quality Improvement Expert
Liz Hente is a mission-driven leader recognized for transforming bold ideas into enduring, human-centered programs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Dayton and a Master of Public Health from The Ohio State University, building a robust career focused on healthcare innovation.
Liz brings expertise in healthcare project management, quality improvement, program development, research, trauma-informed care, and strategic innovation. At Starry Is Hope, she applies her passion for storytelling and fostering connections to ensure that no grieving family ever feels abandoned or alone.
Every member of our board is personally invested in the mission of Starry Is Hope. We serve not for compensation, but from a deep commitment to ensuring families of the fallen receive the support they deserve.
We pledge complete transparency in our operations, ethical stewardship of every dollar donated, and unwavering focus on serving the 529 families who lost loved ones in military and first responder service.
Our board is committed to transparency, accountability, and impact. Support our mission to serve 529 Gold Star families and children of fallen first responders.