Board of Directors

Previously naïve to the number of families who suffer stillbirth loss (1 in 175 pregnancies), when Michelle’s first child was born perfectly healthy in 2008 and she became aware of how many families didn’t get to take their child home, she immediately took action. She’s been doing bereavement photography ever since. But it wasn’t until she met a 7 month old little boy with SMA that she decided to go it on her own and start an organization that provides images and support for all families with medically fragile children, including, but beyond, infant loss.

As a part of her ongoing mission to serve these families through the entirety of their journeys, Michelle became an Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist in June 2020. Michelle’s first book, Unshattered Grief: Helping others through loss without breaking them… again, published in June 2022. You can also learn more about Michelle’s vision and heart for the organization in the Founder’s Heart section of the OAW blog. In January 2026, Michelle also launched The Compassionate Workplace Initiative, serving as a consultant and advocate for business leaders to learn how to respond better to grieving employees.

In addition to pursuing her passion with OAW and working full time on behalf of the organization beginning June 2022, Michelle has been a Springfield, MO photographer since 2007. She works from home so she can hang out with her two homeschooled teenage boys, her husband of more than 20 years, their 10 animals and more than 50 indoor plants. The family loves to travel to new places, participate in carpool karaoke to classic rock, and go on hikes together.

Michelle lost her first child, five month old Kaycee, in September of 1995. In October 2013, she was the first board member to join our Founder, taking a leap of faith and making huge strides toward her own healing by helping others. As Support Coordinator, Michelle’s job is to love, support and encourage our families as they struggle through the journey of a sick child or child loss. In 2020, Michelle also became an Advance Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist in order to better serve OAW recipient families through their grief journey.

Michelle was married to her high school sweetheart for over 30 years until his passing in January 2022 — Tim was a huge advocate for OAW. They have two grown children: Tyler is a certified pharmacy tech pursuing a degree as a pharmacist; Hannah, who got married in March 2021, is a nurse. Michelle’s first grandbaby was born in 2024.

Connie knows first hand the importance of the services On Angels’ Wings provides. She lost two sons born as micro-preemies. When her sixth son was born at nearly 27 weeks gestation, OAW was there to capture the delivery. As a recipient, she’s experienced the ongoing support, is a graduate of the Grief Recovery Method program conducted through OAW, and has a growing passion for the families the organization serves. She joined the board of directors in June 2022.

Connie and her husband John are raising four boys earthside. The family enjoys outdoor adventures like biking and rock climbing, and sports (they’re die-hard Blues fans). As certified fitness trainers, the couple has offered free training to local OAW recipients. Connie also works full time for Burrell Behavioral Health as a Client Access Supervisor.

Micah started his journey with OAW in 2017 when he and his wife encountered the devastating loss of their son, Zander. Zander was born 39 ½ weeks without life, shaking the fabric of their reality, throwing them into a long and difficult journey. The couple encountered another devastating loss when, at 12 weeks pregnant, Micah’s wife miscarried a daughter (Skylar), bringing another wave of grief on top of the already crushing force of their current battle. It is this journey through grief and loss that Micah decided to help the broken-hearted and be a light for others facing similar devastation. He is now a PLPC and a grief recovery specialist working out of Joplin, MO and other surrounding areas via in-person and telehealth. In 2023, Micah accepted a position on the board of directors for OAW, with an emphasis on developing more ways for the organization to positively impact those grieving. He is a great asset to the team, not just as a mental health professional, but also as a recipient father.

Click here to read Micah’s loss story on our blog.

Brianna began volunteering with OAW as a photographer shortly after relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, in 2021. With a passion for compassionate storytelling through imagery, she has spent several years honoring families by capturing their journeys. In 2025, Brianna joined the board as an Area Coordinator and Executive Board Member.

Now living in the Chicago area with her husband, Brianna remains deeply committed to OAW’s mission. She is excited to continue volunteering, supporting families in need, and sharing how impactful OAW has been in her life and the lives of those around her. From the beginning, Brianna felt a deep connection to the organization, recognizing it as a place where she could use her gifts to truly give back to others.

Outside of OAW, Brianna owns her own photography business, capturing business professionals. When she’s not behind the camera or volunteering, you can most likely find her exploring new cafés or going on adventures with her husband.

Michael’s connection to On Angels’ Wings is deeply personal. Born premature and grieving the loss of his twin sibling, he grew up with an early understanding of how profoundly life’s fragile beginnings shape a family’s story. That lived experience fostered a lifelong appreciation for supporting others through grief and honoring the moments that matter most.

After the sudden passing of his mother, Michael channeled his passion for storytelling into creating a cinematic memorial tribute in her honor. The video resonated deeply with friends and family, many of whom sought his help in crafting similar tributes for their own loved ones. From this experience his business, In Moving Memory – Life Story Productions was founded.

Through In Moving Memory, Michael helps families preserve and celebrate their loved ones’ stories through cinematic keepsakes that offer comfort and connection. He has partnered with organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Hospice Foundation for Outreach — both of which collaborate closely with On Angels’ Wings — strengthening shared efforts to support families navigating loss and life-limiting diagnoses.

Professionally, Michael has a background in IT and software development, blending technical expertise with creative expression. He brings to the OAW Board a passion for meaningful storytelling, community connection, and ensuring families facing the unimaginable feel seen, remembered, and supported.