Each year, On Angels’ Wings presents the VIP (Very Important Photographer) Award to a select group of volunteer photographers who exemplify our mission and values through extraordinary dedication. While our volunteers commit to completing at least four sessions annually, these individuals surpassed expectations—not only in the number of sessions they completed, but in the compassion, travel, flexibility, and mentorship they offered along the way.
We are proud to recognize the following photographers as our 2024 VIPs:
St. Louis
Jessica Sagerty – Jessica Sagerty Photography
As the first St. Louis graduate of our Mentorship Program, Jessica became a volunteer in April 2024. In just her first year, she completed six sessions—often driving over an hour each way from her rural home to serve families at a St. Louis hospital. Her commitment played a key role in helping carry the southeast region.
“Honestly, it’s so hard to put into words. Talk about an instant cry. I absolutely never imagined my name would be called with only being a volunteer a year. To have my heart seen and to use my talent to show those who need the extra love and support means so much.”
Brianna Fox – Brianna Buchholz Photography
A volunteer since 2020, Brianna took on both our Remember and Santa Minis in 2024, completing 14 sessions and serving as a mentor to fellow photographers.
“Receiving this award means the world to me… mentoring others in the art I love, capturing milestone moments, and growing close to families who now feel like my own. Thank you to everyone who trusted me with your stories, supported my journey, and inspire me daily.”
Carly Scaduto – Carly Scaduto Photography
Carly jumped in without hesitation when a gap arose and quickly became the regular photographer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Since joining in May 2024, she completed 17 sessions, hosting bi-monthly minis at the hospital.
“From the moment I discovered On Angels’ Wings, I felt a profound calling… Being recognized as a VIP is not merely an honor, but a testament to the meaningful connection we’ve cultivated together in service of preserving life’s most precious and fragile moments.”
Solaris Dale – Sollie Photography
Joining in April 2024, Solaris helped launch our Springfield, Illinois chapter and completed the first-ever session in the area. She contributed six sessions in her first year and also traveled to assist with sessions in St. Louis.
“The moment I read about OAW I knew I wanted to be involved. Loving on people is my love language. Being able to take a sad moment and turn it into alchemy and memories for the family, is priceless. It’s something I wish I had for my own family when my brother lost his girls, Salem and Halo. I see this as an opportunity to really pour into others and just be there to support community when it’s really needed.”
Springfield, Missouri
Becky Burger – Nelson Creative Co.
Becky continues to set the bar. A volunteer since November 2022, she completed an astounding 44 sessions in 2024 alone—including minis for Remember, NICU Halloween, and Santa. She surpassed 67 total sessions with OAW and reached the 50+ milestone mark.
“It’s an honor to receive the VIP award for a second year in a row… Each session we walk into is a sacred space. Being invited into such tender moments is something I never want to take for granted.”
Tiana Aschenbrenner – Evergreen Horizon Portraits
Tiana doubled the minimum session requirement, completing eight sessions in 2024.
“Being involved with OAW means offering something tangible in unimaginable moments. As a parent, I know how important it is to capture every second with your child, no matter how long you have. Receiving the VIP award was such a sweet surprise—it reminded me that those families received lasting memories because I was able to be there. While recognition isn’t why I volunteer, it’s meaningful to know the organization truly values its volunteers.”
Lisa Logan – Little Twigs Photography
Lisa became the first-ever graduate of our Mentorship Program in 2023 and completed 37 sessions in 2024. With a 40+ year background as a NICU nurse and bereavement coordinator, Lisa brings profound compassion and purpose to each session.
“Becoming a volunteer with OAW was the final touch in my lifelong career and I feel like its completed me. It’s never been about getting the most sessions. It’s about making sure no parent has to go without… OAW continues to give me purpose.”
Julie Stoecker – Stoecker Media
Julie has been a volunteer photographer with OAW since 2019 and a VIP Award recipient every year since 2020. In 2024, she completed 10 photography sessions and also served as our lead videographer—capturing nearly a dozen testimonials and producing our gala’s impact video.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition for the fourth time. My work with OAW has always been about more than just the camera—it’s about holding space for real, vulnerable moments and honoring each family’s story. These stories, filled with both loss and love, remind us of the resilience and beauty in even the hardest days. Thank you for trusting me with them.”
Oklahoma City
Skylar Morrison – Skylar Morrison Photography
Skylar joined in May 2024, completing four sessions in just six months. She has since stepped up as the new Area Coordinator for OKC.
“Being honored as a VIP photographer means so much more than a title. It’s a reminder of the impact photography has on others. Being trusted to capture the heart of the On Angels’ Wings mission, the people we serve, and the powerful moments that unfold is a humbling experience. Becoming an Area Coordinator is a meaningful opportunity to use my passion to support important causes that truly matter and be a part of something bigger than myself. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with immense pride.”
Southeast Missouri
Joeli Barbour – The Eyes Have It Photography
Though the southwest Missouri region sees fewer sessions each year, Joeli is always the first to say yes. She completed half of the area’s sessions in 2024.
“It is an honor to be presented with the VIP Award because I love being a part of OAW, helping to promote its mission and to give families the gift of priceless memories. Photography is my passion, and it fills my heart with joy to be able to give back. I don’t do it for recognition, but it is heartwarming to be supported for our time and dedication. The families I come in contact with become a part of my heart forever.”