Staff

Before joining the the Make-A-Wish Foundation Shar served as the Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, a Governor-appointed position. She has worked with nonprofit, charitable and community organizations for over 17 years holding management positions with the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network. Previously, Shar worked as the Community Affairs Director for ABC4 Television and produced and hosted the community affairs program, Spotlight Utah, on their sister station CW30. She enjoys being actively engaged in the community, has served on numerous national and local boards and volunteer committees, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Utah Nonprofits Association. Shar has a post graduate certification in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Utah, a Leadership and Management certification from the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence, a Project Management certification from Franklin Covey, and is currently in the Salt Lake Chamber’s Leadership Utah Academy Class of 2012. She has received numerous awards for her work and leadership including a national “Telly Award” for the American Cancer Society’s 60th anniversary video production, Utah Broadcasters Association Silver UBEE Award for Best Volunteer Special, National media awards for both The Susan G. Komen Foundations Race for the Cure and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, and a national “Climb & Belay Award” for outstanding teamwork from the American Cancer Society. Shar has run five half marathons for charitable causes and went to Kenya on a humanitarian service project with her oldest son. She is the proud mother of three children who remind her daily that life is a gift and every moment a treasure.

My wish: To backpack across Europe with my kids.

(photo coming soon!)

Sydney joined the Foundation in January of 2012.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2007, Krachel worked for KSTU Fox 13, the local Fox television station. There she was responsible for producing the 9:00 pm news. Krachel received her B. A. in Communications from the University of Utah and spent nearly a decade working at television stations across Utah and Wyoming. While working in Cheyenne she developed a segment called Krachel’s Kids, which featured a child looking for a mentor through the Special Friends program. That was her introduction to the nonprofit world. Krachel has volunteered with the American Cancer Society and the XIX Olympic Winter Games.

My wish: To co-host 20/20 with Barbara Walters.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish staff in August of 2010, Jenny worked in the University Hospital’s Internal Medicine and Rheumatology departments. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in Sociology and Human Development/Family Studies. Soon after graduation, she began volunteering for Make-A-Wish, and she has been committed to the mission ever since! She was a volunteer Wish Magician and Wish Granter, and she has also volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is excited to have started her dream job at Make-A-Wish. Jenny enjoys spending time with her family, baking, summer, recycling, and vacationing with her husband.

My wish: To go to a Jack Johnson concert in Hawaii.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish^® team this year, Joy L. Jenkins worked as a Victim Advocate for the Vernal City Police Department, providing crisis response and emergency resources to victims of abuse and sexual assault. Her introduction to the non-profit world began in 1996, however, when she volunteered for the Utah Aids Foundation, coordinating an HIV awareness campaign for the Uintah Basin. She completed her Associate degree from Utah State University, but spent additional time studying Criminology and Sociology, completing rape crisis training and the Utah Victim Assistance Academy, and certifying in Abuse Prevention. Her personal hobbies include reading, writing, crafts, and watching Sponge Bob with her 5-year-old son.

My wish: To have a blue Mini Cooper with white stripes.

Annie is providing hospitality for our wish families evenings and weekends. Before joining the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2009, Annie worked as a full time receptionist for her family’s business, TV Specialists. Her introduction to the Foundation began in 2006 when she interned for the Director of Program Services while attending the University of Utah. Her interest in the organization extended further as she continued to serve as a Wish Granter. After graduating from the University of Utah with a major in Family Studies/Human Development and an emphasis in Film Production, Annie and her husband spent 6 months living in Alaska as tour guides for cruise ship passengers. Annie’s personal hobbies include filming wedding videos, water skiing, playing Nintendo and watching movies with her husband.

My wish: To have a tropical island in my backyard.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish team in 2010, Jessica worked in the Development office at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, planning their annual fundraising gala and coordinating their Capital Campaign. Her interest in fundraising events began as a student at the University of Utah where she helped coordinate events for organizations such as the YWCA and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as a variety of events for student groups on campus. She completed her B.S. in Political Science and Sociology in 2005 and began working in the non-profit field shortly after. Jessica is a huge sports fan and loves cheering on the Utes, the Utah Jazz, and the New England Patriots. She also enjoys politics, making cupcakes, playing the guitar, and is training to run her first half marathon.

My wish: To meet the band U2.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish staff in 2003, Christine worked for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a program for abused and neglected children in the court system. There she recruited, trained and supervised over 100 volunteers. Christine obtained both her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies in 1999 and her Master of Social Work degree in 2011 from the University of Utah. During her masters studies Christine did yearlong internships with both the Cancer Wellness House and Primary Children’s Medical Center Emergency Department; she is currently licensed as a Certified Social Worker. Christine has been volunteering with Royal Family Kids Camp, a week long summer camp for abused and neglected children, since 2002 when the camp began. She served on their board from 2002-2009 and is currently the camp photographer as well as the child placement coordinator. She also volunteers with the MS Society of Utah as a Special Events Leader. In 2009 Christine was awarded the Volunteer Administrator of the Year award conferred by the Utah Commission on Volunteers.

My wish: To be a crime scene investigator.

Before joining the Make-A-Wish team 2001, Frank worked in the accounting industry as an office manager for a C.P.A. firm. He was also a claims administrator for a group of physicians. Frank is a Utah native who completed his B. S. in child development at the College of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah in 1985. He then went on to receive his accounting degree in 1992. He came to the Foundation as a volunteer first. Frank was a volunteer wish granter for 5 years before becoming an employee. 

My wish: To meet Jack Kennedy and/or be a back-up singer for the Carpenters.

(photo coming soon!)

Tina joined the Foundation in April of 2012.