Meet the Board

• Sharon Pervez - Khan

  Executive Director | Elora J. Khan Foundation Sharon serves as the Executive Director of the Elora J. Khan Foundation. As a mother who has walked through the valley of unimaginable sorrow, Sharon’s journey has been marked by many prayers on her knees, many painful conversations with God and indescribable love for her child. Moments of raw grief, faith, and surrender. In the stillness of a hospital room, as she prayed for a miracle that did not come, Sharon felt a sacred calling arise within her: if she could not receive a miracle for her own child, she would become a miracle for others. This promise became the heartbeat of the foundation’s mission, bringing Elora's “God moments” of grace, hope, and healing. Sharon leads advocacy efforts for children who suffer in heart wrenching circumstances. She is especially passionate about empowering children & finds joy in supporting programs that teach young people the value of generosity, empathy, and service. For her, these moments of impact, when a child discovers they too can make a difference are the heart of the foundation’s work. In addition to her role at the foundation, Sharon serves on the Board of the St. Anastasia Endowment, where she contributes her voice and vision to broader community initiatives. Through every step, her work honors Elora’s legacy and reflects the enduring comfort and hope found in Christ’s love.

• Denise Farrelly

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation I was Blessed to meet Elora Khan when she became one of my First-Grade students in 2022. This was first of many God Moments that I would receive as a result of simply knowing Elora. I have been a First-Grade teacher for 30 years. Which has also been a true Blessing. I have learned a little something from each student I have taught over the years, and a piece of them remain with me in unique ways. Teaching children to know God and to become successful in their own learning, has been incredibly rewarding. However, my biggest pride and joy is having the title of Mom to my daughter Kaitlyn. We come from a large Irish family and strive to continue the traditions taught to us by all who have gone before us. Being a member of the Elora J. Khan Foundation has allowed me opportunities to spread the Love and Light that was Elora’s to others in need of the glittery happiness that only Elora possessed. Through our efforts, children of all ages, in all parts of the world, are reminded that they have the Light of Christ within them, and they need to shine that light onto others. Our mission to help others learn about Elora’s Ways and to seek opportunities to imitate her Way of living as a “Light of God” is the driving force behind all that we do in Elora’s name. Providing for the financial, educational, and spiritual needs of the children living in Elora’s Way Home of Hope Orphanage in Pakistan was the first of many opportunities for us to share Elora’s Light and Love for Jesus. Through prayer and service, we actively seek to advocate for every child and family affected by DIPG, and to raise awareness for the desperately needed funding for research and advancement in treatment required to end this deadly disease. The Elora J. Khan Foundation is special because Elora’s friends and peers have become crusaders in her name, continuing her personal Mission to teach others about Jesus.

• Mimi Avellino

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation Hi, I am Mimi Avellino, and I have 5 children (3 on earth & 2 in heaven). I am an educator at Saint Anastasia School. I was blessed to be Elora’s Kindergarten teacher. Teaching isn't just a job for me; it's a passion that fills my heart with joy every day. Little did I know, a special kind of joy walked into my room on September 7th, 2021. There was a connection immediately with Elora and her family. God had a plan when He placed us all together. Elora’s love of learning, friendship and God were evident in our classroom. She loved our religion lessons and shared her Faith proudly. I am grateful to be a board member of the Elora J. Khan Foundation. I love to say Elora’s name and help to continue her mission of sharing God’s love with all she encountered. We will continue to shine her light on others so that they know God’s love.

• Bonnie Villari

  Secretary | Elora J. Khan Foundation Bonnie serves as Secretary of the Elora J. Khan Foundation. She first met Elora when Elora was three years old and has held a special place in her heart for her ever since. Elora’s unwavering faith, joy, and love left a lasting imprint on Bonnie’s life, and she considers it a privilege to help carry forward Elora’s legacy through the work of the foundation. In her professional life, Bonnie works at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, a nonprofit organization committed to improving lives worldwide through excellence and innovation in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy. She leads a program that provides training and support to organizations, helping them expand access to high-quality care and implement evidence-based practices to better serve their communities. This work deeply resonates with her desire to support healing for individuals and families. Bonnie finds deep personal meaning in the foundation’s mission to share Elora’s light with others. The focus on faith, compassion, and service reflects her own values and her hope to offer comfort and love in real and lasting ways. Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, with her family. She is grateful to walk alongside others who are dedicated to honoring Elora’s memory by living out her love of Jesus and her generous spirit.

• Erin Coyne

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation Erin Coyne is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Hematology, where she provides compassionate care to children and families navigating complex medical challenges. With extensive experience in both clinical practice and evidence-based research, Erin brings a deep understanding of the emotional and medical journeys families face. From 2022 to 2025, she served as Co-President of the St. Anastasia Home & School Board, where she contributed to initiatives that fostered student engagement, family connection, spiritual development, and academic success. A devoted mother of three boys, Erin treasures family time. Whether cheering from the sidelines of little league games, enjoying a good book, or watching the latest docuseries. She also leads community engagement programs with children, teaching them the importance of compassion, giving, and disease awareness, inspiring young hearts to make a difference. In addition, Erin plays an active role in sponsor engagement efforts, building meaningful relationships that help sustain and expand the Foundation’s mission. This past summer, she supported her children’s entrepreneurial spirit as they launched “Bracelets for Brains,” a creative bracelet sales company dedicated to funding critical pediatric brain cancer research through the Elora J. Khan Foundation. Although Erin never got to know Elora during her time on earth, she has learned so much from her in Heaven and is driven to help carry her legacy. Her professional expertise, compassionate heart, and commitment to community outreach bring a thoughtful and invaluable perspective to the Foundation’s mission of hope, faith, and support for families.

• Sonica Somesh

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation Sonica is deeply committed to medicine, research, and community-driven philanthropy. With her background in healthcare and a profound passion for service, she brings a unique combination of clinical understanding, strategic vision, and compassion to every project she undertakes. Central to Sonica's efforts is the Elora J. Khan Foundation, a mission that is both deeply personal and profoundly important to her. Inspired by heartfelt conversations and transformative moments shared with Elora, Sonica feels a strong calling to advance this mission, not only to commemorate Elora's life but also to expand and elevate the impact she envisioned. Every action Sonica takes is driven by a desire to transform loss into legacy and memory into meaningful movement. Sonica regards every endeavor as sacred work. She views the Foundation not merely as a tribute to Elora, but as a powerful platform to continue the healing that Elora initiated in the world. With her strong background in medical research and community advocacy, Sonica is exceptionally well-equipped to grow this mission and ensure that Elora’s spirit and values continue to positively impact lives for generations to come.

• Anthony Khan

  Treasurer | Elora J. Khan Foundation Anthony Khan serves as the Treasurer of the Elora J. Khan Foundation, a mission-driven organization created to honor the life of his beloved daughter, Elora Joyce Khan. Anthony, affectionately known as “Dada” to Elora, received the greatest Father’s Day gift in 2016 with her birth. Together with his wife Sharon, Anthony experienced a profound new kind of love and joy that Elora brought into their lives. Elora was a child prodigy. She was a uniquely remarkable child, speaking in full sentences by 11 months old, reading by age 3 and showing an early thirst for learning. Her presence brought peace and happiness to everyone around her. When Elora deeply desired something, she would pray for it, and remarkably, her prayers were answered. When she wished for a baby sister, her prayer was fulfilled in 2019 with the arrival of Eliska Noella Khan. The love that shone in Elora’s eyes when she first held her baby sister was unforgettable. Elora’s innocent, yet profound faith in Jesus and her infectious love touched countless hearts. Her life inspired many to learn more about the love and hope she so naturally embodied. Through her childlike faith, Elora deepened Anthony’s own spiritual journey. Anthony is now determined to carry forward Elora’s mission. Spreading love, joy, and hope while working to provide better solutions for children battling brain cancer. In her memory, he continues to be a force for good. Professionally, Anthony is the Founder and Managing Partner of Affordable Housing Redefined (AHR), a company focused on reimagining access to housing. He also serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of MedCoShare, a company that provides flexible clinical space solutions for healthcare providers. Additionally, he also serves on the vestry board of St. David’s Episcopal Church.

• Shaleem Pervez

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation Shaleem's involvement is deeply personal, serving as Elora’s uncle & godfather. He is dedicated to preserving Elora’s radiant spirit through our philanthropic endeavors. Shaleem leads community engagement initiatives and events throughout Greater Philadelphia. His efforts are crucial in building awareness and securing financial support for pediatric brain tumor research. Being based in the Philadelphia he provides valuable regional insight and brings grassroots energy to our community-focused initiatives. Beyond his role at the Foundation, Shaleem is a multifaceted entrepreneur and business leader with a strong passion for community impact. He is currently the Executive Marketing Director, an entrepreneur, and an executive coach at SPInternational, LLC. Shaleem's presence is invaluable to our Foundation because he effectively bridges the gap between business and philanthropy, merging his entrepreneurial expertise with passionate community advocacy.

• Megha Mundade

  Board Member | Elora J. Khan Foundation Megha is a compassionate advocate dedicated to uplifting children and families navigating the challenges of pediatric illness and loss. With a background in healthcare, a heart for service and strong belief in the power of community, Megha brings creativity, empathy, and leadership to the Elora J. Khan Foundation’s mission. Her commitment reflects the spirit of hope, faith, and love that defines Elora’s legacy. Offering comfort to families and helping to advance awareness, advocacy, and research for DIPG/DMG childhood brain cancer.