Staff
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Our Staff Members
Marni Rozet, incoming Executive Director, began her work with children as a counselor and teacher for abused and neglected children. Ms. Rozet pursued her passion for helping those in need, by doing charity events in Los Angeles. She has had extensive event and fundraising experience. Marni launched and organized charitable events for Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Children Affected by AIDS, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Comic Relief, Pediatric AIDS, to name a few. She has volunteered and worked with a wide array of charities, ranging from homelessness, debilitating diseases, handicap, abuse, and hospice care. After the birth of her two wonderful children, Josh and Nicoletta, Marni moved into Vineyard Management. She researched and developed a long term strategic plan, design and administration for a very successful start up vineyard. Once her children were of elementary school age, Ms. Rozet began volunteering and working extensively at Montecito Union School. Marni has served as chair of two important events at Montecito Union, the Carnival and the Night Event Auction for the last several years. Ms. Rozet has been an active member of the Montecito community, not only at her children’s school but also with YMCA’s annual campaign. Marni holds a Bachelors degree from Pitzer College in Organizational Studies/Human Resource Management with a minor in psychology. In addition, she lived in Japan and attended Obirin University while working and studying the Japanese culture, language and business. Natalie brings a unique perspective to her work at the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, and hopes that in sharing her story she can help others in a similar position as it is something that is close to her heart. Becca Solodon, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation spokesperson and part-time assistant. Becca’s positive attitude in the face of adversity has been an inspiration. “Visiting kids in treatment at Cottage Hospital is one of the best experiences I have ever had,” she says, describing her work with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. “Their smiles are priceless.”
Nikki Katz, Founder and Program Director of The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, brings fifteen years of social work experience to the organization. Mrs. Katz began her career by studying criminology and sociology, and then worked as a residential counselor in a group home facility for juveniles on probation. She has worked with a full range of people in need, from severely disabled teenagers to elderly cancer patients, whom she trained as a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Athletic Club. In addition to her volunteer work and duties as executive director of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Mrs. Katz has served on the Committee for the Children’s Miracle Network and works closely with Hugs 4 Cubs and the Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team, arranging and chaperoning outings for children diagnosed with cancer.
Mrs. Katz established the foundation in 2002 to provide a necessary support system for Central Coast families with children suffering from cancer. As a volunteer in Pediatrics at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, she became aware that families of children with cancer, even financially stable families with health insurance, were in dire need of assistance. Having successfully organized and coordinated a large-scale fundraising event to aid victims of the September 11 attacks, Mrs. Katz realized that a non-profit organization such as the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation was a viable undertaking.
Natalie Clifton, Administrative and Development Assistant is originally from Monterey California. She moved to Santa Barbara about three years ago to attend UCSB. She is graduating in June of 2007 with a BA in Sociology. After obtaining her BA she plans to continue her education and earn a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. This educational foundation will provide her a framework for counseling children with cancer. She has a strong administrative background, having worked as an administrative assistant in various settings since 2001.
At the age of 11 she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissue that was located in her jaw. After an initial biopsy surgery that removed 80% of the tumor, she began chemotherapy and radiation to remove the remaining 20%. With the support from her family and her faith Natalie stayed positive in the face of adversity. “For me going through what I did with my cancer was something that I truly believe has made me who I am today. I know that if given the chance to do things all over again I would.”
In addition to her role at Teddy Bear, Becca works with the American Cancer Society, Hugs for Cubs with the Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A song she recorded for Make-A-Wish was such a hit that the foundation featured her story in the form of a doll, which is sold across America. She has become a motivational force, speaking and singing in the media and one-on-one with children, hospital volunteers, and community activists.
Becca is currently working with professional producers and songwriters in Los Angeles who are mentoring her on her first album project. She graduated high school in June 2005, and is enrolled at Santa Barbara City College as a music major.
Learn more about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation spokesperson Becca Solodon by visiting www.beccasolodon.com