Louie Wallace

Co-Chair

Louie Wallace, Board of Directors Co-Chair, is a general contractor who was born and raised in Oroville. Louie is the father of three daughters: Avalynn (the namesake of Avalynn’s Hope), Briella, and Emberlee. The inspiration for Avie’s Place came when Avalynn was released from the hospital for a time; he realized there were very few places, if any, that could accommodate Avalynn’s needs and allow the Wallaces to enjoy a family outing together. Louie has become passionate about creating an organization to support families caring for a medically challenged or disabled child, as well as creating a specialized place where these families can enjoy valuable time together and children with challenges can play alongside their siblings and friends.

Nicole Wallace

Co-Chair

Nicole Wallace, Board of Directors Co-Chair, is a pastor, author, and advocate. Nicole has lived in Oroville for the past 31 years and is married to her Board Co-Chair, Louie Wallace. Nicole is Mom to three daughters: Avalynn (the namesake of Avalynn’s Hope), Briella, and Emberlee.  As an advocate, Nicole uses her personal experience to help families with medically challenged and disabled children navigate the complicated maze of medical care and available support resources. Nicole is the author of The Courageous Chronicles of Avie Bravelee, a series of children’s books based on her daughter Avie’s life and journey with cancer. All of these efforts are intended to help families not only survive, but thrive, despite the medical challenges of their children.

Steve Orsillo

Steve Orsillo is a pastor and general contractor. More accurately, he is a builder who has built his family with his wife Vicki, which includes four children and eight grandchildren. In his role as Senior Pastor, he’s led the Father’s House Church in Oroville for 25 years. During that time, Steve has brought many blessings to the City of Oroville, like South Side Clean Up, Life Recovery Ministries (a residential rehabilitation plan), and the French Family Food Bank, as well as countless blessings to those in his congregation. He will oversee the building and facilities for Avalynn’s Hope Foundation and the building of Avie’s Place, a specially designed playground specifically for families with medically challenged and disabled children. Steve is Avalynn Wallace’s grandfather, and he is committed to making Avalynn’s Hope and Avie’s Place into true blessings for families struggling in this world.

Eric Van Cleave

Eric Van Cleave is CEO/Director of Digital Marketing for TIV, Inc., a Northern California-based digital advertising agency and website design firm that works with clients throughout the US. Eric has been married for the past 24 years to his wife Cathy and has five adult children. He is also a proud Papaw to his five grandchildren. 

Eric was motivated to work with the Avalynn’s Hope Foundation after hearing Louie and Nicole talk about their experiences with their daughter, Avie and the toll that took on their family. He’s looking forward to helping Avalynn’s Hope Foundation provide much-needed support and joy to the families of medically challenged kids.

Cathy Macy

Cathy Macy serves as the CFO for New Generation Media, LLC and Zenergy Works.   She supervises the budget and financial reporting of the company, as well as cash flow projections and general oversight of the accounting processes.  

Cathy recently retired from EAH Affordable Housing after 35 years.  EAH has a staff of over 750 employees and manages over 150 low-income properties in California and Hawaii.  As CFO, she was responsible for the complete financial data for all low-income properties from predevelopment through construction completion. Then overseeing the financial health throughout the 15 year Low Income Tax Credit Compliance Period.   

Prior to joining EAH, she was Assistant Controller for the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation for Receivership Operations. Among other services, this company took over troubled banking associations.

Cathy is currently serving as Treasurer Father’s House Oroville Community Land Trust.
Cathy also served as Treasurer for Women’s Cancer Awareness Group, headquartered in Petaluma, California.  
Cathy also served as an Elder and Treasurer at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellen, California.

Cathy is married with 5 children and 5 grandchildren.   She enjoys hiking and spending time with her family, including her Golden Doodle Maci.

Luke Pollock

Luke Pollock works for the Father’s House handling administration, organization, and outreach programs. He moved to Oroville in 2010 and enjoys reading and traveling; he’s also a coffee and tea connoisseur. Luke became involved with Avie’s Place because as someone living with a disability, he knows the importance of accessibility firsthand. He grew up seeing “normal” playgrounds and experienced the lack of equipment catering to the needs of children with disabilities.

Ryan Kelly

Ryan Kelly is a pastor at the Father’s House and has lived in Oroville since 2009. He and his wife, Lisa, have a two-year-old son named Miles. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys sports (he loves baseball), music, spending time with his family, and playing with his son and friends. He became involved with Avalynn’s Hope and Avie’s Place because he believes in their ability to reach people and provide an environment for families (especially families of children with disabilities) to spend time together. Ryan feels that even if it makes a difference in one child’s life, it’s worth it.

Dan Veenhuis

 Dan Veenhuis is a board member of Avie’s Place Foundation and serves as a development officer for multiple nonprofits. He and his wife, Miruna, are parents to three boys. Dan is passionate about creating opportunities for people to grow, whether through ministry, addiction recovery, or large-scale community events like the Lord’s Gym Kids Mud Run. He became involved with Avalynn’s Hope and Avie’s Place because he believes in their mission to provide a welcoming space where families—especially those with children with disabilities—can connect, play, and build lasting memories. 

Miruna

Miruna is a dedicated board member of Avie’s Place Foundation, where she works alongside the founders in the Fundraising Department.  As a wife and mother of three energetic boys, she understands the importance of hope, strength, and resilience in the face of life’s toughest battles. Miruna is passionate about helping people walk in hope, providing emotional support to families impacted by cancer, and empowering them to face their journey with courage and optimism.