Hi! My name is Megan Starling, the current President of this Foundation and the younger sister of Kelsey. I previously served in the role of Secretary for the Foundation from 2022-2025.
I graduated summa cum laude with a University Honors Scholar distinction from Auburn University in December 2024. My Bachelor’s degree was in Wildlife Sciences: Pre-Veterinary Medicine and my minors were in Theatre and Honors Business. I am expected to receive my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2029 from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I am also getting married to Sam Gardner this December! I could not be happier in this season of life, accomplishing two dreams at once: attending veterinary school and marrying the love of my life. I feel beyond blessed that I get to work with him and so many other incredible individuals to make this Foundation a success.
Hello! My name is Hannah Helms. I was born and raised in Troy, AL, and stayed to continue my education in the arts. In 2024, I graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art. Coming from a small community like Troy, I grew up in a close knit community. One where showing kindness and serving each other is common practice and taught from a young age. As a result, I am very passionate about serving others in my community. In recent years, I have found The Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation allows me to do that in a variety of ways. Through this foundation, I have been able to learn and advocate for causes like cancer research, boating safety, children with special needs, and more. As the Foundation’s Secretary and Treasurer, I use my talents to help in each area where needed, as I am passionate about everything The Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation stands for.
Hello! My name is Chris Ball. I am a Deputy Sheriff in Houston County, AL, the Board President for Houston County Rescue Unit, and a small business owner with a passion for all things public safety related.
My personal and professional life has gifted me with a unique set of skills that allow me to help families in their time of need. I have been recognized by several state and local entities for my mission to "bring home the lost." I hope to continue finding new, better, and safer ways to conduct search operations and, more importantly, prevent water-related accidents.
Hello! My name is Claire Watkins. I graduated from the University of Alabama alongside Kelsey in 2015. I am currently married to my husband Daniel and enjoying life as a stay-at-home mom to our son, Sammy and baby girl Tillie!
Hi! I’m Lindsey! I had the honor of graduating from the University of Alabama with Kelsey in 2015. Currently, I’m enjoying life as a wife and mother to two little girls. We all love living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Hello! My name is Mario Robledo. I am honored to serve on the Cancer Research and Outreach committee of the Kelsey Starling Foundation. I am a graduate of Troy University, having attained a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences. I pursued healthcare-related research opportunities, which turned into life-changing experiences.
In my academic career, I have conducted cancer research at Duke University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Troy University. Currently, I am a DIRECT Cancer Research Fellow at Duke University. I work in the Duke Cancer Institute under Dr. Jason Somarelli, Phd. Here at Duke, I am a Clinical Research Fellow, and I collect preclinical data for clinical trials. Currently, I am working in drug research and discovery for castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and leukemia. At UAB, I worked in the Department of Surgery. I was based in neuroendocrine research labs under Dr. J. Bart Rose, MD, and Dr. Rachael Guenter, PhD, studying pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors—a rare and complex form of pancreatic cancer. I led a new research project gathering preclinical data for a chemotherapy drug combination trial targeting gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
Additionally, I worked under Dr. Ankur Saxena, PhD, in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology as a research technician. In Dr. Saxena's lab, I contributed to multiple projects, including mapping neurogenesis in zebrafish, investigating the role of AB-42 in Alzheimer's disease, and examining critical pathways involved in neuroblastoma metastasis.
At Troy University, I worked in Dr. Jacqueline Jones' lab, researching prostate cancer metastasis to the bone. In my time at Troy University, I had the opportunity to travel to multiple national conferences where I presented my data to international audiences. My favorite opportunity with Dr. Jones was traveling to Washington, D.C., to speak with lawmakers about the importance of undergraduate research at our universities across the United States. I have decided to devote my life to studying and killing cancer as a future physician-scientist. It is a devastating disease that has taken the lives of many family members and friends, and my life goal is to advance cancer research and advocacy.
My name is Nell Haley. I’m “Nellie” to 6 grands that keep me busy! I, like Kelsey, am an Alpha Gamma Delta alumni from the University of Alabama. I am also a retired 7th/8th grade ELA and SPE teacher. I had the privilege of getting to know Kelsey through her friendship with my daughter, Claire. I spent lots of time with her, especially after she moved to Birmingham. Kelsey would even get into my clothes and jewelry like Claire. I was closely involved in the search and recovery process for Kelsey and am forever changed by that. I’m honored to be a member of this Foundation to commemorate Kelsey.
Hello! My name is Sam Gardner. I graduated from Auburn University in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education. I have always had a great passion for working with students and adults with disabilities; it was actually through tutoring my younger brother who has cerebral palsy that I found my love for teaching. I’ve previously worked as a supervisor for the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Rehabilitation program. Currently, I am an 8th grade ELA teacher at Russell County Middle School. I am also engaged to Megan Starling, and we are getting married this December. I cannot wait to start forever with her, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish through this Foundation together!
Hello! My name is Savannah Scott. I had the honor of graduating from the University of Alabama with Kelsey. I am currently a speech therapist and work at Unless U.
My husband is Drew Scott, and we have two daughters, Monroe and Mary Blake.
