MEET OUR TEAM

​Cindy's career spanned over 45 years in the real estate industry - starting as a real estate agent with Henry S. Miller, Realtors in Dallas, to director of corporate relocation for the CENTURY 21  System nationwide for 19 years, then senior mortgage loan officer for Premier Nationwide Lending in Texas.  Cindy was thrilled when Nick graduated from the University of Texas in Austin (her alma mater as well) with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering.  When Nick was diagnosed with a GBM just after Thanksgiving 2005, she and Nick's family were devastated. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and a clinical trial could not stop the cancer from returning.  After Nick's passing, Cindy established the foundation in Nick's memory and vowed to keep his legacy alive for his children, raising critical funds for brain tumor research specifically and increasing awareness of the early warning signs. 

​Roy's career spanned over 25 years as a Supervisor with Sonoco in Carrollton, then as a business owner of R&C Fence Co, LLC for another 26 years.  Though Roy was a step father to Nick, he always felt and loved both Nick and Marcus  as his own children and was involved in their sports, special events, graduations, marriages and more throughout their lives. Roy was so proud of what Nick had accomplished in his life at such a young age, from graduating with his degree in aerospace engineering, to remodeling his home, to raising a beautiful family with his wife, Anne.  Over the years, Roy has supported the Foundation in numerous ways and capacities, being a corporate sponsor himself at all events.  

Marcus has been a licensed therapeutic optometrist for over 20 years serving as Professor, University of Houston, School of Optometry and Director of the Dallas Campus for graduate students.   He was only 26 when his oldest brother Nick was diagnosed.  He was fortunate to be able to support Nick in his fight against brain cancer.  Whether going to radiation treatments or staying up late watching NASA documentaries, they enjoyed being together and were determined to continue to make each other laugh.   It was truly an amazing gift to have had Nick in his life.  After he passed, Marcus joined his mother and family to establish the foundation in Nick's honor.  Along the way, Marcus has shared how humbling it's been to meet so many other people and families impacted by this disease.   Marcus has managed the live auction at all of the charity golf tournaments, along with the overall programs for the various events. 

Stefanie has been a licensed therapeutic optometrist for over 18 years and has been the financial director of the Foundation since its inception.  While Stefanie met and married Marcus after the passing of Nick, she never got to meet Nick.  But through stories from Nick's mom and family, she was determined to give 100% to building the Foundation and helping others stricken with this deadly form of cancer. Stefanie has managed the dollars raised at each charity golf event and fundraiser over the years and oversees the NGF facebook page, along with generating marketing materials for the foundation and so much more. 

Mike has been a volunteer & supporter since 2008. He has worked tirelessly at all charity events, from managing the sponsors on the golf course, to coordinating volunteers, managing our special fundraising promotions during the golf tournaments such as the “golf ball drop”, and so much more.  Mike has been the Director of Volunteer Engagement since 2023, and his computer experience is invaluable to the Foundation.

Carole retired from Parkland Hospital in Dallas after eighteen years as a Nurse Practitioner.  She’s been a long time volunteer and supporter of the Foundation.  She has reached out and developed new sponsors for the Foundation, along with inviting new volunteers including her daughter and granddaughter.  Carole has been a tireless worker bee with everything from program ideas, assistance with silent auction items and packaging, cashier day of event and so much more. Carole's dream is to see the day that Glioblastoma Multiforme is curable. 

Jacklyn shared a bond with Nick Gonzales that spans a lifetime. Friends since birth, Jacklyn grew up alongside Nick, attending Mary Immaculate Catholic School with him and maintaining a close friendship throughout their adult lives. This deep personal connection fuels her dedication to the Foundation’s mission.

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Professionally, Jacklyn has been a licensed educator in Texas for over 15 years. With a focus on the sciences, she is passionate about working with underserved communities and at-risk youth, striving to provide her students with essential life skills alongside a rigorous science curriculum.

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For the past several years, Jacklyn has been a vital force within the Foundation. Her contributions are vast, ranging from strategic planning and volunteer recruitment to managing the silent auction. She has also been instrumental in the success of the annual charity golf tournament, successfully reaching out to new donors and golfers to expand the Foundation's impact.

As a retired RN for over 40 years, Karen has also volunteered for The National Brain Tumor Association, The Nick Gonzales Foundation, current CEO for North Texas Grey Matters Brain Tumor Support Group in Plano, TX, Brain Injury Network, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church,  and other non-profits. 

Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001 and retired after 30 years as a business professional.  He has volunteered for the National Brain Tumor Association, The Nick Gonzales Foundation, and is a former board member of North Texas Grey Matters Brain Tumor Support Group in Plano. 

Michael’s career in IT and business management allows him to provide valuable insight to the Foundation into the use of social media and online silent bidding options during the annual charity golf tournaments that improved the efficiency and timeliness of bids and payments.  Michael lost his Dad in 2020 to a GBM and is deeply focused on raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research.  As Director of the Foundation's social media operations, Michael's experience and knowledge is deeply appreciated.  

Kathy and Cindy met at the inaugural fundraiser for the Foundation which was a “Ten Day Trip to Italy” drawing.  Our priest at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Farmers Branch allowed Cindy to provide information on the creation of the Foundation, its mission and goals and sell raffle tickets to launch the Foundation in late 2007.  Kathy had just learned her adult son was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but didn’t know the details of his prognosis at that time.   Kathy’s son, Jim, had surgery, chemo and radiation and has been cancer free for almost 18 years now.  Kathy was a lifelong, well-respected school teacher in Dallas and after retirement, was always involved with charity organizations such as the North Dallas Women’s Club, The Antiquers, Country Place Gals and others.  Kathy became a full-time volunteer and supporter in early 2008 and was the Director of the Silent Auction until her passing in October 2024.  Through Kathy’s leadership and creative skills bundling the various donations into beautiful baskets and gift packages, the silent auction held during each charity golf tournament, raised from $10,000 a year to over $22,000 in 2024. Kathy is dearly missed and will always hold a place in the heart of all our volunteers, especially Cindy.