United Open Arms
Supporting CSA/SA survivors with therapy funds and
educating for safe spaces with care and compassion
About United Open Arms (UOA)
United Open Arms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt by virtue of our charitable programs. UOA is focused on survivor needs within the United States. When we investigated setting up a therapy fund, it became apparent that the creation of a nonprofit organization would be the best route to ensure donor and survivor privacy. This structure ensures financial transparency and accountability.
Board of Directors
UOA is managed by professional volunteers with expertise in a number of areas including mental health/medicine, finance, communication, law, insurance, technology, and governance. Some of our board members are survivors of CSA/SA. Board members are volunteers with no compensation for their services. Legally, nonprofits are required to have a board of directors to incorporate as a nonprofit, obtain tax-exempt status, and have a bank account. The board of directors is the governing body that oversees its activities and drives overall strategy. Feel free to reach out to any of the Board or Advisory Board via our Contact page with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Melodee Smith
President & Board Chairperson, Welch, MN
Melodee's experience includes nonprofit governance leadership, farm ownership and management.
Noel Carlson
Vice President & Board Vice Chairperson, Holland, MI
Noel is a retired anesthesiology physician, and he also served on the bylaws committee during his professional medical career.
Valerie Villafane
Secretary & Board Director, Austin, MN
Valerie's experience includes procurement and supply chain operations leadership with broad program, budget, contract, and policy experience.
Darcy Lackman
Treasurer & Board Director, Center, ND
Darcy's experience includes nonprofit governance (community & youth), professional work in safety, human resources & related policy writing.
Curt Swenson
Board Director, Burr Ridge, IL
Curt is a retired engineering and business executive with experience on six continents.
Craig Chipperfield
Board Director, Omaha, NE
Craig's experience includes supply chain operations management, and business ownership and management.
Patty Henderson
Board Director, Minnetrista, MN
Patty is a retired nurse with healthcare leadership experience. She served several terms on non-profit professional boards.
Advisory Board
The UOA advisory board is a group of volunteers who informally advise and help our board of directors. The members of our advisory board provide additional knowledge and expertise to offer specific help as necessary in managing different aspects of the organization.