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.