Our Board of Directors, Serving with Gratitude
Our board members are united by a shared commitment to kindness in action. Each brings their heart, experience, and dedication to guiding Anya’s Mission with integrity and care. Together, they help ensure that every decision reflects the love and purpose behind our work.
Sarah Kranick, M.D.
Dr. Sarah Kranick is a Neurologist in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in inpatient Neurology (Neurohospitalist) with MultiCare Health System. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard University, her MD at the Medical College of Georgia, and her Neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. After her fellowship with Dr. Mark Hallett at the National Institutes of Health, she served as the Director of the Neurology Consult service for the Clinical Center of the NIH.
Sarah and her husband moved with their three daughters to Tacoma, WA in 2014. When she is not attending her children’s soccer and volleyball games and tennis matches she enjoys going to see live music and running.
MARIA SIAN CHAVAN, Ph.D.
Maria completed her PhD in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society at the University at Buffalo in 2023. Her interest in educational policy began during her service as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) at the King Center Charter School and International Institute of Buffalo, NY twenty years ago.
Maria has served in several professional roles at UB, including as Assistant Director of General Education in Academic Affairs and Coordinator in the Office of Global Health Initiatives. She has taught undergraduate courses in the fields of Education, Sociology, and Gender Studies with an emphasis on transnational migration, belonging, and equity in education. Previously, she coordinated a Migrant Education Program in Western North Carolina for K-12 students and collaborated with Mexico’s Institute for Adult Education for program development with North Carolina State University.
Maria’s current research examines the impact of nature-based learning on student well-being and equity and inclusion in learning environments.
Maria’s passion is raising her son, now ten. Their family has helped rescue and foster many dogs and they enjoy outdoor adventures together.
Kate Babbo
Kate Babbo, Chief Operating Officer at Thompson Consulting Group, has been with the organization since its incorporation in 2001. During her time with the company, Kate has been a part of all facets of the operation of the business. Kate possesses a diverse background which allows her to offer a unique skill set to our clients. Kate provides our clients with expert help in the federal appropriation process having been part of repeated successful efforts, government affairs planning and execution, and advanced problem solving for our clients emerging issues.
While at Thompson Consulting Group Kate was able to earn her Master’s in Education from the University of Washington. Coupled with her undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and English, Kate has become a valued resource for our clients in the education field, including both public and private institutions.
Along with her policy work, Kate has spearheaded campaigns that have raised substantial amounts of funds for learning institutions in our area. Putting her leadership skills to work Kate has been a part of many area political campaigns, from local city races to large federal campaigns. This work has provided her with a broad knowledge base creating a strong foundation in politics, enhancing the firms offering to our clients.
Prior to joining Thompson Consulting Group, Kate worked in the manufacturing sector. Working in a team setting Kate became adept at interfacing with clients making sure all agreed to deliverables of the business relationship were met. Kate spent several years learning valuable skills in contract procurement and fulfillment which have translated to her work at the firm.
A. DHANYA MACKEEN, M.D.
Dhanya Mackeen is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician and a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
She is passionate about improving the health and safety of mothers and babies through a focus in provision of high-quality, safe, evidence-based care and promoting education for both patients and future health care professionals.
Beyond her professional work, Dhanya is deeply committed to supporting families and children. Dhanya joined the board of Anya’s Mission: Kindness in Action to honor the memory of Anya, her daughter’s very first friend, a child who brought so much joy to their lives. Their families shared countless special moments together—from playdates to unforgettable vacations, including magical trips to Disneyworld. Anya’s light and spirit continue to inspire Dhanya, and she is honored to contribute to a cause so close to her heart.
Sarah Hager
Sarah is a certified school counselor with over 12 years of experience grades K-12. The core of her work has always been the relationships she forms with students, families, and the community at large. Her career is about service to others, and she brings that mindset to the goals of Anya’s Mission: Kindness in Action.
Sarah is a member of a regional crisis intervention team that mobilizes to support local school districts in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. She previously served on several county and regional community based organizations, working to meet the needs of local residents through a collaborative, resource building approach.
As someone who knew and loved Anya, Sarah is personally dedicated to promoting Anya’s legacy of kindness in action through the work of this mission and her role as a board member.
Outside of her work, Sarah enjoys traveling and any adventures that allow her to connect with nature.
Sharon Royne
Sharon is the Chief Administrative Officer for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and has more than 33 years of healthcare administration experience. She has been part of VMFH for nearly 30 years, serving in various leadership roles, including Chief Human Resources Officer, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, and Director of Employee and Labor Relations.
Sharon has also served in leadership roles for CHI Franciscan’s Foundations and is on the Carol Milgard Breast Center Board of Directors. She is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration, the Society for Human Resources Management, The Washington State Healthcare Human Resources Association, A Fellow of the Health Care Advisory Board Fellowship Program and holds a certification as Professional in Human Resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Jaipreet Sandhu
Coming soon!