helping Families Find Light, Guidance, and Community
Providing the support and connection families need to navigate life’s most challenging transitions
Here for Families,
Every Step of the Way
Families often face emotional shock, isolation, overwhelming medical information, limited guidance, and a lack of peer connection after diagnosis. Through one on one emotional support, Williams Syndrome specific courses for parents and individuals, curated medical and educational resources, and community-based programming, we help ensure no family walks the journey alone.
Amy Browne's Inspiring Vision
Amy Browne’s journey as Bella’s mother shaped the foundation’s vision. Our mission is rooted in Bella’s spirit: inclusive, hopeful, and full of love. She is not defined by a diagnosis, but by her courage, her smile, and the way she inspires others to see the world through acceptance and possibility.
Empowering Families with the tools
they need
Access trusted medical, educational, and family support resources designed to help navigate the Williams Syndrome journey with greater clarity, confidence, and community.
Development Resources
Access trusted family support resources, and proven therapists designed to help navigate the Williams Syndrome journey with greater clarity, confidence, and community.
Connection
Connect with Bay Area and National resources that provide the support each family desperately needs.
Medical Resources
Access leading Williams Syndrome medical programs and specialized care resources, including Stanford Medicine, CHOP's Center of Excellence, and trusted national healthcare support networks.
Meet Our Board
United by a shared commitment to supporting individuals with Williams Syndrome and their families, our trusted board and advisors provide the strategic guidance, compassion, and vision to advance the mission of The Little Lights Foundation.
United by personal connection and professional expertise, our board is dedicated to guiding, supporting, and empowering families navigating the lifelong journey of Williams Syndrome.
Amy Browne
Amy Browne is the Founder of The Little Lights Foundation, inspired by her journey as the mother of a daughter with Williams Syndrome. After experiencing the challenges of navigating a new diagnosis, she created the foundation to provide families with guidance, resources, and hope. Amy is an accomplished entrepreneur and business development executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Pepperdine University and is dedicated to building a supportive community for families navigating disabilities.
Louise Browne
Louise Browne, M.A., brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to The Little Lights Foundation. Having supported Bella and her family from the beginning, she understands the realities of raising a child with Williams Syndrome. Louise is an educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and co-host of the Adoption: The Making of Me podcast. She holds a Master's degree in Education and has worked extensively in education and nonprofit organizations, bringing compassion, advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to serving children and families.
Todd Browne
Todd Browne brings decades of executive leadership to The Little Lights Foundation. He serves as President and CEO of Tom James, one of the world's largest custom clothing companies, after building a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. As Bella's uncle, Todd has a deeply personal connection to the foundation's mission and is passionate about expanding awareness, opportunity, and support for individuals with Williams Syndrome and their families through thoughtful leadership and long-term stewardship.
Cindy D. Johnson, M.A.
Cindy D. Johnson, M.A., brings more than 30 years of leadership in early childhood education, family advocacy, and nonprofit development. She previously led statewide early learning initiatives for the State of Nevada, overseeing programs that strengthened education and family support services. Since retiring from state service, Cindy has continued consulting and training educators nationwide. Her expertise in program development, collaboration, and family-centered solutions makes her a valuable advocate for families navigating Williams Syndrome.
Karen Frederick
Karen Frederick brings more than 40 years of experience in corporate finance, project management, and nonprofit governance. Her career includes leadership roles with GE Capital and Cooper Tools, followed by more than two decades supporting nonprofit organizations through board service, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Karen currently serves as Co-Chair of the Almaden Valley Counseling Service Board and is committed to strengthening organizations that improve the lives of children and families through sound governance and sustainable growth.
Owen Browne
Owen Browne is a movement specialist and peptide coach focused on integrative health, recovery, and performance. His commitment to The Little Lights Foundation is deeply personal, having supported his sister throughout her journey with Williams Syndrome. Combining expertise in functional movement, regenerative health, and wellness education with lived family experience, Owen advocates for improving quality of life, expanding awareness, and helping families build lifelong support systems rooted in compassion, resilience, and community.
Chester W. Browne
Chester W. Browne has dedicated more than four decades to leadership, community service, and the life insurance industry. A Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), he held executive leadership positions with New York Life and American United Life while serving on numerous civic and nonprofit boards. As Bella's grandfather, Chester brings both personal passion and lifelong leadership experience to the foundation. He remains committed to expanding awareness, strengthening families, and helping every child with Williams Syndrome reach their full potential.
Donate to Make an Impact
Every donation helps provide hope, resources, and lifelong support for individuals with Williams Syndrome and the families who love them. Choose the area where you'd like to make the greatest difference.
General Operating Fund
Your gift to our General Operating Fund provides the flexibility to meet the greatest needs of The Little Lights Foundation. Unrestricted donations help us build and sustain programs, provide resources for families, cover essential operating expenses, and ensure we can respond as new needs arise. Every donation-large or small-helps us continue our mission of supporting individuals with Williams syndrome and their families from diagnosis through adulthood. Thank you for helping us keep our light shining for families who need it most.
Community & Connection Fund
Everyone deserves access to support, connection, and resources, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your donation to the Community & Connection Fund provides scholarships for families and individuals to participate in support groups, educational courses, and one-on-one consulting services. These scholarships help ensure that no one is turned away because of financial need.
By giving to this fund, you're helping families find community, gain knowledge, build confidence, and access the support they need at every stage of their journey.
Health & Education Support Fund
Early intervention and ongoing therapies can make a life-changing difference for individuals with William’s Syndrome, but they are often costly and not fully covered by insurance. Your gift to the Health & Education Support Fund helps provide financial assistance for essential services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, specialized educational resources, and other therapeutic support.
By contributing to this fund, you're helping children and adults access the care, tools, and opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential and thrive. Together, we can help remove financial barriers so more families receive the support they need when they need it most.
Connect With Us
Reach Out Today
Share the story of your family's unique journey