About Us

It was just a simple get-together. Kate Crump, who was grieving the loss of her son, invited every mama she knew who had experienced the same loss to have dinner together and share stories. 

Kasie Ballard, a bereavement doula, had been making weighted animals for her own clients for years. That evening, she brought one for Kate - the very first Ellett Deer.

The Ellett Deer was passed around, and everyone agreed that these animals were something people needed. The non-profit was verbally formed, with the mission to get these animals into the local hospitals so that no family had to leave with empty arms. 

Meet Our Team

Kasie Ballard

President

Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Kasie proudly serves local families as a birth and bereavement doula and is a dedicated special needs and home-schooling momma. She lives with her incredibly supportive husband, Jorge, and their three amazing boys. She enjoys reading romantic novels, creative writing, and crafting of any kind.

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Landon Onyx Ballard 

January 6, 2009

3lbs 10oz

Kate Crump, RN

Co-Vice President

Born and raised in Virginia, Kate currently loves living the small town life. She lives with her husband, Scott, and two dogs, Sadie and Zoe. She enjoys cheering on JMU, playing kickball and bowling, being a member of Junior Womens Club of Williamsburg, and spending time with friends and family.

Ellett Gray Crump

June 26, 2018

4lb 4oz

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Two Miscarriages

July 2017 & February 2019

Heidi Anderson

Co-Vice President

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Heidi grew up on the Middle Peninsula of Virginia where she still lives with her husband, Daniel, daughters, Piper and Blakelee, and dog, Jax. She is an orthodontist assistant who loves being on the water or at the beach in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, traveling, exploring new places, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

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Laken Ty Anderson

October 5, 2018

9lb 2oz

Lauren Fuller

Secretary

coming soon

Erin Miller

Treasurer

A veteran and Michigan native, Erin has found a home in the Virginia Peninsula with her daughter, Kaelin. Erin and Kaelin enjoy spending time outside, hiking, horseback riding, and playing with their dogs. 

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Odin Robert Miller

August 31, 2007

8lbs 11oz

Sarah Berry

Social Media Director

Sarah grew up in New Jersey and settled in Williamsburg, Virginia, after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She lives with her husband Jeff, son Samuel, and their two dogs, Nickel and Penny. She is a fourth grade teacher and loves rowing on a local crew team, baking, and crafting.

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Finley Ann Berry

April 29, 2017

7lb 2oz

Taylor Louis

Creative Consultant

Taylor spent her formative years in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia. She and her husband, Drew, moved back to the Peninsula from Texas in 2016. She is a homeschool mom of five who enjoys cooking and spending her free time reading, writing, and doing freelance graphic design.

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Zion Kenneth Louis

November 17, 2017

6lb 3oz

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Four Miscarriages

May 2009, August 2012, January 2015, July 2019