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.
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
Two Miscarriages
July 2017 & February 2019
Heidi Anderson
Co-Vice President
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.
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.
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.
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 four who enjoys cooking and spending her free time reading, writing, and doing freelance graphic design.
Zion Kenneth Louis
November 17, 2017
6lb 3oz
Four Miscarriages
May 2009, August 2012, January 2015, July 2019