Olivia's Bears Board Members

Olivia Gonyea has been active in the cancer community for over 13 years as a childhood cancer survivor. She founded Olivia's Bears with her family while still undergoing treatment for bone cancer to support other young people affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Buffalo, New York. Her personal experience with cancer influenced her to pursue an education in Public Health. She graduated from American University in Washington, DC with a degree in Public Health and began working at a nonprofit in DC called the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in July, 2022. As the Cancer Support Program and Retreat Coordinator, Olivia helps plan and host support programs and retreats for adults affected by cancer. During her time in the hospital, she found creative activities to be very supportive. Now over a decade cancer-free, she gets to help others discover the role that the arts can play in healing. Olivia is honored to support both children and young adults and adults who are affected by cancer in both her personal and professional lives. Outside of her professional life and the organization, Olivia loves live music, traveling, and spending time in nature.

Ken Gonyea graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. He completed his MBA at the University of Buffalo in 1999. He has been in Manufacturing Management for the past 30 years and has served on the Board of Directors Olivia’s Bears since its founding in 2009. Ken is the father of Olivia who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when she was 8 years old. Watching his daughter go through treatments and surgeries motivated him and his family to give back and create their own not for profit organization. He has also been a Make-A-Wish volunteer and Wish Granter for many years. Ken and his family know how blessed they are to have such great hospitals like Roswell & Oishei Children’s that helped treat Olivia during her battle with cancer. They also recognize how much support they had received back then from their friends, family and community which has motivated them to carry on the support of others as their mission.

Maureen Finney has been a long time friend of the Gonyea family. She witnessed Olivia's strength as she endured her cancer journey and the unwavering and ever present love of the Gonyea family as they battled the unimaginable. The establishment of Olivia's Bears is a testament to the selfless love that emerged from the Gonyea family during a time of immense challenge. Maureen considers it a true blessing to be a part of the board of directors. Maureen is currently Provost at Nazareth University. She earned her bachelor's in biochemistry from Niagara University and her master's in natural sciences from SUNY Buffalo. She completed her physician assistant bachelor's degree, and her doctorate in health policy and education from D'Youville University.

Amanda got to know the Gonyea family when Olivia and Ali Gonyea worked at Platter’s Chocolate Factory which is where she has worked since 2007. She started learning more about the organization and loved everything it stood for. Amanda began helping out more and was honored to be asked to join the Board of Directors in 2019. Outside of Olivia’s Bears, she loves spending time with her husband and their daughter, going on family vacations, walks outside, and reading.