Board of Directors

We are Rhett’s parents (Ryan and Tyler) and founders of the Rhett Sullivan Foundation.  Rhett is our first born son and third child, born on July 3, 2017.  Rhett died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) on Sept 22, 2017.  After Rhett’s death we felt alone and didn’t know where to turn.  

We started the Rhett Sullivan Foundation with the intent to help a few families locally. Through the help of many donors, we have been able to expand the foundation’s reach nationwide.  We wanted to provide for other families that face early child loss in hopes they would not feel alone and isolated on this new  journey of life without their baby.  

Ryan and Tyler reside in Flower Mound, Texas with their children Hudson (12 y/o), Emory (10 y/o) and Cal (4y/o).  The work we have done with the foundation has helped and continues to  help us process our grief and show the never ending love we have for Rhett.

Lori Sanders serves on the Rhett Sullivan Foundation board as our Secretary.  Lori was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Denton, Texas with her husband Guy and two daughters, Mia (17) and Sloane (11).  She has been a great friend to Ryan and Tyler for 20+ years. 

“When they said they were starting a foundation in Rhett’s name, I wanted to help immediately in any way I could. When they asked me to join the board, I didn’t even question it. I am truly grateful to be a part of a foundation that gives back to other families that have experienced unexpected early child loss and for doing so in Rhett’s name. It will always fill my heart to volunteer my time for the Rhett Sullivan Foundation. 

I look forward to many more years continuing to work with the community to see the foundation help bring some peace to the families that have experienced early child loss. My heart is full every day I am a part of it.”

Sable Gonyea grew up outside of Chicago, Illinois and attended William Woods University and Aurora University graduating with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master’s in Social Work.  Sable resides in Lantana, Texas with her husband David and two daughters, one in Heaven, Ella (8y/o) and one Earthside, Laurel (6y/o). Sable is currently a Therapist and Founder of Village Counseling PLLC.  

“My daughter, Ella, died in childbirth in 2015 due to Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. While I have always been a trauma therapist, several years after her death and into my own healing, I transitioned my practice to focus solely on working with families who have lost a baby in pregnancy or early infancy. Tyler and I met via Facebook to coordinate services and the connection was made!

One thing that always strikes me is when talking about the foundation, Tyler and Ryan always share the importance of saying our babies’ names, that they are not afraid to meet someone in their grief, recognize the life lost, and walk in that painful journey with other families.” 

Julie Fischer was born and raised in Denton, Texas and currently lives there with her husband John and their two sons, Reed (8 y/o) and Case (4y/o).  Julie is currently the Director of Marketing Communications at Hillwood.

“As a friend who was raising our kids together and witnessed the unimaginable loss of a child- I did not  know what to say or how to support Ryan, Tyler and their girls. The Rhett Sullivan Foundation provides that avenue for grieving families as well as helping others know how to help a friend or a co-worker in a similar situation. They channeled what they went through into the foundation, providing not only financial support but emotional support, sound advice & guidance while honoring the memory of Rhett, one cool dude providing hope to so many!

I look forward to the future of the foundation as it continues to expand its reach by providing support to families beyond North Texas and throughout the U.S. as well as grow its network of support services and groups to further the mission.”