Our Team
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Trista Hamsmith, Founder
Trista is the founder of Reese’s Purpose, dedicated to protecting children through advocacy, education and innovation. After the tragic loss of her daughter Reese, Trista channeled her grief into action, championing the passage of Reese’s Law which strengthens safety standards for button batteries.
Under her leadership, Reese’s Purpose funds the development of life-saving medical devices, collaborates with companies to bring safer products to market, and provides resources to families affected by product-related injuries.
Trista is also a devoted mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Blake, and her 2 year-old-son, Brody. Her commitment to creating a safer world for all children is inspired by her love for her own family and her determination to honor Reese’s legacy. Through her tireless efforts, Trista is making a profound impact on the safety and well-being of children everywhere.
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Jeana Bloodgood, President
Jeana lives in Middletown, NJ, with her husband and two children. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac College (now Quinnipiac University) in Hamden, CT, and has been a physical therapist at Riverview Medical Center, part of the Hackensack Meridian Health System, since starting with them in 1996.
In 2020, just before the pandemic, Jeana purchased a Peloton and joined various online communities. It was in one of these groups that she encountered a post by Trista, a young mother from Texas, who was seeking support for her sick toddler, Reese. Deeply moved by Reese's story, Jeana stayed connected with Trista during Reese’s hospitalization. After Reese’s passing in December 2020, Jeana became a passionate advocate for Trista’s mission to pass legislation aimed at saving others. This led to the creation of Reese’s Purpose, a nonprofit born out of grassroots efforts and a shared determination to make a difference. Being a part of Reese’s Purpose brings a huge sense of pride, knowing she is helping to protect others in her community and beyond.
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Keith Rhoades, Vice President
COMING SOON
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Stephany Zamora, Treasurer
Stephany grew up in rural, southern Illinois until she started college at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. She later met and befriended Trista. Reese and Stephany’s son of the same age were buddies and jokingly referred to as “boyfriend/girlfriend” until Reese’s untimely passing.
Stephany originally joined Reese’s Purpose to provide support for her heart-broken friend, unsure what part she could play. With a heart for planning and hosting, she began her formal role with Reese’s Purpose in 2021 by organizing and fundraising for the now annual golf tournament. She currently also serves as Treasurer alongside her role in community event planning for Reese’s Purpose.
Stephany is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a background in Management Information Systems, previously working for USAA in San Antonio; she now spends her time as a stay-at-home-mom/family manager/travel agent (you name it). She lives in Lubbock with her husband (Andrew), 5-year-old son (Brewer), and a goldendoodle named Bogey. Stephany has a big heart for sports, hosting, volunteering, and enjoys crafting when time allows.
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Tiffany Schuler, Secretary
Tiffany Downing Schuler is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, development, and advocacy. She currently serves as Development Director at Epilepsy Foundation Texas, where she oversees major gift programs, special events, and donor relations across the state. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit development, Tiffany has managed impactful fundraising efforts for organizations such as the American Red Cross and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Her expertise includes grant writing, event planning, volunteer management, and cultivating strong relationships with individual and corporate donors. Tiffany holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Development from Oklahoma Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University. As a mother of four, Tiffany’s passion for child safety and healthy communities is both personal and professional. She is committed to building healthy communities and improving lives through philanthropy and advocacy.
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Billie Jo Burr, Board Member
Billie Jo Burr is an impassioned child safety advocate. She assumed that role in 2016 after her 10-month-old granddaughter accidentally ingested a button battery. Over the next 18 months, her granddaughter would endure roughly 40 surgeries and countless procedures- almost losing her a number of times in the process. After learning of Reese’s Purpose she joined Trista advocating and educating to help with the successful passing of Reese’s Law.
Billie Jo also currently serves on the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children Family Advisory Network Board and also volunteers as a child safety advocate for the Monique Burr Foundation (MBF), which teaches child abuse prevention education programs to educate and empower children with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to the four types of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect), exploitation, bullying, cyberbullying, human trafficking, digital abuse, and other digital dangers.
Billie Jo Burr attended the University of North Florida majoring in Computer Information Systems and worked for Merrill Lynch Consulting Services in Jacksonville, Florida for over 17 years as both an Administrative Manager and Database Developer. She retired in 2005 to raise her four children and focus on her family - which now includes her sweet and spirited 9-year-old granddaughter.