Our Vision & Mission
We believe in fostering a passion for healthcare advocacy and providing students with the platform to make a lasting impact.
Meet The Team: 2026--2027
Student-driven aid for a healthier world
Cora Shields
Founder/Executive Director
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*Inaugural SCPS Student School Board Member--2026
*Intern at BSL-II CAP CLIA research Lab--ASSIP at GMU
*Hospital Volunteer--UVA Health, Culpeper
*SCA President--Riverbend High School
*Founder/President Medical Careers Club
*Global Health Initiative to Peru
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Griffin Williford
Board Chair​
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​*Founding Treasurer of Rho Kappa Honor Society
*President of Courtland High School Chess Club
*Vice President of CHS DECA chapter
*Key member of Renaissance Club and Future Americans in Medicine Club
Laila McKnight
Director of Resource Development
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*Founder/President of Empathy in Action at Spotsylvania High School
*Vice President Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society
*Mary Washington Hospital Junior Volunteer--Summer Program
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Audrey Boetig
Director of Impact
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*Mary Washington Hospital Junior Volunteer--Summer Program
*Uniformed Service University Medical School Externship (S2M2)
*VHSL state debate winner--3rd place
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Cody Darr
Director of Media and Public Relations
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*Formerly Founder/President of Bears Who Care
*NHS executive officer for Riverbend High School
*Organized firefighter appreciation campaign
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Sarah Lapier
Mental Health Liaison​
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*Completed mental health initiative for teens receiving mental health care at an inpatient treatment facility.
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*Currently completing a project to support victims of sexual violence.
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*Serves as mentor and student assistant coach for RHS Varsity Tennis
Aja Libs
Director of Community Outreach
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*Sports Medicine Shadow--Riverbend Athletics
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*Medical Careers Club Secretary
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*Micah's Ecumenical Ministries Volunteer
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*Seven Oaks Student Board Secretary
Lorelai Breivik
Director of Neonatal Support
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*Directed a cleaning supply drive for Pathway for Homes
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*Marching Band Flute Section Leader
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*Youth Group President
About Us
We began as a ragtag group of students in rural Virginia, united by a shared passion for healthcare and a desire to serve. Volunteering in local hospitals and community health programs, many of us recognized healthcare needs in our communities—but we lacked the resources, networks, and sometimes even the knowledge to take action.
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Helping Hands in Healthcare was born from that frustration. We chose to band together—combining our skills, energy, and ideas to empower ourselves and others to address the healthcare issues we care deeply about. What started as a small effort has grown into a collective force for change, driven by young people determined to make a real, tangible impact.