Meet our Staff!
Executive Director
Joan Steele, Executive Director
Joan’s career has been a series of different positions that have all led her to where she is today. Mother of three children, she was a stay-at-home mom who loved every minute of spending so much time with her kids. From this she learned love. She then volunteered with a hospice program where she sat with adults as they battled cancer and sometimes lost the fight. From this she learned compassion and understanding. From there, her career path has taken her through many phases, from owning her own business to working for a major event planning company where she organized major events for various companies. From these she learned how to run a successful business and how to organize great events. Then, working for a national non-profit as a Development Director for seven years, Joan learned how to raise funds for a mission that is dear to her heart. From this she learned the power of a dream for a child with a life-threatening illness.
Toby’s Dream Foundation was created by Joan in November 2009 with the help of caring individuals who also shared her dream of serving the children in Greater Hampton Roads. She feels all of her previous experience has contributed to the success of the organization, which has grown rapidly in spite of the bad economy in which it was created. To date, Toby’s Dream Foundation has served over 650 children.
Joan receives her inspiration from her three children and six grandchildren who are blessed with good health, and from the many children she serves at Toby’s Dream, who are battling their respective illnesses with courage beyond belief.
Joan truly believes that for the children she serves… Tomorrow begins with a dream.
Contact Joan at joan@tobysdream.org
Director of Dreams
Patty Furco
Picture & bio coming soon!
Contact Patty at dreams@tobysdream.org
Director of Marketing & Events
Katie Landis
Katie, originally from Athens, Ohio, is the oldest of two siblings and has an unbreakable bond with her brother, who is also her best friend. She moved to Virginia in 2020 with her husband, Devin, and their three beloved pups – Petey, Hayes, and Zeke. Katie brings a unique understanding from a patient’s perspective, having undergone two open-heart surgeries: the first at 11 months old and the second at 24 years old (special thanks to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Dr. May Ling May!).
After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, she moved back to Athens and worked in Higher Education for 6 years. Katie’s greatest inspiration was caring for her grandmother (Mamaw) during her terminal cancer journey. Now, as part of Toby’s Dream Foundation Team (TDF), Katie is dedicated to creating meaningful connections through unconditional love, mentorship, and support.
Outside of her role here at TDF, Katie is a certified yoga teacher, can be found at a local coffee shop, and enjoys spending time with the ones who fill her cup! She looks forward to meeting you and traveling alongside you in your journey!
Contact Katie at joy@tobysdream.org