Board of Trustees

Younghee Wong (Founder / President) - I started my professional career in media advertising in Chicago, IL working on brands such as Procter & Gamble, Delta Airlines, Disney, and Lincoln before accepting the position of Media Manager at Audi of America, LLC. I retired from my position at Audi as the Department Manager of Experiential marketing to start a family. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood outside of Detroit, living in subsidized housing for many years and seeing my father’s anger and frustration of living in poverty. It was during this time that I gained a deep desire to help and protect children. And after working with several non-profits during my time at Audi and decades of volunteering with various children’s organizations, I gained the experience to create an organization that would more effectively and efficiently utilize every dollar donated for the direct benefit of our lilies. I hope to surround our lilies not just with financial/educational support but also empower their community of influencers to be able to do the same.

Andrew Wong (Vice-President) - Andrew was born and raised in the metro-Detroit area of Michigan. Formative years were filled with sports of all kinds and a love of art. He went on for his formal education at the University of Michigan where he obtained his BA and medical training, but more importantly met his future wife, Younghee. They settled their family in California to take a position with Arrowhead Orthopedics and as an assistant clinical professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He has enjoyed a busy and fulfilling practice, caring for patients of all ages and teaching residents and medical students. He and his wife have two energetic boys who fill his days with playing in the ocean and mountains and drawing.

Sara Garcia (Board Member) - Sara is a Montessori in Redlands educator focused on children ages 3-6. She has two children and enjoys being outdoors, practicing yoga and working with children. She has been a member since 2019.

Teesie Szubert-Emge (Board Member) - Teesie Szubert-Emge is a dedicated Lower Elementary Guide at Montessori in Redlands, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role. She holds an AMI-accredited Montessori Elementary Guide certification, a Master of Science in Education, and a BA in Psychology.  She is a Teacher and Parent Educator and is a staunch advocate for the needs of children. Teesie is Fluent in German and conversational in Spanish, and dabbles in learning additional languages. A devoted mother to two adult children and wife to Thomas Emge, Teesie balances her professional life with her love for running, hiking, reading, advocating for the earth, exploring cultures and connecting with others. She joined the board in 2024.

Kelly McGrail Patton (2018-2024) - Kelly is a digital marketing specialist with a passion for community. She is a City of Redlands Cultural Commissioner, on the Board of Associates of the Redlands Bowl and oversees the digital marketing at UC Riverside, which is the most diverse University of California campus. Through her work there, she has taken a keen interest in helping underserved students. Seeing first-hand how financial support can help a student and lead to a better future is the reason she decided to join the LoV board in 2018.

Sally Burton (2021-2023) - Reverend Dr. Sally Burton is a retired minister, ordained in the United Church of Christ. Currently she is a Spiritual Director in Redlands, CA. Sally and her husband, who is an Orthopedic Surgeon, have three children and five grandchildren. She has served on the board of many children’s organizations and has been a member since 2021.