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CALLIE BIGRIGG, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
My name is Callie, and I am one of the original founders of Tiny Toes. I served 6 years in the military and have been in the construction field for the past 10 years. I married my husband in 2018 and became a bonus mom to my wonderful bonus daughter. In 2021 we welcomed twin boys into the world. We were aware that one of our twins may have complications at birth and I, a Reno local, was sent to Las Vegas NV to deliver my boys. Unsure what to expect, we were hoping for a two week stay with the twins. 9 months later we came home from Las Vegas back to Reno, with one “healthy” baby and one baby with a tracheostomy and ventilator. We were officially indoctrinated into the medical parent club.
I had no idea what parents of medically complex children go through until I was pushed firsthand into this world, and I had no idea there were so many right here in our community until I became a medical mom myself. I remember thinking there must be more help than this. Having seen what so many families face when they have a medically complex child, Tiny Toes was founded by myself, Amy Echard and Barbara Williams, all of whom have been faced with the challenges of having a medically complex child close to their hearts.
Someone once said if you cannot find the change you are looking for, you must be the change.
AMY ECHARD, FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT
My name is Amy Echard and I am one of the founders of Tiny Toes. I found my passion in mental health care and have been working in specialized care for patients suffering from various serious mental health conditions for over a decade. My husband and I have been together for more than 20 years, having met when we were barely considered adults. Our youngest, a healthy baby boy, was born in January 2005. By the end of that summer, we were fully immersed in the tumultuous and solitary journey of raising a medically fragile child. After years of uncertainty, hope, disappointment, pride, devastation and finally celebration, I’m happy to say we are now alumni of the medical parent club. Our son exceeded every expectation and is a healthy, independent young man.
Though we are so grateful for the lessons learned, the resilience unearthed, and a greater outlook on what's important in life, it’s a club I would never wish for anyone to be a part of, and I certainly wouldn’t want to go back. Even with my own experience as a medical mom, I had no idea how many families in our own community are living a similar nightmare. The journey is so isolating and all consuming, it doesn’t leave much room for supportive connection. Tiny Toes was founded by myself, Callie Biggrigg and Barbara Williams to support these families with love, financial support and a sense of community.
I can say there has been a lot of healing for myself since starting this foundation, healing of wounds I didn’t even realize were still there. My hope is that we will be a positive difference in this severely underserved population as well as an inspiration to those who can help.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”-Jane Goodall
BARBARA WILLIAMS, FOUNDER, TREASURER, SECRETARY
I'm Barbara Williams, a Registered Nurse with 42 years of experience. My background includes 25 years in ICU nursing and 17 years in quality and regulatory compliance. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Public-Health Nursing Certificate, and a Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Quality.
Outside of my professional life, I'm happily married for 41 years. My husband owns a logging company, with which I assist in the bookkeeping. We share a love for living on and tending to our small ranch which is home to dogs, chickens, and cows.
I enjoy hobbies like reading, participating in book clubs, antiquing and treasure hunting, flower gardening, hiking, kayaking and occasional travel. As a past scuba diver, I have memories of many dives and exploring underwater caves.
We're blessed with two adult children and three incredible grandboys! Being a grandmother to a child with a medically complex condition, while emotional and challenging, has also been humbling and enriching. I am immensely grateful to be part of Tiny Toes.
CATA INGALLS BOARD MEMBER
For the first 15 years of my life, Caracas, Venezuela was my home but I came to the US for high school. As an adult, I’ve lived in at least 12 states, 4 of them twice, including Nevada. My husband, son and I lived in Reno from 2004 to 2007 which left an indelible imprint on our hearts. When the opportunity to move here again arose in 2022 allowing us to live close to our son and his family, we gladly returned.
Because of all the moves, I’ve had many different positions in my 40+ year nursing career working in inpatient, outpatient, home, school, and insurance settings. The one constant in these positions has been my work with children with medically complex conditions and their families. I've always seen my role as helping others navigate the intricacies of healthcare.
When not working, my husband and I like to explore the beauty of this area and beyond and take advantage of the many local community events. I always enjoy browsing in second hand or consignment stores for a good bargain. Most of all, regularly being called “Nana” by two little beings whom I see often fills my heart with joy!
JESSI TALLMAN Board Member
My name is Jesi Tallman and I am excited and humbled to be able to serve on the board for the Tiny Toes Foundation. I consider myself a passionate, goofy, compassionate, strong and weary warrior. I am a wife to an amazing husband and mommy to two beautiful little girls. My oldest daughters name is Sawyer (6 yo) and my youngest daughter is Hadlie (4 yo). My girls are my pride and joy. Being a mommy is my favorite thing of all time. My girls have taught me so
much and help to remind me what really matters in life.
My youngest daughter was born with special needs and has redirected my passions towards caring for children with medical
complexities. I graduated with my Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010 and spent the next ten years working in various local intensive care units. I returned to school
and graduated with my Masters from the University of Nevada, Reno as a family nurse practitioner in 2019. I have a passion for helping others and love the art of medicine. I enjoy medical research, patient advocacy, and love patient care.
Our family was blessed to be recipients with the Tiny Toes Foundation in 2023 to help Hadlie. Since first hearing about the mission of Tiny Toes I wanted to join the team and help in
any capacity possible. I am excited to promote the Tiny Toes purpose and look forward to providing support, strength, and encouragement to other families in need.
JEN DADO BOARD MEMBER
My name is Jennifer Dado, I go by Jen. I have 3 children. Jonathan is our oldest, he lives in Las Vegas with his wife Haley. Next, is Madison, she lives here in Reno with her fiancé Mason. Last is Zackery and he still lives at home. I have been married to my husband Nhil for almost 30 years. I have lived in Nevada since I was 13 years old. I am a registered nurse with my passion being emergency room nursing. My most favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and our extended family. I enjoy hiking, camping, paddle boarding, cooking, going to the ocean and snow shoeing.
I am excited to be a part of the Tiny Toes Foundation and look forward to helping families in our awesome community!!
BRITTANY LADUE BOARD MEMBER
I’m Brittany, a lifelong resident of Northern Nevada, who cherishes my upbringing in this close-knit community. Transitioning from a career as a hairstylist to a busy medical mama, I am navigating daily. My journey took a turn after welcoming a precious baby girl in 2022, only to confront the daunting reality of my daughter's rare neurological genetic disorder. Ten months into motherhood, I embarked on an unforeseen path as a medically complex parent, tirelessly navigating my daughter's rare medical needs, diving into her diagnosis, and fiercely advocating for her well-being. Embracing my role, I hope to expand my knowledge, support fellow parents in similar journeys, and draw strength from the compassionate community of families with medically fragile children.
I channel my energy into raising awareness about my daughter's condition, advocating for better healthcare resources, and fostering a sense of community among families grappling with similar circumstances. Despite the trials we face, I find solace in the bonds I share with my daughter and the support of our loved ones, driving us forward with resilience on this voyage.
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