The Molly Steinsapir Foundation

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Rock Garden at Geffen Academy at UCLA

Molly’s classmates and educators at Geffen Academy created this rock garden featuring lyrics from a song Molly composed with her friend and newest Youth Board member, Makena Damudar. Makena is now a Junior at Geffen. The rock garden serves as a permanent and meaningful tribute to Molly on the campus she was proud to call home. TEAMMOLLY supporters from around the world continue sending painted rocks to add to the vibrant collection.

We invite you to create a Molly rock of your own and send it to 2049 Century Park East Suite 4320 Los Angeles, CA 90067.

Makena Damudar

Board Member

Hi, my name is Makena Damudar and I am a junior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I enjoy music, volunteering, spending time with friends, and being involved in my community. I’m especially passionate about mental health advocacy and community outreach, and I volunteer with organizations including NAMI Greater Los Angeles County and the American Red Cross.

I joined the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board because Molly was my first friend in middle school, and even though we only knew each other for a short time, I could tell she was incredibly kind-hearted and smart. She touched the lives of so many people in our Geffen community, and I feel grateful to be part of something that honors her and supports the community she cared so much about.

Dr. Suzanne Asherson

Board Member

Dr. Suzanne Asherson is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Beverly Hills, California with a Clinical Doctorate and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. With a career dedicated to supporting development and educational success, Dr. Asherson has contributed significantly to the field including co-authoring the chapter “Evidence-Based Practice and Accountability” in the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in California Public Schools, published by the California Department of Education. She has been featured in national outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times and has appeared in on-air news segments nationwide advocating for the importance of handwriting and cursive instruction. She spent eight years practicing as a school-based occupational therapist in the Beverly Hills Unified School District, has served as a National Presenter for Learning Without Tears since 2008 and has a thriving private practice in Los Angeles.

Suzanne met Kaye Steinsapir during their breast cancer journeys while she was President of Cancer Free Generation, the young leadership division of Tower Cancer Research Foundation and the two quickly formed a deep friendship. Together they have helped many breast cancer patients navigate their diagnoses with compassion, support and strength. It was through their friendship that the Ashersons and the Steinsapirs became lifelong friends and her son Jay has a beautiful memory of playing on the beach with Molly, Nate and Eli.

Suzanne is honored to serve on the Board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation giving back to the community in Molly’s name and carrying forward her light and legacy.

Owen Lipsky

Board Member

Hi, my name is Owen Lipsky. I am 16 years old and from Pacific Palisades. I am a sophomore at Palisades Charter High School. Some of my hobbies are playing guitar, watching soccer, and playing video games. I am so proud to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation.

Mechal Green

Board Member

Hi! My name is Mechal Green and I am currently a senior at Palisades Charter High School and an incoming freshman at Arizona State University, where I will be playing soccer. Growing up in the Palisades, this community has always been such a huge part of my life and has shaped so much of who I am. Being a part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation is especially meaningful to me because it is such a positive way to bring people together, support others, and honor Molly and the love she shared with everyone around her. I’m so grateful to be part of something that reflects the connection and support our community is built on.

Emerson Green

Board Member

Hi my name is Emerson Green. I am a Junior at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences and a competitive dancer at 8 Count Dance Academy. I love expressing myself through dance, photography, spending time with family and friends, and doing volunteer work.

It is an honor to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Youth Board because Molly was my best friend and truly my kindred spirit. She taught me the importance of being true to yourself, original in personality, and genuine in every interaction. I think of her every day, and I carry her memory with me in every activity and event I am part of.

Stella Herndon

Board Member

Hi, my name is Stella Herndon, and I’m an 11th grader at Palisades Charter High School. I enjoy listening to music, doing art or design projects, and hiking. The Molly Steinsapir Youth Board is important to me because I lost my home in the Palisades fire and my community is incredibly important to me. I hope to help those who need assistance and to serve the Palisades and surrounding LA communities to the best of my ability in order to grow community and demonstrate resilience.

Piper Green

Board Member

My name is Piper Green. I go to Paul Revere Middle school. I wanted to be a part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation because I love helping other people and it makes me so happy. It’s fun to be with others who also want to do good things for our community. Molly was my friend and she helped me learn to walk. Molly always wanted to help people. Being a part of this organization is putting Molly’s spirit into more things that help communities, the environment, and animals.

Natheniel Steinsapir

Board Member

I’m Nate Steinsapir and I’m 15 years old. I go to Geffen Academy and I like to swim, watch sports, and debate. The Foundation is important to me because I want to carry on my sister’s name and make a difference on her behalf. I want to make sure that her kindness can reach other people and turn my loss into something that can help others.

Myyah Hill

Vice President

Hello, my name is Myyah Hill and I’m a sophomore at Palisades Charter High School. I enjoy being involved and staying active in the community. I’m always looking for ways to grow and make the most of new opportunities. 

I joined the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board because what the Foundation stands for is meaningful to me. It represents support, genuine connection, and showing up for people during difficult times, which is something I believe really matters. Being part of something that turns loss into positive impact makes this work feel important and real. I’m grateful to stand alongside people who take action and consistently make a meaningful impact in the community.

Miles Berry

Board Member

Hi, my name is Miles Berry and I am a ninth grade student at Geffen Academy. In my free time I like to bike, play tennis, take photos and go hiking. I joined the Foundation Youth Board because I wanted to be part of something that helps the community. I’m excited to help contribute and make a positive impact.

Luca Dal Bello

Board Member

I’m Luca Dal Bello and I’m a Junior at Loyola High School. I’m part of the Youth Board because the Palisades has always felt like home to me, and I want to help preserve the people, places, and memories that make it special. Through my Palisades Collective project, I’ve been grateful to help the younger side of the community and hopefully push others to start their own projects. Outside of this work, I love writing, going to the beach, and learning new forms of art that help me see my community in new ways.

Harrison Wade

Board Member

My name is Harrison Wade and I’m a junior at New Roads School in Santa Monica. Like Molly, I am passionate about performing arts, including musical theater, music production and music composition. I’m a black belt in karate, and have been a volunteer assistant Sensei at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center since 9th grade.

I’m also a youth advisor to the Crimes Against Children Foundation, which focuses on protecting children from internet crimes by supporting law enforcement in underserved communities. I recently completed the OneLove Foundation’s teen ambassador training program, which strives to educate young people on healthy relationships.

Most importantly, I went to pre-school at KI with Molly and will always remember her.

Eli Steinsapir

Board Member

Hi, I’m Eli Steinsapir. I am in fourth grade at Franklin Elementary. I joined the Youth Board because I am Molly’s little brother and I want to help however I can. I want to help the Foundation in every way possible. I hope I can really help and support everyone who needs it, like Youth Board members and people who are not on the Youth Board. In conclusion, I hope everyone who reads this likes it and I seriously hope I do good on the Youth Board and anything else!

Delilah Geller

Board Member

Hi! My name is Delilah Geller. I am currently a senior at Palisades Charter High School and an incoming freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have grown up in the Palisades my entire life and have so much love for our town! The Molly Steinsapir Foundation is important to me because it is a great way to help and support others while honoring Molly and the amazing ideals she stood for and the constant love and strength she spread!

Olivia Lipsky

Board Member

Hi my name is Olivia Lipsky, I go to Palisades high school with my brothers, Jake and Owen. I am an open minded person and always willing to help out those in need. I am happy to be a part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board. I grew up with Molly so it feels deeply meaningful for me to be able to spread her name.

Siena Sklar

Board Member

Hi, my name is Siena Sklar, and I’m a 9th grader at Crossroads. I’m passionate about filming and creating social media content, and I love turning new ideas into real projects. I’m currently studying photography and hope to use those skills to document the work the Foundation is doing. After losing my home in the Palisades fire, helping rebuild the community I grew up in has become especially meaningful to me.

Aaron Sands

Board Member

Hi, I’m Aaron Sands, a 10th grader at Geffen Academy, and last year, I lost my home in the Palisades Fire. I’ve always been passionate about soccer, and through school I’ve developed a strong interest in both photography and science. Being part of the Molly Steinsapir Youth Board has been especially meaningful to me. Alongside my brother, I was grateful to help raise and contribute $40,000 to support the creation of the Youth Board and give back to our community. Making a positive impact is very important to me, and I’m committed to continuing to find ways to help others and make a real difference.

Elise Pollack

President, 2026-2027

Hi, my name is Elise Pollack. I am a student at Windward school and a proud member of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board. Giving back and helping my community is very important to me, and I dedicate a large portion of my free time to various philanthropic organizations. The Molly Steinsapir Foundation is especially meaningful to me because the work we do is not only impactful, but helps ensure my friend’s memory is for a blessing. Molly and I had been friends since birth, and we shared many passions including a love for animals, acting, and activism. With my work in the youth board I hope to continue making a positive impact on my community in Molly’s name.

Logan Sands

Founder

I’m Logan and I am the Founder of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board.

I’m a native of Pacific Palisades and student in the Columbia University–Tel Aviv University Dual Degree Program. I created the Youth Board in response to the devastating Palisades and Altadena fires, with the goal of empowering young people to help rebuild and reconnect their communities. Under my leadership, the Board has raised funding, organized community initiatives, and developed youth-led projects focused on mental health, recovery, and long-term resilience. I’m passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship, and building systems that create meaningful local impact.

Gillian Wade

Board Member

Gillian L. Wade is a nationally and internationally recognized class and complex litigation practitioner who founded Wade Kilpela Slade after heading her former firm’s consumer fraud and class action litigation department for over 15 years.

Over the course of her career, Gillian’s practice has focused on representing plaintiffs in complex litigation and consumer class actions stemming from a wide range of unlawful activities including violations of California’s unfair competition law and false advertising law, antitrust violations, the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, data breach and privacy violations, financial abuse of the elderly and disabled statutes, employment violations, warranty and product liability laws, and civil rights abuses.

In addition to serving on the Molly Steinsapir Foundation board, Gillian is a member of Sisters of Sojourn/The People Concern, an organization founded to raise funds for local victims of domestic violence. Gillian is also involved with the Beauty Bus Foundation, which provides beauty and grooming services to seriously ill people and their caregivers, and has co-chaired their annual poker tournament several times. Gillian is also an advisor to the Crimes Against Children Foundation, which provides services and resources to law enforcement agencies across the country to fight the internet trafficking of children.

Jessica Sklar

Board Member

Jessica Sklar is a seasoned entertainment and business strategy executive with over two decades of experience in the music industry. As Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Machine Shop Entertainment, she led marketing and business ventures overseeing the team and operations for a multi-platinum musical artist. Her experience includes partnerships in art, film, fashion, auto and technology, as well as supporting the launch of a venture capital arm and serving on the executive committee for Music for Relief, a 501(c)(3) that responded to over 30 natural disasters across four continents.

A UCLA graduate and proud Palisadian, Jessica is part of the same community that Molly called home. Having experienced the devastation of the Pacific Palisades wildfire firsthand, she is passionate about giving back through the foundation’s rebuilding efforts to help restore the community and special places her children had grown to love. Jessica is honored to join the board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation and help carry forward Molly’s legacy and love for helping others.

Lauren Sands

Board Member

Lauren Sands is a producer, entrepreneur, and IP rights holder with three decades of experience across the entertainment industry, spanning CAA, Sony Pictures, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation. As co-owner and managing partner of The Beagleverse she controls the complete Peter S. Beagle literary library and oversees an active global production slate across animation, publishing, licensing, and experiential formats.

Lauren is a Pacific Palisades fire survivor and long-time community member. She and her sons joined the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to help form its inaugural Youth Board, focused on rebuilding the community lost in the fires while honoring Molly’s values: a love of children, animals, and the environment. Lauren serves in an advisory capacity, guided by her belief that young people have the power to heal the world around them.

Maureen Pollack

Board Member

Maureen Pollack is an experienced educational, marketing, and communications professional who has spent the past twelve years leading fundraising and advancement efforts at Carlthorp School in Santa Monica. A proud native Angeleno and passionate advocate for community engagement, Maureen actively supports numerous philanthropic initiatives and also serves on the board of National Charity League, Los Angeles Chapter.

A firm believer in the power of giving back to move people forward, Maureen is honored to support the mission of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation and help carry forward Molly’s legacy of compassion, kindness, and service to others.

Stephanie Morton-Millstein

Board Member

Stephanie Morton-Millstein is an American multidisciplinary artist—photographer, oil painter, and ceramicist—whose work explores identity, representation, and the quiet power of form, with a practice rooted in clay as both personal grounding and a connection to shared human history.

She is also a mother of two teenagers and is proud to sit on the board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. Her daughter Evie attended school with Molly, and serving on the Board together, with Evie as a youth board member, has been a deeply meaningful experience that fosters a sense of togetherness in honoring Molly and all that she stood for.

Jamie Ledezma

Board Member

Jamie Ledezma is a lifelong advocate and community volunteer with a deep commitment to uplifting families, expanding access to justice, and supporting those impacted by cancer. Her professional and personal journeys have led her to serve in a range of roles that intersect law, education, and advocacy.

Jamie’s advocacy began in earnest during her own cancer journey as a young 27 year-old expectant mother, where she witnessed firsthand the power of community and the gaps in support systems for families navigating crises. She has since dedicated her time and expertise to causes that empower individuals and families, including cancer awareness and policy, legal education initiatives, and community-based family services.

Jamie’s work is deeply inspired by the legacy of Molly, a bright light whose kindness, activism, and spirit continues to move people to action. Serving on the Board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, Jamie is humbled by the opportunity to help carry forward Molly’s vision of a better world by championing the values Molly held dear: empathy, justice, inclusion, and service. With every sunrise, Jamie strives to ensure Molly’s memory lives on through meaningful work that makes a difference in our communities.

Mary Klagholz

Board Member

Mary L. Klagholz has a distinguished career history spanning over 25 years in leadership roles across technical, operational and organizational development domains. After relocating back to her hometown, she contributed her time and expertise as a Registered Health Information Technology Specialist and volunteer at St. Mary’s Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Mary’s professional foundation began at General Electric Aircraft Engines, where she rose through a series of leadership positions. Mary started in technical writing and publications, gaining early recognition for cost-reduction initiatives and quality improvements that significantly enhanced government and military documentation programs. Her military background as a U.S. Army Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief, where she earned a Meritorious Promotion to Sergeant, shaped her early commitment to discipline, service and excellence. Mary holds a Master of Education in Psychological Studies from Cambridge College in Massachusetts.

Mary is keenly aware of Molly’s story and that of her family and is passionate about the purpose of the Foundation and the causes it supports. She’s been a devoted member of #TEAMMOLLY since its inception and enjoys seeking opportunities to expand its impact. Mary’s dedication to volunteerism, coupled with her broad experience across sectors, uniquely equips her to support the Foundation’s mission through innovative thinking and compassionate leadership.

Mary is now happily retired and enjoys the company of family and friends, boating, swimming, gardening, reading and social media, where she occasionally engages in “good trouble!”

Leslie Helmer

Board Member

I am currently an employment attorney at Ogletree Deakins. I first met Kaye when I recruited her to join my previous firm, Bryan Cave. We quickly went from being work friends to being best friends to being soul mates. I was lucky enough to be at Molly’s baby shower and I watched her grow up over the years into an amazing young lady. She was truly an old soul in a young body and her desire to help others and make the world a better place was remarkable. I especially loved her commitment to animals and to the Jewish religion. I can only imagine what she would have accomplished in the future. I am honored to be on the Board and continue Molly’s legacy. Team Molly forever!

Melanie Green

Board Member

A Southern California native, Melanie Green is a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Southern California and her master’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys playing tennis, spending time with her family, and raising her four children.

Melanie writes, “Molly was family to us and I’m proud to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation because of its dedication to projects that honor Molly’s legacy through helping others, promoting social justice, and strengthening support within the community.”

Jill Ennis Lipsky

Board Member

Jill Ennis Lipsky was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is a teacher by trade, having worked in both the public and private sector. Jill is a mom to three amazing teenagers, including twins Owen and Olivia, who are members of the Foundation’s Youth Board.

Like Molly, Jill has a huge heart that she wears on her sleeve. She always goes out of her way to help others. Jill writes, “I wanted to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation because this organization cares for the things I care about; the environment, animals and humanity. I am proud to have known Molly and grateful that we can honor her life with every good deed we do.”

Erin Cummings

Board Member

Erin Cummings is a New York based tv and film actress who met Kaye Steinsapir in the chemo ward at UCLA while they were both being treated for breast cancer in 2016. She continues to find inspiration from Molly, who participated in postcards to voters campaigns, something that Erin now does when the political landscape feels hopeless. Molly reminds her that there’s always something we can do to make the world a better place.

Erin started and ran a non-profit in Detroit for seven years, providing new, unused gloves to charities, shelters, schools and churches who serve the community in need. After her breast cancer diagnosis, Cummings joined Cancer Free Generation to help raise funds for early stage cancer research. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley with her mensch of a husband, their two magical children and two ungrateful cats.

More information can be found about Erin Cummings at IMDb.com

Nafiz Cekirge

Board Member

Nafiz Cekirge is the head of the Law Office of Nafiz Cekirge and a partner in the New York office of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Cekirge was a partner in the New York and Los Angeles offices of several prominent international law firms.

Mr. Cekirge has deep experience in litigating complex multi-jurisdictional civil and criminal cases, often as lead counsel. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, Mr. Cekirge successfully represented the nation’s largest mortgage company in numerous lawsuits and regulatory investigations over a 10-year span.

Mr. Cekirge earned his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Order of the Coif) and his B.A. in philosophy from Columbia University (Dean’s List). He also serves on the boards of the Princeton Medical Center Foundation and the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. In addition to English, Mr. Cekirge has native proficiency in Turkish. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and three children.

Eliza Smith Steinmeier

Secretary

A proud Baltimore native, Eliza Smith Steinmeier spent her early adult years exploring new places and perspectives before returning home a decade later. Along the way, Eliza lived in Baja California Sur, attended UCLA School of Law, met her future husband, Matt, built a career as a conservation lawyer advocating for environmental protection, and founded and led several legal/conservation nonprofits.

Eliza writes, “Matt and I share two sons, Sam and Nick. Family is at the center of our lives. Our niece, Molly Steinsapir, holds a permanent place in our hearts and home, where her presence is felt every day. It is a true honor to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation and to help carry forward her extraordinary legacy.”

Jonathan Steinsapir

Treasurer

Jonathan Steinsapir is Molly’s Dad and serves as Treasurer of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. A proud Santa Monica native, Jonathan met his wife, Kaye, while they were students at the UCLA School of Law, where they both graduated in 2002. Professionally, Jonathan is a partner at the law firm of Kinsella Holley Iser Kump & Steinsapir.

Melanie Green

Board Member

A Southern California native, Melanie Green is a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Southern California and her master’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys playing tennis, spending time with her family, and raising her four children. 

 

Melanie writes, “Molly was family to us and I’m proud to be part of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation because of its dedication to projects that honor Molly’s legacy through helping others, promoting social justice, and strengthening support within the community.”

Stephanie Morton-Millstein

Board Member

Stephanie Morton-Millstein is an American multidisciplinary artist—photographer, oil painter, and ceramicist—whose work explores identity, representation, and the quiet power of form, with a practice rooted in clay as both personal grounding and a connection to shared human history. 

She is also a mother of two teenagers and is proud to sit on the board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. Her daughter Evie attended school with Molly, and serving on the Board together, with Evie as a youth board member, has been a deeply meaningful experience that fosters a sense of togetherness in honoring Molly and all that she stood for.   

Lauren Sands

Board Member

Lauren Sands is a producer, entrepreneur, and IP rights holder with three decades of experience across the entertainment industry, spanning CAA, Sony Pictures, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation. As co-owner and managing partner of The Beagleverse she controls the complete Peter S. Beagle literary library and oversees an active global production slate across animation, publishing, licensing, and experiential formats.

Lauren is a Pacific Palisades fire survivor and long-time community member. She and her sons joined the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to help form its inaugural Youth Board, focused on rebuilding the community lost in the fires while honoring Molly’s values: a love of children, animals, and the environment. Lauren serves in an advisory capacity, guided by her belief that young people have the power to heal the world around them.

Jessica Sklar

Board Member

I am currently an employment attorney at Ogletree Deakins.  I first met Kaye when I recruited her to join my previous firm, Bryan Cave.  We quickly went from being work friends to being best friends to being soul mates.   I was lucky enough to be at Molly’s baby shower and I watched her grow up over the years into an amazing young lady.    She was truly an old soul in a young body and her desire to help others and make the world a better place was remarkable.  I especially loved her commitment to animals and to the Jewish religion.  I can only imagine what she would have accomplished in the future.  I am honored to be on the Board and continue Molly’s legacy.  Team Molly forever!

Kaye Steinsapir

Founder & President

Kaye Steinsapir is the Founder and President of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. 

Kaye was born to a teenage mother in Fresno, CA. Her upbringing was difficult. Kaye’s mom and other family members battle addiction and mental health struggles.

Kaye charted a new path for herself after a high school teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her to go away to college. Kaye dedicated herself to her studies. With her teacher’s help, she moved to Oakland, enrolling at Mills College. Kaye graduated near the top of her class. At a professor’s urging, she applied to law school. Kaye attended UCLA School of Law, where she met her husband, Jonathan.

Kaye worked for Senator Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, a federal judge, and the US Department of Justice, before accepting a position with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP. Kaye was part of BCLP for twenty years, where she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike, while being a devoted mom to three young children. 

Six months after giving birth, Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer that had infiltrated her lymphatic system. Kaye underwent years of aggressive treatment, including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing adjuvant therapy. Nine years later, Kaye shows no evidence of disease. She moderates a group of over 300 breast cancer patients and survivors that she created.

On a January morning in 2021, Kaye’s daughter, Molly, went on a bike ride with her best friend. The bike crashed and Molly was knocked unconscious, despite wearing a helmet. She was rushed to UCLA, where doctors initially assured the Steinsapirs that Molly would be “fine.” She was expected to make a full recovery. No one knows why Molly experienced sudden brain swelling. After a two-week long hospital stay, Kaye and Jon had to leave the hospital without their girl and tell their ten and four-year-old sons that she was gone. Life would never be the same. 

Kaye was determined that her sons would not also lose their mother. Amidst soul-shattering grief, she put one foot in front of the other, willing herself to survive. 

Kaye founded the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to continue Molly’s impact in the world, which she departed far too soon. Molly’s life has ripple effects that continue to expand and make a positive difference.

Kaye serves on the Pacific Palisades Community Council and the Kehillat Israel Board Of Trustees. Kaye publishes her writing on Substack and hosts “The Obliterated Place” podcast about grief in its myriad forms.

Kaye Steinsapir

Founder & President

Kaye Steinsapir is the Founder and President of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. 

Kaye was born to a teenage mother in Fresno, CA. Her upbringing was difficult. Kaye’s mom and other family members battle addiction and mental health struggles.

Kaye charted a new path for herself after a high school teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her to go away to college. Kaye dedicated herself to her studies. With her teacher’s help, she moved to Oakland, enrolling at Mills College. Kaye graduated near the top of her class. At a professor’s urging, she applied to law school. Kaye attended UCLA School of Law, where she met her husband, Jonathan.

Kaye worked for Senator Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, a federal judge, and the US Department of Justice, before accepting a position with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP. Kaye was part of BCLP for twenty years, where she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike, while being a devoted mom to three young children. 

Six months after giving birth, Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer that had infiltrated her lymphatic system. Kaye underwent years of aggressive treatment, including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing adjuvant therapy. Nine years later, Kaye shows no evidence of disease. She moderates a group of over 300 breast cancer patients and survivors that she created.

On a January morning in 2021, Kaye’s daughter, Molly, went on a bike ride with her best friend. The bike crashed and Molly was knocked unconscious, despite wearing a helmet. She was rushed to UCLA, where doctors initially assured the Steinsapirs that Molly would be “fine.” She was expected to make a full recovery. No one knows why Molly experienced sudden brain swelling. After a two-week long hospital stay, Kaye and Jon had to leave the hospital without their girl and tell their ten and four-year-old sons that she was gone. Life would never be the same. 

Kaye was determined that her sons would not also lose their mother. Amidst soul-shattering grief, she put one foot in front of the other, willing herself to survive. 

Kaye founded the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to continue Molly’s impact in the world, which she departed far too soon. Molly’s life has ripple effects that continue to expand and make a positive difference.

Kaye serves on the Pacific Palisades Community Council and the Kehillat Israel Board Of Trustees. Kaye publishes her writing on Substack and hosts “The Obliterated Place” podcast about grief in its myriad forms.

Kaye Steinsapir

Founder & President

Kaye Steinsapir is the Founder and President of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation.

Kaye was born to a teenage mother in Fresno, CA. Her upbringing was difficult. Kaye’s mom and other family members battle addiction and mental health struggles.

Kaye charted a new path for herself after a high school teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her to go away to college. Kaye dedicated herself to her studies. With her teacher’s help, she moved to Oakland, enrolling at Mills College. Kaye graduated near the top of her class. At a professor’s urging, she applied to law school. Kaye attended UCLA School of Law, where she met her husband, Jonathan.

Kaye worked for Senator Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, a federal judge, and the US Department of Justice, before accepting a position with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP. Kaye was part of BCLP for twenty years, where she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike, while being a devoted mom to three young children.

Six months after giving birth, Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer that had infiltrated her lymphatic system. Kaye underwent years of aggressive treatment, including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing adjuvant therapy. Nine years later, Kaye shows no evidence of disease. She moderates a group of over 300 breast cancer patients and survivors that she created.

On a January morning in 2021, Kaye’s daughter, Molly, went on a bike ride with her best friend. The bike crashed and Molly was knocked unconscious, despite wearing a helmet. She was rushed to UCLA, where doctors initially assured the Steinsapirs that Molly would be “fine.” She was expected to make a full recovery. No one knows why Molly experienced sudden brain swelling. After a two-week-long hospital stay, Kaye and Jon had to leave the hospital without their girl and tell their ten and four-year-old sons that she was gone. Life would never be the same.

Kaye was determined that her sons would not also lose their mother. Amidst soul-shattering grief, she put one foot in front of the other, willing herself to survive.

Kaye founded the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to continue Molly’s impact in the world, which she departed far too soon. Molly’s life has ripple effects that continue to expand and make a positive difference.

Kaye serves on the Pacific Palisades Community Council and the Kehillat Israel Board of Trustees. Kaye publishes her writing on Substack and hosts “The Obliterated Place” podcast about grief in its myriad forms.

Kaye Steinsapir

Founder & President

Kaye Steinsapir is the Founder and President of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. 

Kaye was born to a teenage mother in Fresno, CA. Her upbringing was difficult. Kaye’s mom and other family members battle addiction and mental health struggles.

Kaye charted a new path for herself after a high school teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her to go away to college. Kaye dedicated herself to her studies. With her teacher’s help, she moved to Oakland, enrolling at Mills College. Kaye graduated near the top of her class. At a professor’s urging, she applied to law school. Kaye attended UCLA School of Law, where she met her husband, Jonathan.

Kaye worked for Senator Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, a federal judge, and the US Department of Justice, before accepting a position with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP. Kaye was part of BCLP for twenty years, where she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike, while being a devoted mom to three young children. 

Six months after giving birth, Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer that had infiltrated her lymphatic system. Kaye underwent years of aggressive treatment, including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing adjuvant therapy. Nine years later, Kaye shows no evidence of disease. She moderates a group of over 300 breast cancer patients and survivors that she created.

On a January morning in 2021, Kaye’s daughter, Molly, went on a bike ride with her best friend. The bike crashed and Molly was knocked unconscious, despite wearing a helmet. She was rushed to UCLA, where doctors initially assured the Steinsapirs that Molly would be “fine.” She was expected to make a full recovery. No one knows why Molly experienced sudden brain swelling. After a two-week long hospital stay, Kaye and Jon had to leave the hospital without their girl and tell their ten and four-year-old sons that she was gone. Life would never be the same. 

Kaye was determined that her sons would not also lose their mother. Amidst soul-shattering grief, she put one foot in front of the other, willing herself to survive. 

Kaye founded the Molly Steinsapir Foundation to continue Molly’s impact in the world, which she departed far too soon. Molly’s life has ripple effects that continue to expand and make a positive difference.

Kaye serves on the Pacific Palisades Community Council and the Kehillat Israel Board Of Trustees. Kaye publishes her writing on Substack and hosts “The Obliterated Place” podcast about grief in its myriad forms.

Jessica Sklar

Board Member

Jessica Sklar is a seasoned entertainment and business strategy executive with over two decades of experience in the music industry. As Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Machine Shop Entertainment, she led marketing and business ventures overseeing the team and operations for a multi-platinum musical artist. Her experience includes partnerships in art, film, fashion, auto and technology, as well as supporting the launch of a venture capital arm and serving on the executive committee for Music for Relief, a 501(c)(3) that responded to over 30 natural disasters across four continents.

A UCLA graduate and proud Palisadian, Jessica is part of the same community that Molly called home. Having experienced the devastation of the Pacific Palisades wildfire firsthand, she is passionate about giving back through the foundation’s rebuilding efforts to help restore the community and special places her children had grown to love. Jessica is honored to join the board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation and help carry forward Molly’s legacy and love for helping others.

Jonathan Steinsapir

Treasurer

Jonathan Steinsapir is Molly’s father and serves as Treasurer of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation. Professionally, Jonathan is a respected attorney and name partner at his law firm, where his practice focuses on complex litigation, intellectual property, entertainment, and commercial matters. Recognized as one of Billboard’s top music lawyers and regularly featured in publications including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, he brings extensive legal expertise and leadership to the foundation’s mission of honoring Molly’s legacy through meaningful charitable impact.

Logan Sands

Youth Board FOunder

Logan Sands is the Founder of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Youth Board. A native of Pacific Palisades and student in the Columbia University–Tel Aviv University Dual Degree Program, Logan created the Youth Board in response to the devastating Palisades and Altadena fires, with the goal of empowering young people to help rebuild and reconnect their communities. Under his leadership, the Board has raised funding, organized community initiatives, and developed youth-led projects focused on mental health, recovery, and long-term resilience. Logan is passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship, and building systems that create meaningful local impact.

Maureen Pollack

Board Member

Maureen Pollack is an experienced educational, marketing, and communications professional who has spent the past twelve years leading fundraising and advancement efforts at Carlthorp School in Santa Monica. A proud native Angeleno and passionate advocate for community engagement, Maureen actively supports numerous philanthropic initiatives and also serves on the board of National Charity League, Los Angeles Chapter.

A firm believer in the power of giving back to move people forward, Maureen is honored to support the mission of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation and help carry forward Molly’s legacy of compassion, kindness, and service to others.

Jamie Ledezma

Board Member

Jamie Ledezma is a lifelong advocate and community volunteer with a deep commitment to uplifting families, expanding access to justice, and supporting those impacted by cancer. Her professional and personal journeys have led her to serve in a range of roles that intersect law, education, and advocacy. 

Jamie’s advocacy began in earnest during her own cancer journey as a young 27 year-old expectant mother, where she witnessed firsthand the power of community and the gaps in support systems for families navigating crises. She has since dedicated her time and expertise to causes that empower individuals and families, including cancer awareness and policy, legal education initiatives, and community-based family services. 

Jamie’s work is deeply inspired by the legacy of Molly, a bright light whose kindness, activism, and spirit continues to move people to action. Serving on the Board of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, Jamie is humbled by the opportunity to help carry forward Molly’s vision of a better world by championing the values Molly held dear: empathy, justice, inclusion, and service. With every sunrise, Jamie strives to ensure Molly’s memory lives on through meaningful work that makes a difference in our communities.

Elise Pollack

Youth Board President, 2026-2027

 Hi, my name is Elise Pollack. I am a student at Windward school and a proud memeber of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation Yourh Board. Giving back and helping my community is very important to me, and I dedicate a large portion of my free time to various philanthropic organizations. The Molly Steinsapir Foundation is especially meaningful to me because the work we do is not only impactful, but helps ensure my friend’s memory is for a blessing. Molly and I had been friends since birth, and we shared many passions including a love for animals, acting, and activism. With my work in the youth board I hope to continue making a positive impact on my community in Molly’s name.