05/22/2026
We are delighted to introduce three new members of our Junior Board: Taylor Herrick, Mariel Hunt, Lucie Kapner, and Ellie Khamneli! ✨
Taylor Herrick: Taylor is a lifelong lover of the performing arts and is elated to join Only Make Believe's Junior Board and support the organization's mission of empowering children through interactive play. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Taylor attended Tulane University, earning a B.A. in Political Science. She moved to New York in 2021 and is currently the PR & Events Coordinator at Union Square Hospitality Group. Taylor is a passionate theatergoer, moviegoer, and lover of restaurants.
Mariel Hunt: Mariel is excited to be involved with Only Make Believe’s NY Junior Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from San Diego State University and currently works in finance. Originally from California, Mariel moved to New York in 2025 and has been eager to build community and connect with others beyond her immediate circles. During college, Mariel volunteered with Make-A-Wish, which sparked her interest in event planning and showed her how meaningful it can be to contribute to causes that bring joy to others. She is especially drawn to Only Make Believe’s mission of fostering imagination and creativity in children, recognizing how important it is in encouraging curiosity and opening up new possibilities. In her free time, Mariel enjoys running, trying new restaurants, and going to live jazz shows around the city.
Lucie Kapner: Lucie discovered a love of dance and theater as a child, and while she might be a failed theater kid, she is excited to pair her love for nonprofits with her love for theater and give back to the community as a part of OMB's Junior Board. Lucie is an Assistant Vice President within the Technology practice at Notch Partners, a boutique private equity consulting firm. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College, cm laude, with a BA in Psychology and History and a minor in Leadership Studies. In college, she was invested in the nonprofit community as founding Executive Director of the Claremont Colleges Dance Marathon and consulted for a group of local nonprofits in the Claremont area. Lucie is excited to invest more into the OMB community and combine her love of theater with nonprofit work.
Ellie Khamneli: Ellie is an avid enthusiast of the arts and theater. Ellie is originally from Canada and graduated from Western University with a major in Applied Math. Ellie is currently an analyst on the Structured Equity Finance desk at CIBC. In her free time Ellie enjoys reading, going to pottery classes and seeing friends.
We're honored to have these four powerhouses on the team. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the OMB family!
