Meet the Hearts Behind Flatwater
Behind every community impacted, life changed, and milestone reached is something far more powerful than programs or funding: our people. While it can be easy to focus on what we accomplish, our true impact is driven by the heart, diverse expertise, and shared vision of those who show up every single day to do the work.
For this month’s blog, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who bring our Flatwater values to life. Meet the passionate faces driving our mission forward - and learn what inspires them to create lasting change.
Meet Alexander noren
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
I am a CPA and the founder of White Lotus Bookkeeping, an accounting firm that specializes in serving nonprofit organizations. For more than a decade, I have helped mission-driven organizations strengthen their financial operations, improve reporting, and turn complex financial information into something leaders and boards can clearly understand and use.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Strategic, supportive, and dependable
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
I am deeply passionate about Flatwater’s mission because I know firsthand how important it is to feel supported during a cancer diagnosis. When my own family faced cancer, the people around us helped carry us through one of the most difficult seasons of our lives.
That experience created a lasting commitment in me to help ensure no one has to face cancer alone. Being part of Flatwater allows me to help provide that same sense of support to other individuals and families when they need it most.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
The most fulfilling part is knowing that the work I do behind the scenes helps Flatwater reach more families and support them through some of the hardest moments of their lives. I love being able to use what I am good at to help strengthen an organization doing work that matters so much.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
I love spending time with my wife and our six boys, whether we are playing together at home or traveling somewhere new as a family. I also enjoy golf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
One of my favorite sounds and smells is the ocean.
Meet ALyssa Cornett
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
This mission is close to my heart, and one I’ve championed over the last ten years. Prior to officially joining the Flatwater team, I served as a volunteer, fundraiser, therapist in our provider network, board member, and Vice Chair. Alongside my involvement with Flatwater, I built and ran a private practice, supporting women through their personal development journeys, and also co-led a women’s membership community here in Austin, producing intimate and large-scale gatherings with purpose. I thrive on bringing people together with meaning and intention, and bring that same deep passion to everything I do.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Leader, Steward, Champion
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
Flatwater has always been the easiest “yes” for me. Being part of something bigger than myself and helping people access critical mental health care when they need it most is what drives me. For over a decade, I’ve seen just how life-changing therapy can be. Sitting with people through their darkest moments, walking alongside them through unimaginable hardships, and watching them find peace, hope, and strength again is immeasurable.
In addition to my professional work, cancer has touched my own life and impacted many family members, friends, and loved ones. I’ve seen and felt the full emotional weight of it; the grit, anger, fear, determination, courage, and grief. That lived experience is my "why." Nobody asks for cancer, but when it shows up, Flatwater is there to hold space and help. That is a truly powerful presence, and I’m deeply honored to be a part of it.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
Knowing that we’re breaking down barriers and providing mental health support to people who otherwise couldn't afford it is easily the most fulfilling part of this work. Bringing that kind of peace to someone’s life is such an honor. What amazes me most is seeing the collective heart behind it all. Every single person involved plays a part in keeping this mission moving. Flatwater has always felt like a tight-knit community brought together by shared purpose. That kind of impact changes lives and I'm so proud to be a part of it.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
I love spending time outdoors with my husband and pup, exploring new places, catching up with my family at our ranch, or sharing a good meal and a margarita on a patio with friends. When and where I can, I also like to disconnect and make space for moments of stillness and quiet.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
The mountains are my ultimate happy place, but I'm drawn to anywhere that leaves me in awe and grounds me wholly. My favorite sounds are the simple, soothing ones, like leaves rustling in the wind, birds chirping in the trees, waves crashing on a rocky coast, or my favorite people laughing.
Meet Becky morales
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
I have been a social worker since 2003, and have spent the majority of my career working within nonprofit organizations and healthcare settings. While I have many professional interests, my true passions are in mental health, oncology support, and loss and grief. I’ve had the honor of building and growing many different programs over the course of my career and working with many great teams. I have long been connected to Flatwater since joining the team in 2022 - first as a formal program referral partner from 2013 to 2015, and then as a therapist in the Flatwater Provider Network from 2019 to 2022.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Intentional, Transformative, Unifying
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
Cancer has impacted my family’s life since before I was born. My paternal grandmother, Consuelo T. Morales died of colon cancer when I was just 6 months old. I have only a few pictures of her holding me as an infant and grew up not having the gift of knowing her or having memories of her. As I grew up, I became more curious about her and the woman she was. As I talked with my dad and aunts and uncles about her, I realized how difficult the cancer experience was for them although they didn’t talk much about it. Through this I realized first hand the impact cancer has on everyone it touches, even if it’s not openly talked about. Losing my aunt, Theresa Morales, to cancer in 2020 was a profound loss for me and our family. Aunt Tita was known to many as “Friend” - she was the life of the party and could always brighten your day.
My passion for doing this work is a testament to these two fierce women, both who shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful that my work allows me to maintain a connection to my grandmother and aunt and I’m hopeful that our work at Flatwater contributes to people more openly speaking about the emotional impact of cancer.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
Recognizing that we play a critical and unique role in our community in making things a little easier for people dealing with cancer and that this happens in a lot of different ways - whether it’s someone reaching out to our program for support, or someone attending one of our events to learn more about Flatwater, or someone making a donation in support of our mission. The collective spirit of each and every person who touches our mission in whatever form is a true gift to be a part of.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
I’m a huge sports nut, so you can usually find me watching any sporting event either in-person or on tv - my favorite teams are the New York Yankees, the Houston Rockets, the Houston Texans, and the Texas Longhorns. Outside of spending time with my family, friends, and dog (Ringo), I also love to travel and try to visit a new place I’ve never been to each year.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
One of my favorite places to visit is the Chapel of St. Basil on the University of St. Thomas campus in Houston - I was an undergraduate student there when the chapel was built. The architecture is simple and the natural light that comes into the space creates such a peaceful and still experience.
Meet Callie Atkins
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
Before joining Flatwater, I spent years working as a registered nurse and across the non-profit sector, specializing in development, marketing, and strategy. I knew I would never be the one to discover cures or treatments, but I could dedicate my time, energy, and skillset to bringing hope, comfort, and healing to individuals and families during their most challenging moments. After being introduced to Flatwater more than a decade ago and spending many years as a volunteer and paddler, the opportunity to bring my experiences to the organization in a different capacity felt like kismet.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Compassion, Connection, Impact
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
I learned what cancer was at a very young age when one of my classmates was diagnosed. Unfortunately, you rarely know only one person with cancer, and throughout the years, the diagnoses were made within my family and circles of friends as well. In my nursing career, I have sat with my patients and their loved ones as they received heartbreaking news. In those moments, you see the full, crushing weight of a diagnosis. It comes with fear, grief, and uncertainty. We rely on medicine to treat the body, but the emotional and psychological strain requires a different kind of care that is too often inaccessible or overlooked.
My “why” is rooted in making sure no one has to carry the heavy burden of a diagnosis or life with cancer alone. When life throws the unthinkable at someone, Flatwater is here to help them heal.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
I don’t want anyone to have to face cancer alone, and I don’t want anyone to be afraid to ask for help when it comes to their mental health. It is a privilege to be a very small piece of the puzzle that helps ensure Flatwater is available to someone navigating a cancer diagnosis, so they do not have to worry about the costs or other barriers that come with accessing care.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
I love being active and spending time outdoors- whether that means exploring local trails, getting out on the water, or finding the perfect happy hour patio to enjoy with family, friends, and my dogs.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
I love a sunrise, especially one that I can experience at the mountains or the beach. There is something so special about watching the world come to light in the morning, and it’s a quiet moment that grounds me for the day ahead.
Meet Dolores Laparte-Litton
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
Before joining Flatwater, I built a career in mental health across Mexico and the United States. I am a licensed psychologist in Mexico, where I worked in private practice, at a state prison, and at an inpatient clinic serving Catholic priests (not all jobs at the same time!). After moving to the U.S., I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. I spent 25 years with the Austin Police Department, first as a Victim Services Counselor and later as a Supervisor, supporting victims of crime and leading programs that provided crisis intervention, education, and advocacy.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Reach out, Support, Connect
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
The "why" behind my work at Flatwater is deeply personal. I lost my mother to cancer just a few months before my wedding. She was my best friend, my greatest cheerleader, and the most caring, selfless, intelligent, funny, and loyal person I have ever known. Losing her shaped the person I became. In many ways, everything I have done and I do is an effort to honor her memory and live in a way that would make her proud. A few years later, my husband was also diagnosed with cancer. Once again, I found myself navigating the uncertainty, fear, and complexity that patients, caregivers, and families experience throughout the cancer journey.
In many ways, joining Flatwater feels like life coming full circle. Every day, the work I do allows me to honor the two people I love the most. It gives purpose to the experiences that shaped my life and fuels my commitment to making the cancer journey more compassionate, connected, and hopeful.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life during one of their most challenging times. Being able to listen, provide support, connect, and assist those navigating cancer and their families is an incredible privilege. I am also deeply grateful for the incredible team I get to work alongside - people who show up every day with dedication, heart, and a shared commitment to the Fatwater mission. Being part of such a compassionate and hardworking team makes this work even more meaningful.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of Austin's beautiful outdoors with walks around Lady Bird Lake. I've recently been involved with Travis Audubon, taking classes and participating in field trips, where I can learn more about birds while connecting with nature. I also enjoy restoring vintage leather bags, crocheting or knitting blankets to donate, and having a good meal and a good laugh with friends.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
I think my favorite sight has to be the sight of the moon - no matter where or what phase it's in - it always fills me with joy, awe, and wonder. My favorite place to be is at the beach, which is even more meaningful if there is a full moon! Watching its reflection shimmer across the ocean never fails to take my breath away. Combined with the sound of the waves and the saltiness of the sea, it's a place that brings me an immediate sense of peace and feels like home.
Meet Jenna Noons
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
Before joining Flatwater, I spent my career in go-to-market, customer, and brand marketing across enterprise technology, consulting, and startups. I began at Oracle, where I learned how to build strategic marketing campaigns. I later joined Peloton Consulting, expanding my experience across brand strategy, customer marketing, and business development. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in strategic storytelling and relationship building, but more importantly, they led me to Flatwater, where I have the privilege of using those skills to help more individuals and families impacted by cancer find the mental health support they deserve.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Storyteller, Connector, Advocate
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
I first learned about Flatwater in 2018 through my fiancé, who paddled Dam That Cancer. I immediately connected with the mission, but it was the community that truly drew me in. There was something so special about the the way people showed up for one another. I became a supporter and over the years, I found more ways to get involved - volunteering, paddling, helping with social media, and supporting the organization however I could. Joining the Flatwater team eventually gave me the opportunity to combine my marketing background with a mission that had become deeply personal to me.
At 27, my life changed overnight when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From that moment we heard the world “cancer” everything became about survival. My role shifted from daughter to caregiver as I tried to balance caregiving and the uncertainty and fear of what was happening to our family.
Losing my mom broke us. She was such a huge part of who I was, and losing her felt like a part of myself was gone. Our family dynamic changed, and we all carried the pain and grief on our own. Shortly after, I lost my dad too, and the weight of losing both of my parents felt almost impossible to process. I had spent so long in survival mode, I didn’t realize how much my own mental health had been affected. I felt like I couldn't quite come up for air, but I never really had the space to grieve or even begin to process everything we had been through. Therapy felt financially out of reach and the process of finding a therapist felt overwhelming.
I was fortunate enough to receive therapy through Flatwater’s program. For the first time, I had a space to talk through everything I had been carrying. Flatwater not only completely removed the financial barrier, but also connected me with a therapist who matched what I needed at the time. Not having to navigate the process alone felt like a weight had been lifted.
That’s why the work we do at Flatwater means so much to me. I’ve experienced firsthand how deeply cancer can affect an entire family and how important it is to have that mental health support. My hope is that more people in our community can discover Flatwater and our program.
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater…
The most fulfilling part of being involved with Flatwater is the people. I've never been part of a community quite like this one! There is so much love, compassion, and genuine dedication to helping others. The moments that stay with me most are hearing directly from people about how Flatwater has helped them through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives. Knowing our program gave someone access to the mental health support they needed and helped them feel a little less alone is a constant reminder of why this work matters and what makes being part of Flatwater so special.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
Now living in San Diego, I love spending time with my family and golden retriever, Koah. We love walking down to the beach and spending as much time outdoors as we can. Being outside is where I feel most grounded and recharged, and I also love cooking and baking, especially for the people I love!
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
My favorite sound is rain, especially during a good thunderstorm rolling over the mountains or ocean. That’s why Hawai’i, where my family is from, will always feel like home (it has the best of both worlds!).
Meet Jessica Lombardi
Experiences prior to joining the Flatwater team…
Before I joined the Flatwater team, I was on a dozen other types of teams. Volleyball teams led me out of Ohio to South Carolina, and then to Texas where I joined the Dogwood team. I worked in the service industry, meeting people from all walks of life, and making real-world connections that would ultimately steer me to teach, coach, and inspire youth volleyballers for the better part of a decade in Austin. As fulfilling and rewarding as teaching and coaching is, I decided to pursue something that provided for more family time. I paddled and fundraised for years while I was a classroom teacher, so joining the Flatwater team in 2025 felt familiar and serendipitous.
Three words I would use to describe my role with Flatwater…
Motivating, Emotional, Grounding
The why behind my work at Flatwater…
One of the most influential people in my life was my grandma, Sue Parr. My only memories of her are when she had cancer, but her legacy was laid far before that. She had an extraordinary life filled with family, love, and community engagement. After raising 5 kids, Sue Parr devoted time to giving back and serving others. Among many undertakings, one venture always stood out to me, and for many reasons: my grandma became chairwoman and then general vice chairwoman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festivities in Canton, Ohio, in the 1970’s. I admire her for being a female force of nature in a male-dominated football world. I admire her for wanting to contribute to the activities and the culture of a national event in our backyard. I admire her for setting a beautiful example of what a woman, a mother, and a community member can be. And she did it all with such class. Not long after I was born, my grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer that quickly spread to her brain. She fought so hard, but even on her good days, the cancer dramatically changed her personality. I wanted so badly to know what she was like before cancer, but I loved every minute beside her regardless. My grandpa was fortunate enough to pay for in-home care, install a chair lift for the stairs (which the grandkids loved to ride), and spend as much time with his wife as possible. Being a man born in the 1930’s with a military background and the financial means to provide care for his wife battling cancer, I doubt many people thought to check in on his mental health. I honestly didn’t think about my grandpa’s situation until I began working with Flatwater and realizing the magnitude of a cancer diagnosis.
Her story, his story, and their shared story have ignited a spark in me. I am motivated and honored to do this work at Flatwater for my grandparents and for all people in our community whose stories have connected them to Flatwater.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
During this season of life, my world revolves around my boys, Fisher (3 years) and Enzo (7 months). I find joy in reading books to them, discovering bugs outside, making up sports, trips to the grocery store to find new produce, playing instruments, and snuggling. One day I’ll get back to playing golf and volleyball, though.
My favorite place/sight/sound in the world…
Jekyll Island, Georgia holds a very special place in my heart and is the backdrop for some of my best memories. As a kid growing up, we would vacation there every summer with all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. Jekyll Island is salt water, shrimp boils, turtle watching, and body surfing. It’s Shirley Temples, bike rides, Spanish moss draped on massive oak trees, sand castles, and grits. It’s belly laughs for a week straight with some of the funniest people I get to call family.
