Meet Our Team

Author and counselor, Karen Tripp MS LMFT, is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions. Other roles have included author of Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer, daughter of a colon cancer survivor, and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her father was a 23 year colon cancer survivor and her step-mother died of breast cancer. Karen believes in praying boldly, laughing loudly and facing each learning curve one baby step at a time.

In addition, Karen is blessed with an adorable husband, Kelly, and a dynamic son, Garrett, a precious daughter-in-law, Cecilia, and a vivacious daughter, Heidi. Skylar, her granddaughter, is joy beyond compare. Karen enjoys leading Bible studies, playing in creeks, and making sugar cookies with kids of all ages.

To contact Karen, email her at karen@cancercompanions.org or call 314-814-0044.

Karen Tripp, Executive Director

Julie Stanglein, Volunteer Support Coordinator

Email
julie@cancercompanions.org

Julie feels God's plan at work throughout her life, especially through moves to eight states, thirteen schools and her dream job as an oncology social worker. Though she has not felt cancer's impact directly, her professional experience made her a natural fit for a Cancer Companions team at her church, and now as Cancer Companions staff.

Julie knows the importance of a strong support network in any health challenge, and looks forward to helping Cancer Companions volunteers use faith and prayer to provide Christian cancer support in their communities.

Carlos Carbajal, Ministry Director of Marketing and Development

Email
carlos@cancercompanions.org

Carlos stands as a beacon of compassion and impact in the realms of Non-Profit and Ministry Leadership. With a journey rooted in engineering, communications, spiritual direction, and biblical education, Carlos has cultivated a dynamic and results-oriented career, highlighted by his broad expertise in event coordination, donor relations, and volunteer management across various organizations. His proven track record in enhancing leadership growth, donor engagement, and volunteer recruitment showcases his adeptness in strategic communication, team leadership, and church engagement.

Educationally, Carlos's foundation is as diverse as it is profound. Currently pursuing a combined Master’s in Religious Studies and Ph.D. in Anthropology at Florida International University, he also holds a Master’s in Mass Communications from the same institution. His academic journey began in Honduras at the Catholic University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and a Professional Certificate in Quality Control and Project Management.

Carlos's professional narrative is distinguished by significant roles that encompass managing special events and communications, as well as spiritual and emotional support plans. His skills in writing, interpersonal communication, organization, and media operations, combined with a deep understanding of social media, data analysis, and story development, make him a distinguished figure in his field.

Carlos joined Cancer Companions out of a profound passion for serving, ministering, and bringing divine hope to all. The mission of this organization resonates deeply within his heart, especially since he has witnessed friends and family members grappling with cancer, often feeling hopeless. Driven by his faith and a heartfelt desire to embody Christ's love, Carlos is committed to shining a light of hope and comfort in their lives, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

Cecilia Tripp, Communications Coordinator

Email
cecilia@cancercompanions.org

Cecilia was born and raised in St. Louis, MO where she grew up with her 7 siblings. Growing up in a big family taught her everything she knows about hard work, not shying away from competition, and the importance of being a kind person. Now that she lives in Los Angeles these are the traits that she carries with her in everything she does.

Cecilia joined the Cancer Companions team in 2018 and has fallen in love with their mission more each year that she’s been involved. Being a part of this team brings joy and faith to her work everyday.

With faith being such an integral part of who she is, she cannot wait to help spread God’s message of love and hope to all those on a cancer journey.

Sarah Cormier Slack, Grant Writer

Email
sarah@cancercompanions.org

Sarah was born, raised, and currently lives in the Chicago suburbs. She was first introduced to Cancer Companions when she was in college at Truman State University studying business management. After speaking with Karen for no more than 2 minutes she knew this was an organization she wanted to be a part of. At the time her father was going through his own cancer journey and she knew firsthand the power and peace that comes from a strong prayer community to walk with through the fight against cancer. She spent several years during college and graduate school working as an intern for Cancer Companions.

Eventually Sarah went on to be a teacher but left the classroom in 2021 to stay at home and raise her young family. She has always had a passion for nonprofits and is thrilled to be back working with Cancer Companions as a grant writer. With her love of raising money, she is excited to be able to work to further support Cancer Companion’s mission of bringing Christ to people amidst the challenges of cancer.