Our Mission
Sweet Dreams Foundation’s mission is to glorify God by spreading peace, hope and joy to families with medically fragile babies and children. Our purpose is to create a place in the baby/child’s home to be their safe-haven. With our Dream Bedroom and RooBaby Programs our goal is to create an atmosphere that will lift the spirit of the child where they can laugh, play, and let their inner light shine.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Proverbs 3:24 NIV
Our Team
Jennifer Richards
Founder and President
The vision began when I was 11 years old taking care of my grandfather as he was dying from lung cancer. Months of watching him lay in bed sparked an interest to help those who were seriously ill. It was very hard to take care of him and watch him in unbearable pain. My mom took care of the necessities to live and I relieve his pain through countless massages. The night before he passed, he gave me a kiss on the forehead and said God was taking him home. That night he passed. Thank you grandpa for sparking my mission in life.
Cheryl Cavins
Vice President
I am a native northern Californian having grown up in Santa Cruz county. I graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1992, with two degrees in Rhetoric & Communications and Spanish. I recently retired in August of 2023 from a successful 27-year cyber security sales career in the hopes of spending more time with family and helping others. I’m a mother of four children ranging from ages 12-30 years old who adores my two grandchildren, ages 1 & 3. I’ve been a longtime supporter of Sweet Dreams since its inception and am excited to join the board and continue blessing families in need. I’m also passionate about supporting local aged-out foster youth and in my free time, I enjoy being on the lake, wake surfing, yoga and traveling.
Jessica Heckle
Treasurer
As a senior commercial property manager I wear a lot of hats. My favorite hat is my mom hat. As a mother of a disabled child, sweet dreams touches my heart in a special place. In 2017, my son was in a severe car accident. In my darkest hour, it was my village that helped me, prayed with me, and gave me the strength to keep going. This is why I want to be a part of Sweet Dreams. I want to be a part of the village that helps families find hope, happiness, and the strength to keep going.
Stacey Erickson
Secretary
I grew up in the Bay Area, and in 2018 my husband and our four boys moved to El Dorado Hills, after a few amazing years working abroad in Amsterdam. I have spent close to 30 years in the medical device / pharmaceutical field. I am a recent breast cancer survivor, and after going through 18 months of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries I know how tough it can be on the patient and the family. It is hard to imagine watching your child suffering this kind of disease and the intense commitment to treatment that it requires. Faith got me through these hard times, and now I am so blessed to have found Sweet Dreams, a place I can give back and do what I can to bring comfort to children and families in need.
Lance Mishleau
Board Member | Strategic Planner
I grew up in the Bay Area, and in 2018 my husband and our four boys moved to El Dorado Hills, after a few amazing years working abroad in Amsterdam. I have spent close to 30 years in the medical device / pharmaceutical field. I am a recent breast cancer survivor, and after going through 18 months of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries I know how tough it can be on the patient and the family. It is hard to imagine watching your child suffering this kind of disease and the intense commitment to treatment that it requires. Faith got me through these hard times, and now I am so blessed to have found Sweet Dreams, a place I can give back and do what I can to bring comfort to children and families in need.
Alena Salenik
Board Member | Muralist | Artist
Art has always been a big part of my life. Growing up I loved to express myself in my drawings. When I heard of Sweet Dreams Foundation I had to get involved. Seeing the struggle these children go through broke my heart. Learning about each child and what they love I knew that I can express it with mural work in their bedrooms. I Love that my Love for Drawing can bring Joy to All the children that we give a Dream Bedroom to.
Lisa Barrier
Board Member | Events | Fundraising
As a passionate real estate agent with a heart for making a difference, I bring a unique blend of expertise and compassion to Sweet Dreams Foundation. By leveraging my experience as a real estate professional, and philanthropic work over the years, I understand the power of transforming physical spaces into havens of comfort and inspiration. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that every child we support has a dream bedroom that reflects their unique personality, interests, and dreams.
Nicholas Heagy
Board Member
I was born and raised in Northern California. Growing up, I was a challenge for my parents. They poured their hearts into raising me and sacrificed a lot over the years. Their sacrifices enabled me to attend Jesuit High School and focus my time and energy on earning a B.S. in Psychology. During college, I initially aspired to become a doctor, but my passion shifted toward business. This passion drives my desire to make a significant impact and help as many children as possible. My extensive experience in construction allows me to contribute in unique ways that others may not be able to. I am currently involved with my family’s construction company and have recently embarked on a new venture: starting a Christmas tree farm with my family as well, which provides a space for Sweet Dreams Denim & Diamonds Rustic Gala.