Meet Our New Senior Director of Advancement

Welcoming Michelle Collier

Helping Write the Next Chapter of George Mark Children’s House

The moment you meet Michelle, it’s easy to understand why she’s devoted her career to serving others. She possesses the kind of warmth that instantly puts people at ease, plus a genuine smile, an empathetic spirit, and a quiet gift for making everyone feel seen. It’s no wonder that helping George Mark Children’s House is her new mission.

With 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Michelle excels in guiding purpose-driven organizations. From major gifts and institutional giving to donor involvement and revenue strategy, she has spent nearly two decades finding new and better ways to raise money and to share stories that matter.

Professional background and passionate leadership

Michelle earned a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of San Francisco. Most recently she spent eight years advancing early literacy initiatives, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Now, as the new Senior Director of Advancement at George Mark Children’s House, Michelle brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal perspective. As the mother of a young daughter, she understands firsthand the hopes every parent carries for their child—and that connection makes the mission of George Mark Children’s House especially meaningful. Inspired by George Mark’s firm commitment to providing compassionate pediatric palliative, cancer, end-of-life, and respite care, Michelle is passionate about helping ensure more children and families receive the extraordinary support they deserve.

A sit down with Michelle reveals her caring heart, high energy, and focus on continuing George Mark’s legacy

With thankfulness, optimism, and a collaborative spirit, Michelle is excited to help write the next chapter of George Mark’s legacy and expand its impact for families throughout California and, ultimately, across the nation.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to George Mark Children’s House?

I’ve lived in Northern California for 26 years and have found my career in fundraising. I have 17 years of experience, including 10 years leading teams and raising funds to create positive change. I spent the last 8 years working for two organizations focused on early literacy because I believe reading is a critical skill for navigating the world. I was searching for my next opportunity when George Mark reached out to me for this role.

What drew you to this role and to George Mark’s mission specifically?

I became a parent for the first time 15 months ago, and my daughter Addie has changed my world. I want my daughter to have a full and joyful life. When I learned about George Mark Children’s House and the incredible experiences they create for their patients, along with the profound support they provide to families facing unimaginable hardship, the mission resonated deeply with me. I want to always be there for my daughter in the caring, passionate way that the George Mark staff show up for our patients and families. 

What excites you most about stepping into this position?

I’ve been working in children’s education and literacy for a long time, so this is a new and deeply meaningful role for me. It takes a special kind of person to work at a place like George Mark Children’s House, so the staff is incredible; I’ve never felt such a warm welcome into a new role.

Are there goals or priorities you’re especially eager to pursue in your first year?

We have a lot of money to raise! I’m eager to get to know the team, learn their strengths, and collaborate with them to develop our game plan for the year: what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how can we work together to tell the story of George Mark’s future.

Is there a personal value or experience that shapes how you approach this work?

Presence and gratitude — being present with colleagues, learning and listening, building genuine relationships with our wonderful donors and board members. Sharing the stories of gratitude for the existence of George Mark Children’s House and the families we serve. And then going home at the end of the day and being present with Addie, feeling deep gratitude that she is healthy and growing, and giving her everything she needs to feel supported and loved.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities ahead for George Mark Children’s House?

We are doing some really exciting work. Not only is the organization firmly rooted in this incredible place, the House itself, but the House is a symbol for a critical piece of pediatric care that is currently missing from the medical system in the United States. We have a great opportunity to expand that story and become a national model, and a connector for the continuum of care for children and their families.

What would you like the George Mark Children’s House community and families to know about you?

I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in making this mission happen, and I’m excited to work alongside such an inspiring community of people who are doing something that almost no one else is.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy?

With my daughter, it’s currently going to the park, playing with toys, and learning to walk – this is probably most of my waking hours outside of work at this stage of my life. But generally, I love to exercise, mostly running and hiking. I love to read good books, eat good food, and go out to the amazing restaurants we have here in the Bay Area. I also love baking and sewing.