Board of Directors

Lauri Cunningham founded Chosen to Shine in 2015 after her first mission trip to Honduras. This trip followed the sudden loss of her son, Connor, and it became a life-changing experience. Lauri has led six mission trips, providing opportunities for others to experience the joy of service. She also works as the National Account Manager for Meadowvale Ice Cream and is the mother of five children. Lauri’s hope is firmly in Christ, trusting that through Him all things are possible.

Sharon Clark is a Clinical Project Manger, currently serving as Treasurer for Chosen to Shine (C2S).

Sharon joined the Chosen to Shine board in 2019 while preparting for her first mission trip to Hunduras with a team of 10 people, including her daughter Erika (her 2nd mission trip). They were blessed to serve the poorest community in the city of Tegucigalpa, sharing medicine, eye glasses, dental care, and most importantly, the good news of the Gospel. Sharon has been on 4 mission trips to Honduras with C2S, and is planning to return with the next mission team in January 2025.

Erika Clark, a board-certified music therapist, earned her B.S. from Illinois State University and her Master’s from the University of Kansas. She has been involved with Chosen to Shine since 2015 and has served on multiple mission trips to Honduras. Erika loves bringing joy through music and helping others, both in the U.S. and Honduras. She is passionate about using her talents to positively impact the lives of those around her.

Laura Klein holds a B.S. in Education and an M.S. in Educational Administration. She served as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer during Desert Storm and has dedicated her career to working with children with special needs. Laura joined Chosen to Shine in 2023, thinking it would be a one-time mission trip, but it became a lifelong passion. She remains committed to serving those in need and is eager for future mission trips.

Adrienne Schaefer is a massage therapist and real estate agent with a passion for helping others. After her first mission trip to Honduras, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and faith. Adrienne is honored to serve on the Chosen to Shine board and looks forward to participating in more mission trips. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Meara and Elle, and finds joy in serving her community.

John Cunningham has been on the Chosen to Shine board since its founding in 2015. He works as the Deputy Director of IT and Communications for the City of Edwardsville. John served on his first mission trip in 2020 and is committed to supporting Chosen to Shine’s mission of service. He and his wife, Lauri, have five children, and they are passionate about encouraging others to grow in their faith through service to those in need.

Mary Hagarty has her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She has worked as a nurse in the hospital since 2020, but after giving her life to Jesus in 2024 she gained a new heart and perspective in healthcare. She is joyful to have God use her as his hands and feet to love and care for others in some of their most difficult moments.

She went on her first mission trip with Chosen to Shine in 2024 where God was beginning to cultivate her sovereign heart. This trip was pivotal in her faith, bringing her back home on fire for Christian ministry. Mary’s mission is to love God with all of her heart, soul, and mind, and to share that love with others.