About The Big O Foundation
Our Foundation
The Big O Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization.
Individuals may take a tax deduction on a charitable gift to a 501(c)(3) organization that is organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
Our Mission
The mission of The Big O Foundation is to serve and support children, teenagers and their families that are facing mental health challenges. We share Owen’s story to spread mental health education, draw our community together, and support the welfare of local youth. Our resources are used to keep Owen’s light shining by giving back to the community and spread awareness about mental illness and suicide.
Our Board
The Big O Foundation is managed by volunteer board members and no donated funds will be retained by individual board members. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.
The following people graciously serve on the Board of Directors for The Big O Foundation.
Jennifer Skelley
Co-Founder
Jennifer Skelley, mother of Owen and co-founder of The Big O Foundation. She grew up in Ankeny, IA and graduated from the University of Iowa with a BSN degree in Nursing. Jennifer is currently a Breast Nurse Navigator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Cinics.
She has the privilege of raising 3 children; Boyd, Owen and Stella. Jennifer is married to Joe and they reside in North Liberty, IA.
Joe Skelley
Co-Founder
Joe Skelley, father of Owen and co-founder of The Big O Foundation. He was born and raised in Burlington, Iowa. Joe is married to Jennifer and is a devoted dad to Boyd, Owen and Stella.
Joe is an Entrepreneur and property owner and likes to take on a variety of projects at one time. He loves to be on the water boating, and he enjoys fishing in his free time.
Kelly Augustine
Board Member
Kelly Augustine graduated from Center Point – Urbana and then earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. Currently, she serves as the Director of Operations for Employee Benefit Systems (EBS), a third-party benefits administrator.
Kelly is an 18-year resident of Burlington, IA and is married to Aaron. They have 2 children; Nick and Hadley. Aaron and Kelly support local charities and groups that promote the religious, health and social well-being of their community. Kelly’s hobbies include outdoor activities, working out, traveling and reading.
Ashley Guerrero
Board Member
I was born and raised in Coralville and now live in North Liberty with my husband, Saul, our four kids — Jonah, Ezra, Micah, and Everly — and our two dogs, Oreo and Maple. I began my nursing career after earning my associate degree in nursing from Kirkwood Community College and later completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing through American Sentinel University.
For the past 15 years, I’ve worked as an outpatient pediatric nurse and currently serve as the Clinical Coordinator for both Adolescent Medicine and Pediatric Palliative Care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. In my free time I enjoy listening to audio books and traveling. I’m deeply passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, as I see every day how profoundly it affects the youth in our community.
Heather Eastman
Board Member
Heather Eastman and her husband, Chris, live in North Liberty with their two children. She is a Nursing Practice Leader for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital where she enjoys working with kids and their families, as well as staff development.
Heather has a passion for serving others though mental health advocacy. When not at work, she enjoys time with the family, supporting their kid’s activities, and crafting.
Katie Eldridge
Board Member
Katie Eldridge is currently a Building Substitute at Liberty High School in North Liberty, Iowa. She’s married to a retired Marine and mother of 3 girls. Katie has a background in Special Events & Teaching.
She was born and raised in sunny California. A fun fact about Katie – she’s a certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher.
Peter Gardner
Board Member
Peter Gardner is a graduate of Luther College and he received his JD from the University of Iowa College of Law. He’s currently an attorney at Meardon, Sueppel & Downer in Iowa City.
Peter is married to Jessica Gardner with whom he has two children: Mason and Lucy. The Gardner family had the pleasure of living next door to the Skelleys from 2014-2018.
Uby Martinez
Board Member
Uby Martinez and his wife, Carrie, live in North Liberty with their three daughters, Ellie, Maisie, and Gabbie. Uby is an elementary teacher in North Liberty and a baseball coach at Liberty High School. He has been teaching for 24 years and coaching for 26 which fosters his passion for helping youth succeed on and off the field. Uby had the privilege of coaching Owen in baseball and football.
Being part of The Big O Foundation is a way that Uby can keep Owen’s mission of helping others succeed to continue on.
Addie Schmierer
Board Member
Addie Schmierer is a 2025 graduate of Drake University where she earned her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While at Drake, Addie was a member of the volleyball team and also started the You Matter Project at Drake.
She grew up in North Liberty, Iowa, and is the daughter of Tim and Kelly Schmierer. Addie has three brothers- Ryan, Evan, and Drew. Addie is passionate about mental health awareness and is excited to continue this work through The Big O Foundation:))