About The Big O Foundation

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, 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 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.

Amy Bartachek grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA and is a graduate of Coe College. She received her Masters in Student Development for Post Secondary Eduation from the University of Iowa. She is the Career Services Manager for the Tippie College of Business Graduate Management Program (MBA) and an instructor in the Leadership Studies Program.

Amy and her husband Phil have three children; Ethan, Lucas and Katie. Amy is inspired to give back to others and is involved in a variety of community and faith based groups and organizations.

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 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 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 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.

Tim Schmierer was born and raised in Lodi, California He attended the University of the Pacific (UOP) and received his Masters of Physical Therapy from UOP in 1998. He moved with his wife Kelly to Iowa in 2000. Tim and Kelly have four children; Addie, Ryan, Evan and Drew.

Tim currently works as a PT for Progressive Rehab Associates and he’s also the Liberty High School sophomore baseball coach. He had the distinct pleasure of being able to coach both Skelley boys, with Big O roaming right field for him in 2021.