Our Team

Welcome to the heart of The Birthday Box Foundation, where our team, a family of caring parents and imaginative birthday creators, unite with one heartfelt mission: to spread joy and create magical birthday moments for children who face challenges. Each member of our non-profit board brings a touch of warmth and love, inspired by their own journeys as parents and their passion for crafting unforgettable celebrations.

Emily Buss Founder

Meet Emily, a beacon of kindness and creativity in the community. As a devoted wife and a loving mother of 3, Emily's journey is one of compassion and determination. Her heart, always attuned to the needs of others, led her to establish the Birthday Box Foundation. Balancing her role as a parent with the demands of leading a non-profit, Emily has become a symbol of resilience and empathy. Her foundation reflects her deep belief that every child deserves to celebrate their special day, regardless of their circumstances. Emily's vision for the Birthday Box Foundation is a world where every child feels acknowledged and loved on their birthday. With her innovative spirit and unwavering dedication, Emily not only brings joy to countless children but also inspires those around her to share in the gift of giving.

Emily also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy/Counseling, enriching her approach to community service and understanding of family dynamics. Her dedication to well-being extends to her current position as a board member at The Wellness Farm Foundation, where she advocates for mental health and holistic wellness across communities.

Christina Housenick Marketing

Christina, a mom first and a marketing maven second, brings a deeply personal touch to her role at the Birthday Box Foundation. Everything she crafts is infused with the love and care she shows her own children, making her work not just effective, but heartfelt. Christina's approach goes beyond typical marketing strategies; she connects with each story, understanding the profound joy a celebrated birthday can bring to a child. Her own experiences as a mother fuel her passion to spread the message of the foundation, making every effort to ensure no child misses the magic of their special day.

Christina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and is currently a Marketing Executive in the digital entertainment space. She has spent several years as a hobby baker and cakemaker, often gifting these cakes to children at no cost. Her heart is truly the guiding force behind her success and the success of the foundation.

Joel Buss Finance

As the Finance Lead at the Birthday Box Foundation, Joel Buss ensures that every donation and financial resource is utilized effectively to maximize the impact on the lives of children celebrating their birthdays. With over fifteen years of experience in financial management and accounting in the nonprofit sector, Joel’s expertise is vital in steering the foundation’s financial strategies and operations.

Joel is a Sr. Legal Operations Analyst & Investor Consultant with a previous background in process improvement and efficiency. At the Birthday Box Foundation, Joel’s meticulous approach to budgeting and financial planning ensures that funds are not only spent wisely but are also aligned with the organization’s goals of expanding reach and deepening impact. His dedication to financial integrity supports the foundation's commitment to transparency, allowing donors to see the tangible effects of their contributions.

Nate Call Compliance

Nate brings nearly 15 years of extensive expertise in consumer packaged goods and regulatory compliance to our team at the Birthday Box Foundation. As the founder and leader of a quality and regulatory compliance consulting firm, Nate expertly navigates complex regulations and risk management, ensuring the highest standards are met in every facet of operation.

Outside of professional pursuits, Nate is a dedicated parent to four wonderful children, ranging in age from a newborn to nine years old. This personal role deeply influences his commitment to our mission, fostering environments where all children, regardless of background, can joyfully celebrate their milestones.

A passionate advocate for inclusivity and joy, Nate and his family also enjoy swimming, off-roading, and traveling. These activities not only strengthen familial bonds but also echo Nate's belief in the importance of accessible recreation and celebration for every child.

At the Birthday Box Foundation, Nate leverages both his professional acumen and personal experiences to ensure that every child has an opportunity to celebrate their special day with joy and excitement. Nate's leadership not only enhances our compliance and strategic operations but also inspires a broader impact, aiming for a world where joy is within every child's reach.

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