Hailey Miller

Hailey’s Wish was founded in honor of Hailey Miller, whose life and spirit continue to inspire the organization’s mission.  Hailey was​ well-known in the community for her contagious smile and determined spirit.  She loved adventure and spending time with her family and friends.  Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Cortical Visual Impairment, Crohn's Disease, and a severe seizure disorder called Lennox-Gastaut Disorder, Hailey experienced many challenges.  However, she approached every day  with a positive outlook that inspired everyone around her.  As Hailey’s Wish continues its work, every decision is guided by the way Hailey lived her life and a commitment to sharing her memory with others.

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Brigitte Miller, Founder and Executive Director

Brigitte Miller founded Hailey’s Wish – A Foundation for Inclusive Play in 2006, and she has served as its Executive Director for 20 years.  Brigitte earned a B.S. in Business Management, a Master of Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor.  Her business and legal expertise strengthen the organization’s financial stability and operational effectiveness.  Most importantly, Brigitte has strong connections within the community and further strengthens those relationships through her volunteer efforts at every Hailey's Wish event.  As Hailey's mother, she has experienced the challenges of navigating an inaccessible world, which inspires her passionate advocacy for the needs of the individuals served by Hailey’s Wish. With Brigitte's leadership, Hailey's Wish has successfully designed and installed two inclusive playgrounds in Carroll County Maryland.  Brigitte has also influenced parks and recreation agencies to improve the inclusivity of community play environments in Carroll County.  Inspired by Hailey's legacy, Brigitte is committed to advancing the initiatives of Hailey’s Wish through innovative fundraising strategies and meaningful community partnerships.

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Darlene Lucio, Board Chairperson and Fundraising Events Coordinator

Darlene Lucio has served as a Hailey's Wish board member since its inception.  Darlene earned a B.S. in Paralegal Studies and has worked as a corporate paralegal in the real estate and healthcare industries for more than 40 years.  As the Board Chair, Darlene has worked hand-in-hand with the Executive Director to develop strategies for successful initiatives.  She facilitates board meeting to actively engage the board in collaborative efforts for successful operations.   During Darlene's countless hours volunteering her time at fundraising events, she is the glue that holds everything together.  Her organizational skills and attention to detail ensure a positive and memorable experience for all event guests.

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Gabrielle Miller, Board Secretary and Inclusive Play and Sensory Specialist

Gabrielle Miller serves as the Board secretary for Hailey's Wish.  She has earned a B.S. in Exercise Science and will be completing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in May 2026.  Gabrielle's education and clinical focus has been in pediatric treatment of individuals with complex physical needs and sensory processing disorders.  She always brings a fun and creative perspective to Hailey's Wish events.  She uses her knowledge and experience to ensure that the inclusive play environments created by Hailey’s Wish meet the needs of children of all abilities.  With Gabrielle’s guidance, Hailey’s Wish is able to create safe outdoor play environments that are physically accessible, promote cooperative play, and include activities for appropriate sensory modulation.

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Matt Miller, Board Member and Special Events Coordinator for Mens' Initiatives

​Matt Miller is a dedicated board member for Hailey's Wish.  As a respected first responder, he has served the community for more than 30 years and he is currently a Lieutenant for the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services.  He volunteers his time at fundraising events, contributing in various roles to ensure successful event execution.  His years of service in the community have cultivated strong relationships that support the mission of Hailey's Wish.  Matt serves as the lead special events coordinator for men’s initiatives, a targeted outreach effort designed to engage and increase participation among men in our community.

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Lester Hess and Beverley Hess, Board Members and Community Relations Coordinators

Lester and Beverley Hess are dedicated board members for Hailey's Wish.  They are well-known, respected members of the community who have operated a successful retail music store and music studio for more than 30 years.  Through their instrumental music rental program, they have served students across Carroll and Baltimore Counties, while leveraging these connections to raise community awareness of the Hailey’s Wish mission.  To demonstrate their passion for inclusive play environments and to engage community involvement, each year they donate a portion of the student instrument rental income to Hailey's Wish.  Lester and Beverley are also actively involved as volunteers at Hailey's Wish events.

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Brendon Miller, Board Member and Special Events Coordinator for Mens' Initiatives

​Brendon Miller is a dedicated board member for Hailey's Wish.  As a young respected first responder, he works as a Firefighter/EMT for Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services and also volunteers his time with his local fire department.  Brendon volunteers his time at fundraising events, contributing in various roles to ensure successful event execution.  He serves as a special events coordinator for men’s initiatives, a targeted outreach effort designed to engage and increase participation among men in our community.  Brendon contributes a contemporary perspective that resonates with younger members of the community.

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Hannah Sichelstiel, Legacy Fundraising Coordinator

Hannah Sichelstiel serves as the Legacy Fundraising Coordinator for Hailey's Wish.  Hannah volunteers her time supporting Hailey’s Wish with a quiet, genuine kindness, inspiring others through the story of her unique friendship with Hailey and honoring Hailey's memory following her passing in 2025.  Similar to Hailey, Hannah is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and a severe seizure disorder called Dravet Syndrome.  Despite these challenges, Hannah leverages her strengths and creativity to design and sell beautiful decorative plant stakes.  With the support and generosity of her family, Hannah has developed and executed a decorative plant stake product that honors Hailey's legacy and generates sustainable proceeds for the inclusive play environments constructed by Hailey's Wish.

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